Case Study: Quartz Refurbishement at Voco Chicago Downtown Riverwalk Hotel by IHG
Client: Confidential (through a U.S.-based furniture importer)
Location: Voco Chicago Downtown Riverwalk Hotel - Chicago, IL
Industry: Hospitality
Timeline: 8-week renovation cycle
Overview
Colt Architectural Finishes partnered with a U.S. furniture importer to upgrade furniture surfaces across 250 guest rooms and shared spaces at Voco Chicago Downtown Riverwalk Hotel. As part of the hotel’s 8-year renovation cycle, Colt supplied custom-fabricated quartz tops for vanities and integrated luggage counters.
The project began as a straightforward specification, until a critical design oversight was discovered. The vanities were intended to be handed for both left- and right-side wall installations, but the drawings were not approved with this requirement, and it was not communicated during design or production phases.
The Challenges
- Miscommunication on Vanity Orientation: Half of the rooms required left-handed vanities, but all units were fabricated right-handed.
- Tight Timelines: The renovation schedule allowed no room for re-fabrication or shipping delays.
- On-Site Resolution Required: The issue could only be solved through in-field adaptation.
Our Solution
Colt Architectural Finishes dispatched expert technicians to the job site. Using mobile tooling, they re-polished and finished the necessary vanity edges to convert right-handed vanities into left-handed ones, directly on location. This approach avoided the need for rework overseas and kept the renovation timeline on track.
The client and general contractor had anticipated a costly, time-consuming delay, but Colt’s rapid response and problem-solving mindset delivered a simple, cost-effective solution within days.
Execution
Fabrication:
All quartz tops were produced in Colt’s overseas facility, with cutting and finishing completed prior to shipping.
On-Site Correction:
Following the discovery of the design issue, Colt’s team arrived on-site and modified all affected vanities within several days—ensuring zero installation delay.
Results
- Major Issue Resolved Without Delay: Left/right vanity issue resolved on-site without altering the schedule.
- High Client Satisfaction: Owner and contractor were highly impressed with Colt’s responsiveness and craftsmanship.
- Continued Trust: Colt reaffirmed its value as a collaborative, solutions-oriented fabrication partner.
Lessons & Insights
- Early and Complete Design Review Is Essential: Important design considerations, like product handedness, must be clearly communicated and confirmed before production.
- Live Shop Drawing Reviews Prevent Issues: Final-stage approval meetings, ideally conducted live or via video, greatly reduce the risk of miscommunication.
- Expertise in Action: When challenges arise, Colt’s technical skill and willingness to step in directly sets us apart.
Conclusion
This project illustrates Colt Architectural Finishes’ unique ability to turn unexpected complications into seamless, client-pleasing outcomes. With a proactive approach, technical craftsmanship, and field-ready flexibility, we helped Voco Chicago Downtown Riverwalk Hotel maintain momentum without compromising quality.
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