CARLSBAD, CA—R.D. Olson Construction has completed build-out on the 250-room LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad. Featuring an exceptional, creative theme built to exacting LEGO design standards, R.D. Olson Construction has delivered construction on a hotel poised to capture the hearts and imagination of kids the world over.

Indeed, this latest LEGOLAND Hotel is just the third of its kind to be built worldwide, and the first in North America. LEGOLAND Hotels are also located in Denmark and the United Kingdom.

The construction project involved complex design elements and unique specialty features. Fabricated custom-scaled replica LEGO bricks adorn the hotel's exterior façade, while more than 3,500 LEGO models are scattered throughout the property, including a smoke breathing dragon ensconced in the clock tower at the hotel's entry. Additional elements include multiple interactive play areas such as the 32-foot high pirate shipwreck, river of LEGO and knight's castle in the hotel's atrium.

The three-story hotel provides different LEGO theming on each floor, including Pirate, Adventure and Kingdom. Guest rooms include a kid's alcove with bunk beds and a trundle bed,

plus a separate sleeping room for adults. Public spaces include Bricks Family Restaurant, Skyline Cafe, Mini's Lounge, event space and an outdoor heated swimming pool. Every aspect of the hotel exudes LEGO custom millwork, wall coverings, lighting, artwork, LEGO standard paint colors, carpet, and even themed elevators.

“This has been without question one of the most interesting hotel construction projects we have completed,” said Ian Gardiner, executive vice president at R.D. Olson Construction. “At the same time, it is impossible to not get caught up in the excitement of building such an entertaining and creative product.”

The Irvine-based contractor worked with a local architect on the construction, deciphering metric design specifications and differing construction terminologies while completing the 15-month project on time and within budget for U.K.-based Merlin Entertainments Group, a leading operator of amusement parks worldwide. Closer to home, R.D. Olson Construction worked with Elsinore-based Storyland Studios, a frequently used LEGOLAND vendor, on project theming and engineering.

“The entire project team was great to work with, especially given that the Merlin team and the designer are all based in England,” added Gardiner. “The city agencies in Carlsbad were very cooperative, and the construction process went smoothly.”

Founded by Bob Olson in 1979, R.D. Olson Construction is one of the top 50 general contracting firms in California. R.D. Olson Construction is a premier builder of hotel properties for several national hoteliers, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Ritz Carlton, Starwood, and others.

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