IRVINE, CA-R.D. Olson Development has broken ground on its latest hotel project: the 210-room Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum here. Construction is planned for completion in July 2014, and R.D. Olson will retain ownership of the $50-million hotel upon completion, with Marriott International providing management services.

The new hotel represents the Southern California debut of Marriott's latest Gen Next design and features an interior-design theme that pays tribute to the history of Irvine Ranch. The design features a reinvented lobby centered on the concept of refreshing business, fusing high style with greater functionality. Welcome pedestals replace a traditional front desk to create a more inviting reception for guests. An interactive GoBoard displays news, weather, traffic, local restaurants and other items of interest for guests, while semi-enclosed media pods feature individually controlled flat-panel TVs and offer a place to work, meet or relax.

The eight-story, 131,667-square-foot hotel will have a room mix of 94 king beds, 14 executive corner suites and 102 double/queen-bed configurations. More than half of the rooms will be able to accommodate multiple occupancy, and guest rooms will offer views of Saddleback Mountain, Laguna Canyon or Spectrum Center.

Public-area amenities include a large lap pool measuring 75 x 35 ft., six technology-laden pool cabanas, a spa area, fire pits and a putting green. There will also be a 1,500-square-foot fitness center equipped with cardio machines, weights and CrossFit workout gear. Additional amenities include a full-service lounge area and bar, guest laundry and a convenience market. The hotel will also include the Bistro, a new food and beverage concept that will offer quick-serve dining.

The hotel is designed around a theme that pays tribute to the iconic Irvine Ranch. Its interior design celebrates the history of the Ranch via art, photography and the use of recycled woods intermixed with high-tech finishes and materials. According to Bob Olson, CEO and founder of R.D. Olson, “The hotel theme pays respect to the generations of land stewardship that have shaped development on the Irvine Ranch.”

As GlobeSt.com reported in February, Olson has been ranked by Real Estate Forum magazine as one of the top real estate icons in the hotel industry, having helped build and renovate numerous hotel and spa properties across the country since starting his firm in 1979. Olson has been active in all phases of construction and development for the firm and, in addition to hotels, has played an instrumental role in the construction of country clubs, retail, multifamily and midrise office and recreational facilities across the nation.

Also, as GlobeSt.com reported in August 2012, the firm is developing the $60-million Tustin Pacific Center, a 196,000-square-foot mixed-use development at the 55 Freeway and Edinger Ave. here. The project will include a 149-room Residence Inn by Marriott and a 145-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, as well as 16,180 square feet of retail space that will include a mix of restaurant and business-service retail users. Completion is expected in July.