work to recreate the charm and feel through the subtle use of patterns and connections to the unique history that exists.” For the Omni King Edward, she says she and her team of eight talented de- signers created a more interesting space through the blending of old and new; a luxurious old world feel without the stuffiness of the original era. “The hotel’s double height atrium space with faux stone columns remain and the or- nate plaster work has been restored and returned to its original locations so those historic elements are still there but with a fresh feel.” Rob Aitken, Shurway Contracting project manager, says the historic as- pect created some of the unique chal- lenges the construction team faced. “In any construction project when you’re opening up existing walls, sometimes you don’t find what you expect to. When those buildings were constructed in 1903 and 1921, the chance for that rises significantly.” He says his team leaned heavily on ERA Architects for case by case advice as new situations were uncovered. Another challenge, he says, was bringing the property up to code. That included fire and life safety and required the installation of heat sensors and sprinkler systems which had been lack- ing. This code upgrade is a modernization that will be largely invisible to guests. Steve Peckham, sales manager with Classic Fire Protection Inc., says his company acted as lead technical con- sultant and chief estimator for the fire protection scope of the project. He says this is largest hotel project of this nature his company has been in- volved with, however the team was suc- cessfully able to manage the challenges involved with working in an existing fully operational hotel, that of optimizing the Congratulations to the whole team working on the Omni King Edward Hotel! 8888 Keele st., unit 21, concord, ontario L4K 2n2 email: Frankdodaro@hotmailcom tel: 416-433-7359 Fax: 905-850-2320 42 – May-June 2016 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report relatively large manpower crew required on site, as well as meeting deadlines. “Actually the size of a project like this with multiple floors has advantages due to the repetition involved. What may be identified as a challenge on the first floor you work on, by the time you move to another level, has become resolved and routine.” Peckham says, since Classic Fire strives to service what it installs, he hopes to have the opportunity to con- tinue to be involved with this historic property. Endicott Flooring supplied and in- stalled tile for the suites, washrooms and public areas. President Frank Do- daro says his company has completed other hotel projects with Shurway Con- tracting over the years so is experienced in the challenges this type of project in- volves. “The biggest challenge is co-or- dinating timing with all of the different trades who must each stick to tight schedules so the group behind them can do the same.” The key, he says, is constant commu- nication in an effort to avoid one delay, which can then back up the rest of the team. He says co-ordination of material de- livery also had to be tightly monitored because with only one loading dock, a busy downtown location and an opera- tional hotel, finding ways to get the ma- terials to site and inside was difficult. In the end though, everything did go according to plan and Dodaro says the result is a beautiful mix of old world charm and up to date conveniences through subtle elements like fixtures and technology. Moncour says it is important to rec- ognize the beauty and success of this project are the result of the work of all