BillerReinhart Responds Quickly to Urgent Hotel Issues
Many property managers depend on BillerReinhart to deliver a variety of structural engineering solutions 24/7. While performing design for restoration, waterproofing and re-coating of the Hilton Miami Downtown's 25-story hotel, BillerReinhart received an urgent call from the client regarding a separate project.

"The client was trying to complete an entry feature prior to Christmas day as they had a lot of guests arriving and the hotel needed to be pristine prior to their arrival," says Rob Reinhart. "The structural engineer that had been hired to provide design for the stainless steel supports for decorative wall panels was not responding, so the client called us on Christmas Eve to see if we could quickly draw up the plans for the contractor who was waiting. We got it done and the client was able to have everything ready for Christmas day."

BillerReinhart also performed design for a concrete parking slab overlay. "Quick response is critical in the hotel business," says Mike Biller. "We received an urgent call from the client that there was crumbling concrete in the main entranceway that needed to be repaired immediately. We delivered the design documents within 24 hours."

Looking to Transform a Historic Building?
After purchasing a 1920's theater in Key West, Walgreens sought the structural expertise of BillerReinhart in restoring and renovating this unique building. The client wanted to take this one-story theater to a two-story structure that would house a pharmacy and retail store on the first floor and break room, bathrooms, storage space and two apartment units on the second floor.

"We constructed a building inside of a building essentially," says Mike Biller. "The most challenging aspect of the design was making the required modifications to accommodate the new elevator system.  In order to properly install the new elevator system, we had to modify a really old roof truss system. This required cutting and removing the bottom chord of a huge girder truss. We designed a structural steel support system to resist the bottom chord force so they could cut the girder for the elevator shaft. If not designed properly, the roof would have collapsed. Our structural support system not only kept the roof from collapsing but has withstood many high speed hurricane wind forces since construction."

Condo Need Some Updating?
BillerReinhart has been functioning as structural engineer on call for Lakeview of Largo since 2002.  "I provided a conditions assessment back in 1999 and assisted the owner in developing a maintenance plan schedule so that they could budget for future repairs," says Mike Biller. "We recently provided complete design, drawings, specifications and bid documents for the restoration of deteriorated reinforced concrete balcony and walkway slabs, roof mansard structures, and structural steel stairs at this 7-building condominium complex."

BillerReinhart also recently designed a structural air conditioner support system to avoid damage to the new roof system. Other services have included design for concrete repair, masonry repair, window sealants, structural steel restoration and timber restoration.

"This is a very proactive client," says Biller. "We enjoy helping them plan ahead so they can save money while continuing to maintain this beautiful complex."