TURNER HARD ROCK 9/14/07 9:38 AM Page 266

TURNER CONSTRUCTION CO.

Turner Construction is putting the finishing
touches on the $96 million Hard Rock Hotel
complex in San Diego.

‘Cutting Edge’ Hard Rock

Turner Construction Co. is in the last stages of the Hard Rock Hotel condominium-hotel complex in
San Diego. The $96 million project will include retail, spa, ballroom, banquet and meeting space.
By Libby John two Rande Gerber bars, Vann says.

T urner Construction Co. is putting the finishing

touches on the $96 million Hard Rock Hotel, a con-
dominium-hotel complex in downtown San Diego.
The project – expected to be completed in October – is 90
percent complete, says Project Manager Carmen Vann. Fin-
ishes are currently being installed throughout the building
including installing stone flooring, casework, as well as paint
and wall covering in the lobby and public areas. In addi-
tion, finishes are being completed in the upper floors of
the guestrooms and the site work and landscaping are
underway, she explains.
The 317,500-square-foot building has
Turner Construction Co. -- 12 above-ground floors and two levels of
Hard Rock Hotel underground parking. It will have 402
www.turnerconstruction.com guestrooms, 18 suites, 25,000 square feet
Project cost: $96 million
Location: San Diego of retail space, a ballroom, 40,000-square-
Scope: Condo-hotel foot banquet annex area, meeting space,
Carmen Vann, project manag- full-service spa, a pool and two restaurants:
er: “This is by far the most excit-
ing project that I’ve had the Nobu and a 24-hour diner operated by
opportunity to be involved with.” Hard Rock. The complex will also hold
Construction began in September 2005 and was original-
ly scheduled to be completed in April 2007, but was pushed
back six months because the design of the hotel had chang-
ed, she says. “Several aspects of the hotel were redesigned
to ensure that the character of the Hard Rock brand was pre-
served and not compromised, while satisfying local muni-
cipalities such as the [Centre City Development Corp.] and
the Historical Society, as Hard Rock sits at an entry point
into the historical Gaslamp District,” which is home to trendy
stores, restaurants and nightlife, she says.
Carmen stated that the Hard Rock project was her first
opportunity to manage construction in an active downtown
setting. As project manager, her responsibilities include
managing the day-to-day operations of the project, as well
as handling the schedule and budget.
“This is by far the most exciting project that I’ve had the
opportunity to be involved with,” she says. “I certainly
enjoyed bringing life to such a cutting-edge design style
with its bold color palette, high end finishes and custom
designed furniture.”

266 ■ CONSTRUCTION TODAY ■ OCTOBER 2007