Long-Term Relationships
The newest $12 million addition to The Breakers Hotel represents one of more than $130 million of projects that Weitz has built for this resort owner in the past 15 years. In addition to bungalows, Weitz has built a new beach club and spa and golf and tennis club, as well as renovated the hotel’s north and south towers, ballroom and various public areas. All jobs were fast-tracked and completed without shutting down the hotel.
Weitz faced several setbacks while building the cabanas, the most severe of which was Hurricane Wilma. Even with five days of preparation, Weitz crews could not protect the hotel campus from damage. The storm filled each of the pool structures with sand, blew down the 8-foot wood fencing surrounding the site, and damaged some of the slate tiles on the bungalow roofs. Weitz assisted the owner with all cleanup responsibilities prior to beginning work again on the cabanas. The storm’s impact added approximately four weeks to the construction schedule.
The cabanas, which sit between 10 and 15 feet above sea level, also had unique foundation requirements — the support of 30-foot-deep reinforced concrete and steel piles that were topped with monolithic slabs. “The piles were needed because we were building on the east side, the beach side, of the coastal construction line,” said Mark Huber, project manager for Weitz. “Anything built ocean side of this coastal construction line has to be on piles.” It was the responsibility of The Weitz Company to coordinate this extra step with subcontractors and suppliers.
Another unusual challenge occurred just one day after the project received final permits. Construction took place during sea turtle nesting season. When a turtle nested too close to the site, Weitz had to build its fence around the nest, so as not to disturb the turtle. Turtle monitors came to the beach to ensure its well-being.
Even after these events, Paul Leone, President of The Breakers of Palm Beach, Inc., said, “Compliments to you and your colleagues at Weitz for the effort put forth on our Beachfront Redevelopment project. As you know, this project was riddled with numerous delays — including a work stoppage from Hurricane Wilma. In addition, the unique situation of working east of the Coastal Construction Set-Back Line, and in an environmentally sensitive area, created new challenges. Despite these challenges, Weitz pulled it off! This project was very important to us as it completes one of the final phases of our overall property refinement. What is equally satisfying is that our guests are delighted with the improvements!”