Modernizing an Icon While Maintaining Excellence
The Roy Barth Tennis Center at Kiawah Island Golf Resort stands as one of the nation’s premier tennis destinations, offering world-class instruction and facilities to resort guests year-round. When resort leadership identified the need to modernize the clubhouse and expand programming capabilities, the project required a partner who could deliver transformative improvements while respecting the facility’s established character and maintaining uninterrupted operations.
BEHKO Construction served as design-build partner for this comprehensive renovation, managing the complete project scope from architectural design through final construction. The integrated approach proved essential for a project where guest experience, operational continuity, and quality craftsmanship were equally critical.
By engaging BEHKO as a single-source design-build partner, Kiawah Island Golf Resort gained a unified team responsible for all aspects of project delivery. This integration enabled seamless coordination between design intent and construction execution, streamlined decision-making, and ensured that every element of the renovation aligned with the resort’s standards and vision.
“Choosing BEHKO as our design-build partner for the project ensured seamless execution and quality craftsmanship due to their integrated approach—managing everything from architectural design and engineering to permitting and construction,” explained Melissa Hammond, Director of Resort Renovation and Design. “They kept operations running throughout construction and delivered a facility that exceeds our standards.”
The renovation encompassed extensive interior and exterior improvements designed to enhance functionality, modernize aesthetics, and expand the facility’s programming capabilities. New classroom and fitness room additions provide dedicated spaces for instructional activities, supporting the center’s role as a destination for tennis education and training. A new kitchen and bar elevate the hospitality experience, while expanded deck areas create additional outdoor amenity space for guests to enjoy the Lowcountry setting.
Throughout the clubhouse, restrooms were completely upgraded, the pro-shop received a comprehensive refresh, and a new storage facility was added to support daily operations. Every improvement was executed with attention to detail and quality, ensuring the renovated facility meets the high standards expected by discerning resort guests.
Perhaps the most significant challenge of the project involved maintaining full tennis center operations while executing major construction work. The facility serves resort guests daily, with programming that includes lessons, clinics, tournaments, and recreational play. Any extended closure would have impacted guest experiences and revenue.
BEHKO’s team developed a carefully phased construction sequence that allowed the tennis center to remain operational throughout the renovation period. This required detailed coordination, clear communication with resort staff, and the flexibility to adapt to evolving conditions while maintaining construction momentum and quality standards.
Successful resort renovation demands specialized knowledge of hospitality operations, guest experience considerations, and the unique requirements of facilities that must maintain service delivery during construction. BEHKO’s experience in the hospitality sector informed every aspect of the project approach, from initial design decisions through daily construction coordination.
“BEHKO didn’t just complete a project; they proved themselves as a trusted partner who understands the unique demands of resort renovation and hospitality design,” Hammond noted. This understanding manifested in practical ways throughout construction—from noise management and access control to aesthetic choices that honor the resort’s character while delivering contemporary functionality.
The completed Roy Barth Tennis Center represents more than a successful construction project. It exemplifies how thoughtful design-build collaboration can transform an established facility while respecting its legacy and maintaining operational continuity. The modernized clubhouse now provides enhanced spaces for instruction, improved amenities for guests, and a refined aesthetic that positions the facility to serve Kiawah Island Golf Resort for decades to come.
For BEHKO, the project reinforces our commitment to delivering comprehensive design-build solutions that address the complex challenges inherent in hospitality and resort construction. By integrating design, engineering, permitting, and construction under unified management, we provide clients with seamless project execution, quality craftsmanship, and facilities that exceed expectations.
Location: Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, SC
Project Type: Design-Build Renovation
Scope:
Key Challenge: Maintaining full operational continuity during construction at an active, guest-facing resort facility
Delivery Method: Design-build, with BEHKO managing architectural design, engineering, permitting, and construction
Result: A modernized facility that enhances guest experience, expands programming capabilities, and positions the Roy Barth Tennis Center for continued excellence as one of the nation’s premier tennis destinations
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