Hyatt Arlington

  • Client
    RP/HH Rosslyn Hotel Investors; TAG Consultants
  • Location
    Arlington, VA
  • Size
    162,000-SF
outside of hotel buidling

Project Brief

As the region’s leader in occupied renovations, our team was specifically approached to tackle the complete façade restoration of the Hyatt Arlington. Originally built in the 1970s, the exterior of this 12-story structure was in deteriorating condition and required extensive recladding to reposition itself as a modern hotel.

Our team has a great, longstanding relationship with the architect on this project. Not only do they know us from the projects we’ve built together, they’ve also watched us perform major downtown renovations firsthand — such as 2121 and 2175 K Street; which are directly across from their DC office. The architect recommended us for the work at Hyatt Arlington — and we delivered.

facade under construction
front view of Hyatt entrance

Three's Not A Crowd

Our work on the Hyatt Arlington’s exterior was multifaceted. In addition to recladding the façade with new metal panels, renovation included the removal of the existing window system and installation of the new curtainwall, entry, and restaurant storefront systems, as well as new stone cladding and ornamental metal finishes at the existing streetscape. All of this work was conducted during a tight, 10-month timeframe — while the hotel remained open and occupied.

Adding to the complexity, there were two other general contractors gutting and renovating the interior of the hotel in tandem with our work on the exterior. It was critical that we were flexible with each other’s process and phasing plans. This proved to be particularly challenging, as exterior work lends itself to a vertical sequence and interior construction is more efficient in a horizontal sequence. But through ongoing communication and constant collaboration, we worked together seamlessly and found the most efficient way to turn over the space — meeting the needs of our client while minimizing disturbance to the guests.

How’d we do it? Our DAVIS exterior team, and the two interior GC teams, worked on the same part of the hotel at the same time. We worked on the exterior façade of each level, while the interior teams gutted the rooms and hallways in a series of quadrants, in accordance with our schedule. Our strategy reduced any inconvenience to guests, as we conducted our work during the day — when most hotel guests were not occupying their rooms.

Four-Star Success Despite Unexpected Conditions

The full extent of the façade deterioration was something we could not have foreseen prior to starting the job, so it was a surprise when we discovered the depth of its rust and damage during our initial work. By taking a flexible, yet decisive approach, we met the project deadline despite the additional support work required.

In the end, our team — along with the other general contractors on-site — modernized the Hyatt Arlington both inside and out. This much-needed facelift solidified the property’s status as a four-star hotel for tourists and business travelers in the DC area.

Project photos by Dan Poyourow Photography; progress photo by DAVIS