Renaissance Santo Domingo Gets Facelift

cbeecherProjects, Roofing

GCI Involved in Entire Exterior Rehab – Roof, Windows and Waterproofing

The Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino, one of the oldest and finest hotels in the Dominican Republic’s capital city, is getting a facelift both inside and out. The $30 million, top-to-bottom renovation started this April under the careful management of Mark G. Anderson Consultants, Inc. (MGAC), and GCI will be there every step of the way to oversee the roofing, windows and waterproofing updates.
A major part of the renovation is the roof. The Renaissance Santo Domingo is an expansive property with about 40 old, island-style roofs in need of replacement throughout the grounds. A cool roof manufactured by Sika Sarnafil will be installed. It’s a fully adhered white thermoplastic single ply roofing system in which for this tropical location will provide high solar reflectivity, and in turn, reduce energy consumption.

Another consideration when selecting the hotel’s roofing system was the ability to withstand wind uplift conditions. The new roofs on the Renaissance Santo Domingo are designed to meet the Miami-Dade building codes, the most stringent conditions in the United States. Zurich, a leading global property and casualty insurance provider, is insuring this project. Zurich has its own Highly Protected Risk (HPR) wind standard, which serves as a blueprint to help customers mitigate losses due to hurricanes and windstorms.

“Marriott International (which leases the property) doesn’t cut corners – they don’t take risks on safety or hurricane protection,” said Sam Chiodo, RRO, Roof Technologies Specialist at GCI. “They do everything by the book and that makes our job easier.”

In addition to the roof, nearly all of the windows and curtain wall are being replaced to enhance their hurricane protection, eliminate current water leakage problems, and greatly improve their energy efficiency. The new glazing systems used at the Renaissance Santo Domingo will meet Miami-Dade County impact resistance requirements.

The final aspect of this project’s renovation is the interior. MGAC, which is managing the overall building upgrades, will oversee the architectural and interior redecorating of the hotel’s 300 guest rooms, 16 suites, public areas and meeting rooms. Once these upgrades and renovations are completed, the Renaissance Santo Domingo can enjoy a revival, or “renaissance,” of its own as one of the finest hotels in the Dominican Republic.

The Renaissance Santo Domingo Hotel will be closed until late February 2015. However, its popular casino will remain open during the renovation since it recently underwent a $10 million renovation of its own.