University of Florida, The Biltmore Hotel Conference Center of the Americas, Coral Gables, Florida

The HADP goal for the project was to honor and preserve the historic treasure of the city and to transform the building into a newly invigorated and viable asset to the city of Coral Gables, the University of Florida, and the private owner of the project.

The fast-track and extremely complex project done within strict guidelines from the National Historic Landmarks Register, the Biltmore Hotel Complex is leased by Seaway in association with the University of Florida. The owner of the project and the City of Coral Gables developed a program to renovate and expanded the Historic Biltmore Hotel Country Club building to provide a world class teleconferencing center in the first floor of the building. The project consisted of approximately 71,000 s.f. that included the renovation of the ballroom and museum, the renovation of the first floor into conference rooms and support facilities, and the construction of an addition to the building for a 60-seat and 90-seat auditoriums. Construction of the auditoriums required excavation and removal of existing column supporters that were part of the 75 year old building.

The facilities include a state-of-the-art complete multi-media network that integrates high speed computer networks, video networks and advanced teleconferencing systems into one network. The types of media that are to be shared are to include: data, text, print, high resolution graphics, CD quality audio, digital still images, and full motion, full color, real time, video. Networking includes: local and wide area networks for “on demand” access by the users. This system includes the ability to make live interactive presentations using any of the media, via teleconferencing or any other form that will support high speed data exchanges.

HADP Architecture, Inc. was the Architect-of-Record for the project, providing architectural, civil engineering, interior design and furnishings for the $10 million facility. By integrating a “World Class” teleconferencing center into a national landmark to meet the needs and expectations of Seaway, the City of Coral Gables, the University of Florida, the State Historic Office, and the many other interested parties; and working within the requirements of incorporating new construction into a National Landmark was critical to the successful design and approval of the project.