Siena Construction was selected through a bid process to manage a series of phased renovations within a resort and casino. With gaming operations running around the clock, work required coordination with ownership, designers, engineers, security teams, and trade partners to deliver high-quality spaces while minimizing disruption to guests and staff.

“Renovating in an active resort environment requires a different level of planning, coordination, and discipline,” said Director of Operations Greg Antonopoulos.

Here are some takeaways from the renovation, which included guest-facing gaming areas and back-of-house spaces:

♠️ Trustworthy Trade Partners Are Imperative

“Similar to banks and government facilities, casino projects come with heightened safety and security requirements,” said Senior PM Keith Kingdon. From background checks and badging to tightly controlled work zones, these are often alongside significant on-site assets.

Siena worked closely with the security team to prequalify subs experienced in secure, occupied environments and to establish clear expectations around workforce conduct and compliance.

♥️ Preconstruction Planning Is a Game Changer

In hospitality settings, preconstruction planning sets the tone for safety, schedule control, and the guest experience. With little room for error – especially during noisy or invasive work – planning up front is critical. During preconstruction, Siena focused on:

  • Developing detailed phasing plans
  • Coordinating drawings to resolve constructability, system tie-ins, high-end finish requirements
  • Creating site logistics plans to manage access
  • Installing temporary protections

This level of planning helped align expectations and reduce surprises once construction began.

♦️ Budget Discipline Requires Constant Attention

Renovating within an existing facility often means uncovering unknown conditions and adjusting to evolving operational needs – all while maintaining high design standards.

Siena emphasized early cost analysis, clear scope definition, and ongoing budget tracking throughout the project. Transparent communication with the owner and design team helped manage changes while keeping the project aligned with financial goals.

♣️ Takeaway

“There were high expectations placed on us from the start,” said Project Executive Mark Fitzgerald. “This was our first project for a client known for its welcoming environment and guest experience. I’m proud of how our team delivered.”

Renovation work in high-security environments demands technical execution, foresight, and consistent communication across every phase of the project. These lessons remain central to Siena’s client-first approach – delivering high-quality results while respecting the unique operational demands of hospitality and high-security environments.

Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Pictures.