GB Projects

15/12/2021

Palacio Provincial featured in Architectural Digest!

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/san-juan-architecture-tour

The first structures in the New World are right smack dab in the capital of this American territory

03/02/2021

The St. Regis Hotel is a five-star resort hotel associated with the Bahia Beach Resort in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. The site is part of the 500-acre Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club. The hotel consists of 139 keys in twelve guestroom buildings, a two-story main building housing reception, a lounge and signature dining restaurant, a large pool and pool grill, and a 30,000 s.f. conference center.

Project: Hurricane Recovery

Value: $27 Million

GBPM Services: Assessment of damage caused by Hurricane Maria, assistance in settlement of insurance claim, Project Management, Procurement, FF&E Procurement, Site Management

Description:

Every part of the facility was damaged by Hurricane Maria. After damage assessment and settlement of the insurance claim, the hotel embarked on a major recovery and remodeling effort. The guestrooms were redecorated, and all carpet was replaced with marble. The leaky and inefficient stacked sliding doors were replaced with fixed paned and sealing pivot doors, providing a dramatic “picture window” view of the landscaped foreground and the ocean beyond. The furniture was upgraded with a combination of new and refurbished pieces. The reception and lounge were completely remodeled. Part of the upstairs balcony was enclosed, resulting in about 1,200 s.f. of additional space for the restaurant, which was converted from a three-meal to signature fine dining. The pool grill was enclosed, conditioned, and renovated to become the facility’s three-meal restaurant. The hotel reopened in December 2018.

03/02/2021

The original Pierre Hotel in Condado was converted to a Hilton Doubletree Hotel. The hotel consists of 155 guestrooms in two towers, the Café Pierre Restaurant, a lobby, meeting spaces, and a pool deck.

Project: Mechanical Upgrade

Type: Energy Project

Value: $1.1 Million

GBPM Services: Project Management, Procurement

Description:

The existing chiller plant was failing. GBPM was contracted to perform an R.O.I study on chiller selection and make a recommendation for purchase based on capital and energy costs. Afterward, GBPM was engaged to manage the implementation as well. The project included a new mechanical plant, piping, and cooling tower. Per GBPM’s recommendation, the mechanical plant was relocated from within the back-of-the-house area to a new mechanical building, which provided the hotel with much-needed storage space. Landscaping was employed to hide the piping. The project was completed in April of 2011 and continues to meet its energy goals.

Project: Laundry Addition

Type: Renovation

Value: $720,000

GBPM Services: Project Management

Description:

Renovation of the existing lobby to improve the seating and work area, renovation of the existing bar and restaurant, and renovation of the arrival experience.

Project: Meeting Room Hurricane Recovery

Value: $440,000

GBPM Services: Project Management

Description:

Repair and recovery of the Hotel’s administrative offices and meeting spaces due to damage caused by flooding from Hurricane Maria.

03/02/2021

The current property was originally the Dutch Inn and Suites, which was a combination of the Dutch Inn (south tower) and the then residential north tower. In the 1980’s it became the Diamond Palace Hotel and Casino. The property consists of two towers. The twelve-story south tower housed 88 guestrooms and an abandoned restaurant on the top floor. The eighteen-story north tower has 30 standard rooms and 33 suites. The top floor was an abandoned meeting space.

Project: Redevelopment of Existing Building

Type: Remodeling of Existing Structure

Size: 151 Guestrooms including two Public areas and Pool

Value: $9 Million

GBPM Services: Project Management, Procurement and FF&E Procurement

Description:

The original Condado Palm project involved converting the abandoned Diamond Palace and re-opening it under a new flag. The project included a complete overhaul of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure, new back-of-the-house, conversion of the original casino into a modern lobby, meeting space, and an expansion of the pool area. The project required rehabilitation of all vertical lifts and updated fire protection systems. The guestroom remodeling included new finishes and furniture. The project opened in 2013.

Project: South Tower Guestroom Bathroom Renovation

Type: Live Remodel of 88 Guestrooms

Value: $1.5 Million

GBPM Services: Project Management, Procurement

Description:

The project included floor by floor remodeling of the South Tower bathrooms and closets. The remodel included a new bathroom layout, tile flooring up to the foyer, barn doors, new plumbing fixtures, and conversion of bathtubs to showers. Closets were constructed locally and installed. The project was completed with guests present. The project started August of 2016 and was delivered in December of 2016.

Project: Miscellaneous Public Areas Improvement

Type: Remodeling

Size: South Tower Meeting Rooms, Chiller Upgrade, Front Desk & Entrance to Concession

Value: $700,000

GBPM Services: Project Management

Description:

Several capital projects were done to upgrade the facilities and guest experience. The projects included an upgrade of the North Tower chiller, remodeling of the front desk, and conversion of a rooftop restaurant into two meeting spaces.

Project: Tower Renovation & Suite Conversion

Type: Live Remodel of Guestrooms

Size: 96 Guestrooms

Value: $6 Million

GBPM Services: Project Management, Procurement

Description:

The project involved remodeling existing guestrooms from floors two to six and converting remainder of suites into standard guestrooms. The project required the conversion of existing balconies to French balconies to increase the usable space in the rooms. The remodel included a new bathroom layout, tile flooring up to the foyer, barn doors, new plumbing fixtures and conversion of bathtubs into showers. In addition, the project includes all new plumbing, fire protection, electrical, data and mechanical infrastructure as well as refinishing the hallway. Existing furniture was reused until such time as the new FF&E and closets arrived. The project involves a third phase to convert the top floor into three additional suites in 2021. The project began in July of 2020 and is scheduled to be complete in June of 2021.

03/02/2021

Grand opening of Palacio Provincial!
We are very proud of our team and grateful for the opportunity to provide our services.

El grupo de dueños hizo una inversión de $12 millones en la renovación del histórico edificio, que cuenta con 43 habitaciones y genera 50 empleos directos

03/02/2021

The exterior courtyard and ground floor below the pool cabanas were abandoned for all intents and purposes. The proposal of a restaurant in the area was met with resistance as it had limited ceiling height and was underneath existing guestrooms and over an existing cistern. GBPM and the design consultants developed a plan to restrict the ductwork throughout the interior space and employed air curtains as a barrier to the open terrace and the interior. Also, we worked with sound consultants to limit the transmission to the rooms above. The project features a large covered patio and bar that services both spaces. The restaurant opened in 2015.

Project: Serafina Restaurant at the La Co**ha Resort

Type: New construction in the existing Facility

Size: 1600 square foot custom kitchen, 3000 square foot interior dining and bar, 3000 square foot exterior patio.

Value: $3 Million

GBPM Services: Project Management, Procurement

03/02/2021

The La Co**ha Hotel opened in 1958 and is considered one of the foremost examples of Caribbean Modernism. Designed by the architectural firm Torres and Ferrer, the resort incorporated tropical climate features such as cross-ventilation, natural illumination, open lobbies and seamless transitions between inside and outside spaces, with details relevant to Island traditions: an interior patio, blinds, a mirador encompassing both the sea and the city and the use of water throughout. The protective diamond pattern concrete element in the façade is an architectural element used by famed architect Le Corbusier.

The facility gets its name from the signature seashell-shaped floating restaurant designed by internationally renowned architect Mario Salvatori. It has been hailed as a marvel of engineering and is considered an architectural treasure. The facility initially accommodated about 245 rooms, a pool deck, a large lobby, and a ballroom. The facility went through several owners and renovations and was eventually combined with the Vanderbilt Hotel to become the Condado Trio. It eventually fell into government hands and was closed in 1995.

Project: Renovation and Addition - The Rebirth of an Iconic Caribbean Resort

Type: Restoration of Original Building / Construction of Adjacent Tower

Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Value: $220 Million

GBPM Services: Members of the GB Project Management team were involved through different organizations

Hotel: Len Cobb - Structural Engineer and Coordinating Professional.

Tower: Len Cobb - Coordinating Professional, Project Director, and Owners Representative. Kate Horkman – Project Accountant and Administrator. Jay Cobb – Project Inspector.

Description:
In 2002 the same team for the Vanderbilt, led by Hugh Andrews, undertook to bring this iconic property back to life in the spirit of its original design concept. The project was executed in two phases, the historical hotel and new towers. Construction on the original hotel commenced in 2004. It consisted of a completely remodeled lobby, two new infinity pools, new pool decks, beach access and cabanas, two food and beverage outlets, a six thousand square foot ballroom, and 194 guestrooms. The hotel opened in 2007. Construction of the suite tower and parking commenced in 2006 adjacent to the existing hotel. This facility features six floors of on-site parking, 235 high-end suites, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a central atrium with a large tension structure covering an open function deck, additional function space, and a casino. The tower opened in 2010.

Project: Historic Hotel Guestroom Remodeling

Type: Live Remodel of 247 rooms

Value: $13 Million

GBPM Services: Project Management, Procurement

Description:
The Ocean Tower (Original La Co**ha Hotel) needed an update from its original 2007 design. Operations contracted Interior Designer Jorge Rossello to revitalize the guestroom product. The bathrooms received a complete upgrade, including new tiling and floor to ceiling tile. Guestrooms got new entrance doors, exterior windows, and all new furniture. Ten rooms were converted from typical guestrooms into suites. All work had to be done while guests were present. Work began in November 2018 and was completed by August 2019.

03/02/2021

The Crowne Plaza in Isla Verde was heavily damaged by Hurricane George in 1998 and remained abandoned until it was re-opened as a Courtyard Marriott Isla Verde Resort in 2002. The facility has 260 guestrooms, meeting spaces, a lobby bar and restaurant, and a large pool and deck featuring a swim-up bar. It is located on the ocean with a wide, white sand beach.

PROJECT: Full facility remodeling

Type: Live Remodel

Location: Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Size: 260 Guestrooms, Restaurant & Bar, Lobby, Pool Deck, Porte Cochere & Front entrance Landscape

Value: $10 Million

GBPM Services: Project Management, Procurement

Description:
The property was due for an update in 2013, and GBPM did the predevelopment, value engineering, and construction. The project commenced with a pool deck and swim-up bar renovation, continued with a floor-by-floor guestroom rehabilitation, and concluded with the public areas. Guestroom work included a complete renovation of the bathrooms, new interior finishes, and FF&E. All of the work was performed while guests were present. The lobby, restrooms, and food and beverage outlets were split into five different zones, and GBPM executed the rehabilitation without interruption of guest services. The project also contemplated an update of the porte-cochere and a complete overhaul of the arrival experience and landscaping. The date of delivery was January of 2015.

PROJECT: Hurricane María recovery

Type: Live Reconstruction

Size: 260 Guestrooms and Public Areas

Value: $9.75 Million

GBPM Services: Project Management

Description:
Hurricane Maria swept through Puerto Rico in September 2017 and caused significant damage to the Courtyard Marriott. The steel frame, roof, and EIFS structure suffered substantial damage, including water intrusion and damage to the façade. GBPM immediately went to work with the assessment and mitigation of water damage. The property continued to operate during the recovery and remained fully occupied with relief workers. We worked with the owners to negotiate the insurance settlement. We managed the initial recovery and reconstruction, which included FM-222 roofing, EIFS façade, and a floor by floor demolition and rebuilding of the guestrooms and public areas. Guests were present during the entire process, which was completed in November 2018.

PROJECT: Las Brisas rooftop venue

Type: New Construction over the existing structure

Size: 2600 Square Foot Venue space and an access pathway and new Stair and Panoramic Elevator

Value: $1.6 Million

GBPM Services: Project Management, Procurement

Description:

The Las Brisas Venue consists of a new steel structure over the existing lobby structure that supports the venue space and access pathway from the 2nd-floor elevator lobby. The venue features composite decking, an operable aluminum trellis that can be closed to serve as a roof, and raised planters. The project includes a new concrete stair and elevator tower to provide access from the pool deck and decorative painting of the existing roofing. To meet the project budget requirements, GBPM served as construction manager, managed purchasing as well as multiple trade contractors. During construction, the project suffered significant damage from Hurricane Maria, requiring a complete redesign and reconstruction of the trellis. The project was completed in June 2018.

PROJECT: New parking entrance and lobby remodeling

Type: Remodeling

Value: $300,000

GBPM Services: Project Management, Procurement

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Description:

The Courtyard Marriot decided to enhance the guest’s arrival experience by reconfiguring the secondary entrance from the parking deck. The project included new lighting, updated finishes, new fenestration, and a relocation of the parking access control and new layout. Also, the project included a new aluminum trellis and lighting for the Lobby to match new public areas FF&E. GBPM devised a logistics plan to maintain access from the parking deck throughout the project, which was completed in June of 2017.

03/02/2021

A FIVE-STAR RESORT

The STK Restaurant was created out of existing parking and ground floor guestrooms in the Vanderbilt Hotel. The project includes a new lightweight structure and curtain wall to create the dining areas, a modern kitchen, a bar, and a back-of-the-house area. GBPM managed several design concepts and iterations of value engineering. To meet the project’s budget requirements, GBPM served as the construction manager, managing purchasing and multiple trade contractors. The critical element was a sound barrier system as the restaurant operates as a combination of a steakhouse and a night club with guestrooms located above parts of the restaurant. The STK San Juan was completed and opened in September of 2019.

02/02/2021

A FIVE-STAR RESORT

The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is a historic luxury hotel built in 1919 and located in the Condado District of San Juan. The original hotel was designed by the architectural firm Warren and Wetmore, who also designed New York's Grand Central Terminal. The designers created a Beaux Arts-style structure with white walls, red tiles, French windows, lofty ceilings, marble finishes, and an iconic double spiral staircase. Its construction by the Vanderbilt family marked the beginning of high-end tourism in Puerto Rico.



Several ownership groups took charge of the property and made additions to both the east and west sides. Eventually, it joined the nearby La Co**ha Hotel and the convention center in what was known as the Condado Trio. It fell into government hands and closed its doors in 1997. In 2002, hotelier and developer Hugh Andrews selected a team to bring the old hotel back to its original glory and provide additional guestrooms and public spaces, resulting in a five-star property.

02/02/2021

We are a project management company based in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Services

Due Diligence and Specialty Consulting
Comprehensive evaluation of all critical elements of a proposed project including site feasibility, permitting, project team, logistics, budget and scheduling.

Project Monitoring and Advisory
Regular project monitoring and site observations to provide an early assessment of cost, quality and schedule risks.

Owners Representative/Project Management
Point of contact between the Owner and the Project Team. The scope of services can be tailored to suit the project size and complexity and the capabilities of the Owner’s organization.

Services under project management:
Predevelopment Phase

Review of potential project sites and acquisition

Assemble the project team and initial program

Verify schematic design

Prepare schematic schedule and budget

Establish procurement/contracting strategy



Design Phase

Development of baseline project budget and schedule

Management of the design process

Interdisciplinary coordination reviews

Value Engineering

Production Schedule

Review and commentary on transactional documents

Manage the permitting process

Bid/negotiate construction contracts/subcontracts

Procurement quantity survey and pricing



Construction Phase

Manage design, engineering and contractor performance for quality assurance and adherence to contractual obligations

Manage the procurement process for Owner Supplied Materials

Manage schedule

Manage all invoicing and contractor certifications

Review change order proposals

Conduct regular project meetings and document the proceedings

Verify required inspections are performed and records maintained

Manage project budget and cost accounting

Prepare and submit bank draws

Prepare regular budget status reports

Manage RFI and Submittal process

Facilitate timely processing and responses

Resolve design or field condition issues or disputes in a practical and constructive manner

Develop and monitor Certificates of Substantial Completion and attendant punch lists

Coordinate delivery and installation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment



Project Close-out

Prepare a 'turnover package' with the contractor(s) including warranty information, as-built drawings, equipment manuals, and service contracts

Verify Punchlist items and Final Completion

Verify commissioning of equipment

Manage requisite permits/utility endorsements

Assist in Owner takeover of the project

Coordinate move-in procedures with building management and client

Finalize close-out of all project contracts