Projects Archives - The Raymond Group https://www.raymondgroup.com/category/projects/ Building excellence since 1936 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:57:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.raymondgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cropped-Stacked-Full-Width-Original-32x32.jpg Projects Archives - The Raymond Group https://www.raymondgroup.com/category/projects/ 32 32 Specialty Finishes: GFRG, GFRC & FRP https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/specialty-finishes-gfrg-gfrc-frp/ https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/specialty-finishes-gfrg-gfrc-frp/#respond Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:55:20 +0000 https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/ The Raymond Group works with a range of specialty finish materials, including Glass Fiber-Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG), Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (GFRC), and Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP). These materials are often used to create detailed architectural features and complex shapes that would be difficult to achieve with traditional methods. From design coordination through installation, these systems require careful […]

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The Raymond Group works with a range of specialty finish materials, including Glass Fiber-Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG), Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (GFRC), and Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP). These materials are often used to create detailed architectural features and complex shapes that would be difficult to achieve with traditional methods.

From design coordination through installation, these systems require careful planning, precise layout, and close collaboration between project teams.

Case Study: Mingei International Museum

The Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park completed a renovation and expansion, adding more than 50,000 square feet of updated space for exhibitions and programming.

Working with Layton Construction, Raymond’s scope included metal framing, drywall, and several specialty finish systems such as cement board wall panels, GFRG ceiling panels, and metal and fabric ceiling systems.

Project Highlights

  • Custom Wall Panels
    The project included 230 cement board wall panels, each individually designed and fabricated with specific cutouts to accommodate building elements.
  • GFRG Ceiling Installation
    A total of 100 GFRG ceiling panels, each over 13 feet in length, were installed in varying widths. The layout required consistent spacing and alignment across the system.
  • Coordination of Structural Systems
    The Unistrut support system and GFRG panels were designed together to work within the constraints of the existing structure and overhead systems. Additional support points were incorporated to allow for more flexibility during installation.
  • Perforated Metal Ceilings
    Metal ceiling panels with continuous perforation patterns were installed across long spans, requiring careful alignment to maintain a consistent visual effect.
  • Integration of Multiple Ceiling Systems
    GFRG, metal, fabric, and other ceiling elements were installed together, requiring coordination across trades to ensure alignment and fit.

Project Approach

One of the primary challenges was integrating new materials and systems into an existing structure. This required a detailed shop drawing process and close coordination between teams to align layout, support systems, and clearances.

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The Venetian Resort https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/venetian-resort/ https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/venetian-resort/#respond Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:13:26 +0000 https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/ Raymond completed the renovation of two towers at The Venetian Resort: the Venetian Tower Suites Remodel and the Venezia Tower Room Remodel with Level 14 Buildout. These large-scale hospitality projects transformed more than 2,900 suites and 1,000 guest rooms, updating and expanding the resort’s luxury offerings. The Venetian Tower Suites Remodel included the renovation of […]

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Raymond completed the renovation of two towers at The Venetian Resort: the Venetian Tower Suites Remodel and the Venezia Tower Room Remodel with Level 14 Buildout. These large-scale hospitality projects transformed more than 2,900 suites and 1,000 guest rooms, updating and expanding the resort’s luxury offerings.

The Venetian Tower Suites Remodel included the renovation of 2,986 suites, with Raymond performing demolition, framing, drywall, taping, paint, wallcovering, and millwork. In 128 of those suites, Raymond also provided stain-grade millwork.

The Venezia Tower and Level 14 Buildout included the renovation of 1,013 guest rooms across Levels 1 through 12, the construction of a new fitness center, and the addition of 77 luxury guest rooms and suites on Level 14. Raymond performed framing, drywall, painting, and millwork throughout the project, delivering work that met the exceptional standards expected at one of Las Vegas’s premier destinations.

 

The Venezia Tower’s most significant challenge was its aggressive schedule. The first floor was required to turn over in just three weeks, followed by a demanding weekly floor turnover sequence. This pace left little margin for error and required seamless coordination among the general contractor and all trade partners. Daily collaboration, detailed planning, and disciplined execution were critical to maintaining progress while upholding quality and safety across all phases of work.

Despite the fast-track schedule, Raymond’s team delivered each floor on time and within budget, demonstrating a strong commitment to craftsmanship, reliability, and teamwork. Safety remained a top priority throughout both tower projects, resulting in an outstanding record of 805,187 work hours with zero incidents. This was a testament to the team’s focus, preparation, and adherence to best practices.

The Venetian Tower and Venezia Tower Remodel with Level 14 Buildout reflect a strong team effort to successfully deliver complex hospitality renovations under demanding conditions.

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USC Keck https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/usc-keck/ https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/usc-keck/#respond Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:49:20 +0000 https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/ USC Keck’s new facility in Pasadena supports USC Keck Medicine’s mission to expand access to advanced, patient-centered healthcare across the greater Los Angeles area. This four-story, 200,000-square-foot medical building required adaptability amid evolving design criteria and the installation of specialized materials, including lead-lined drywall. Raymond met these challenges with proactive constructability solutions, close collaboration, and […]

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USC Keck’s new facility in Pasadena supports USC Keck Medicine’s mission to expand access to advanced, patient-centered healthcare across the greater Los Angeles area. This four-story, 200,000-square-foot medical building required adaptability amid evolving design criteria and the installation of specialized materials, including lead-lined drywall. Raymond met these challenges with proactive constructability solutions, close collaboration, and a strong focus on safety. Targeting LEED Platinum certification, the building features steel construction, a striking white exterior with floor-to-ceiling windows, landscaped terraces, and three levels of below-grade parking.

Raymond delivered a comprehensive scope of work that included metal stud framing, drywall and finishes, fireproofing, firestopping, insulation, joint sealants, waterproofing, lath and plaster, Ensemble ceilings, and Division 10 specialties such as chain link fencing, restroom accessories and partitions, plastic laminate–clad lockers, lead-lined drywall, wall protection, and corner guards.

This complex healthcare project presented multiple challenges, including evolving design criteria, frequent design changes, and the introduction of specialized materials (most notably lead-lined drywall). Coordinating extensive scopes across multiple floors while maintaining safety, quality, and schedule required constant collaboration and adaptability.

 

The Raymond team approached each phase with precision and professionalism. To safely install lead-lined drywall, Raymond partnered closely with our Safety Team to conduct pre- and post-lead testing, ensuring a safe work environment while maintaining the project schedule.

As design changes emerged, Raymond played an active role in problem-solving, providing constructability input on elevator shaft wall configurations, stud size adjustments to support the added weight of lead-lined drywall and plywood, and other critical framing modifications. Proactive communication with Turner Construction and the design team helped resolve issues early and avoid impacts in the field.

 

The successful completion of USC Keck reflects the power of teamwork, adaptability, and technical excellence.

USC Keck was awarded a 2025 Walter F. Pruter Project of the Year Award from the Western Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association (WWCCA).

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Sam’s Club | Phoenix, Arizona https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/sams-club-phoenix-arizona/ https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/sams-club-phoenix-arizona/#respond Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:58:43 +0000 https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/ Raymond recently completed the Sam’s Club Remodel in Phoenix, Arizona for Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. The project was an active retail renovation that required precision, flexibility, and careful coordination. Raymond’s scope of work included demolition, framing, drywall, rough carpentry, EIFS repairs and resurfacing, ACT, security mesh installation, temporary barricades, Division 10 specialties, and back-of-house improvements. With […]

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Raymond recently completed the Sam’s Club Remodel in Phoenix, Arizona for Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. The project was an active retail renovation that required precision, flexibility, and careful coordination.

Raymond’s scope of work included demolition, framing, drywall, rough carpentry, EIFS repairs and resurfacing, ACT, security mesh installation, temporary barricades, Division 10 specialties, and back-of-house improvements. With multiple scopes underway simultaneously, the project demanded close collaboration between field teams, project management, and trade partners.

      

All construction activities were performed during overnight hours on a highly compressed schedule. Each shift required detailed planning to ensure work was completed efficiently while maintaining strict safety and quality standards. At the end of every night, the site was fully cleaned, secured, and made safe so the store could open to customers without disruption.

Despite the challenges of working in an occupied retail environment, the Sam’s Club remained open and fully operational throughout construction. Raymond delivered a successful remodel that met both schedule and operational requirements.

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The Raymond Group Featured in ENR’s Top 600 Specialty Contractors List https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/the-raymond-group-featured-in-enrs-top-600-specialty-contractors-list/ https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/the-raymond-group-featured-in-enrs-top-600-specialty-contractors-list/#respond Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:58:49 +0000 https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/ The Raymond Group has been featured in Engineering News-Record (ENR) Magazine’s annual Top 600 Specialty Contractors List. Raymond ranked #1 in the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) category, #10 in Wall & Ceiling, and #210 overall. As a women-owned and led company, we’re especially proud to be recognized as the top-ranked WBE specialty contractor in the […]

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The Raymond Group has been featured in Engineering News-Record (ENR) Magazine’s annual Top 600 Specialty Contractors List. Raymond ranked #1 in the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) category, #10 in Wall & Ceiling, and #210 overall.

As a women-owned and led company, we’re especially proud to be recognized as the top-ranked WBE specialty contractor in the nation. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership within the construction industry.

The ENR Top 600 highlights specialty contractors across the country, with rankings determined by construction revenue in both prime and subcontracting capacities. We’re honored to stand among the best and thank our incredible teams whose hard work makes this possible every day.

ENR has also announced their 2025 Regional Best Projects that honor the best construction projects and the companies that designed and built them. Raymond projects that were recognized include UCSD Theatre District Living and Learning Neighborhood, Pepper Canyon West Living and Learning Neighborhood at the UCSD, and Intuit Dome.

UCSD Theatre District Living and Learning Neighborhood
Award of Merit – Higher Education/Research
La Jolla, Calif.
Submitted by Kitchell

Pepper Canyon West Living and Learning Neighborhood at UCSD
Best Residential/Hospitality
La Jolla, Calif.
Submitted by Clark Construction

Intuit Dome
Best Sports/Entertainment
Inglewood, Calif.
Submitted by AECOM Hunt – Turner, JV

We are thankful to our deserving employees and partners for their hard work and commitment to continuous improvement, which helps Raymond remain on ENR’s Top 600 list year after year.

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bEATS at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/beats-at-yaamava-resort-casino/ https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/beats-at-yaamava-resort-casino/#respond Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:58:36 +0000 https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/ The bEATS venue at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is a reimagined entertainment space created through the transformation of the former Rock & Brews restaurant. The goal behind the redesign was to enhance the overall guest experience by bringing live music into the heart of the dining area. Outfitted with professional-grade sound and dynamic lighting, the […]

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The bEATS venue at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is a reimagined entertainment space created through the transformation of the former Rock & Brews restaurant. The goal behind the redesign was to enhance the overall guest experience by bringing live music into the heart of the dining area. Outfitted with professional-grade sound and dynamic lighting, the venue now serves as a flexible space capable of hosting everything from low-key acoustic performances to full-scale rock shows.

Raymond’s San Diego region was contracted by The PENTA Building Group to complete an interior scope of work for the bEATS venue, including framing, drywall, acoustical treatments, and a range of custom finishes tailored to meet the casino’s elevated standards. From the ground up, the Raymond team delivered nearly every visible finish featured in the space: flooring, paint, wallcoverings, acoustic wall panels, a custom pyramid gold acoustic ceiling, millwork, and more.

Raymond worked closely with designers, the general contractor, and other trades to ensure high-quality execution on a tight schedule, all while working within an active resort environment without disrupting guest activity. In line with Raymond’s continued efforts to expand beyond traditional scopes of work, the team embraced every challenge and took full ownership of the project from start to finish.

A key focus of the bEATS project was identifying opportunities to optimize the design without compromising performance or guest experience. Raymond played a leading role in value engineering efforts, helping to develop strategic solutions that upheld the integrity of the original design intent. Rather than simply reducing costs, the team focused on maximizing long-term value by prioritizing finishes, layouts, and systems that enhanced durability, functionality, and aesthetic impact.

This collaborative, value-driven approach resulted in a high-impact venue that met both design and performance goals, delivered on time, under budget, and above expectations.

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UCSD Shaketable https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/ucsd-shaketable/ https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/ucsd-shaketable/#respond Thu, 14 Aug 2025 17:40:10 +0000 https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/ Shaking things up at UCSD! Raymond’s San Diego team, alongside Clark Construction and other trades, recently supported the University of California San Diego’s groundbreaking research on mid-rise cold-formed steel structures — studying their seismic and fire performance to help improve building codes. Raymond stick-built the facility’s first floor, then installed wall and floor panels (produced […]

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Shaking things up at UCSD! Raymond’s San Diego team, alongside Clark Construction and other trades, recently supported the University of California San Diego’s groundbreaking research on mid-rise cold-formed steel structures — studying their seismic and fire performance to help improve building codes.

Raymond stick-built the facility’s first floor, then installed wall and floor panels (produced by a Standard/Nevell joint venture) along with finish work for floors two through 10.

The UC San Diego Shake Table is the only outdoor facility of its kind in the world — and the only simulator capable of testing a 10-story building.

See it in action in NBC 7’s coverage:

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Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/elara-by-hilton-grand-vacations/ https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/elara-by-hilton-grand-vacations/#respond Tue, 12 Aug 2025 21:34:34 +0000 https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/ Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations was a transformative buildout of the top four floors in an active, 50+ story hotel tower. These floors had been left as core and shell during the original construction, creating unique challenges: most notably, the existing elevators didn’t reach them. To solve this, the Raymond team expanded the elevator doghouses, […]

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Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations was a transformative buildout of the top four floors in an active, 50+ story hotel tower. These floors had been left as core and shell during the original construction, creating unique challenges: most notably, the existing elevators didn’t reach them. To solve this, the Raymond team expanded the elevator doghouses, designing a distinctive metal panel exterior with a custom finish. Using an EIFS system, the surrounding façade was matched so precisely that the new work blended seamlessly with the original finishes.

Working in an occupied hotel demanded meticulous logistics. Material was transported via crane lifts and, when needed, hand-carried up stairways to minimize disruption to guests. Above the pool area, where the doghouse construction took place, we used a sophisticated cantilevered scaffold system from Leading Edge Scaffolding, complete with safety nets for maximum protection.

 

Inside, Raymond installed Armstrong Suspended Ceiling Grid and Shortspan systems throughout the guest rooms and corridors. These solutions delivered both efficiency and cost savings. This project blurred the line between renovation and new construction, requiring innovative problem-solving, expert craftsmanship, and close vendor collaboration.

Thanks to our team’s skill and coordination, the buildout was completed ahead of a critical deadline: the Las Vegas F1 races, when every new room was fully booked, a clear sign of the project’s success.

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Chicken Ranch Casino Resort https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/chicken-ranch-casino-resort/ https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/chicken-ranch-casino-resort/#respond Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:41:49 +0000 https://www.raymondgroup.com/blog/ The new nine-story Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in Jamestown, California, features a 100,000-square-foot casino, five restaurants and bars, a 197-room hotel, a luxury day spa, a rooftop restaurant, and a 12,000-square-foot conference and event center. Raymond performed air and vapor barrier, insulation, EIFS, fiber cement panels, fireproofing, drywall, framing, and acoustical ceilings for Suffolk Construction. […]

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The new nine-story Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in Jamestown, California, features a 100,000-square-foot casino, five restaurants and bars, a 197-room hotel, a luxury day spa, a rooftop restaurant, and a 12,000-square-foot conference and event center.

Raymond performed air and vapor barrier, insulation, EIFS, fiber cement panels, fireproofing, drywall, framing, and acoustical ceilings for Suffolk Construction.

A highlight of the project was the EIFS scope of work, particularly the successful installation of the Outsulation Plus MD System. Raymond followed a meticulous, multi-step process to ensure durability and visual appeal. The team applied Dryvit Backstop NT Texture and Backstop Smooth to establish a continuous air and moisture barrier, then prepared wall openings with Aquaflash Liquid and Mesh.

In collaboration with BayStone, Inc., Raymond back-wrapped EPS board sheets—especially at rough openings and wall bases—for enhanced durability and moisture resistance. The project utilized multiple mesh types, including Standard 4.3OZ, Panzer Mesh 20OZ, and Genesis DM, based on specific structural needs. This layered approach allowed flexibility and adaptation to on-site conditions. Finishes included a coat of Color Prime and a top layer of DPR Sand Pebble.

The EIFS system was used not only in traditional wall assemblies but also in creative applications—such as the ceiling of the outdoor pool bar. Originally designed with Nichiha Fiber Cement Panels, the ceiling was instead completed using an EIFS-based woodgrain finish. This visually striking substitution met aesthetic goals while offering the advantages of EIFS, including reduced weight and improved insulation. The finish included Dryvit Demandit as a base coat and Dryvit Freestyle to achieve the woodgrain appearance.

A highlight of the Chicken Ranch Casino Resort interior is the intricate ceiling design. To achieve the high level of detail and precision required, Raymond utilized a drywall milling machine to streamline the creation of complex soffits, enhancing both efficiency and craftsmanship throughout the space.

Despite a fast-paced schedule and challenging Sierra Nevada weather, Raymond maintained safety and quality while meeting critical project deadlines. The craftsmanship, coordination, and adaptability demonstrated on this project are commendable—congratulations to the entire project team on a job well done!

Raymond was honored by the Wall and Ceiling Alliance (WACA) with awards in both the Commercial Exterior and EIFS categories for the Chicken Ranch project.

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