In late 2005, Bartell Hotels, the owners of the Sheraton La Jolla Hotel, consulted with Joseph Wong Design Associates and Liz Bartell Designs about the renovation of the hotel. Key goals such as bringing all the buildings, including more recent additions into a cohesive whole, modernizing the public areas of the hotel to keep in line with a recent renovation of the guest rooms and suites, and maximizing the appeal of the entry and porte-cochére to create a more upscale and welcoming first impression were identified. Another key goal was that all the work had to be completed without disrupting the normal day-to-day operation of the hotel. JWDA devised a skinning system that would meet the criteria by designing panels that would be built off-site and delivered only for installation.

The new skinning system was devised to be installed over the existing cladding, removing the need for extensive demolition. Beginning with the lobby and porte-cochére, the exteriors were sheathed in the new stucco panels while the sturdy columns were re-stuccoed and painted to match. The existing metal railings and stone work were removed. The railings were replaced with sanded glass panels that open the entryway and lobby, bringing in beautiful light from the lusciously landscaped grounds and emphasizing the indoor-outdoor lifestyle enjoyed in coastal Southern California. New natural limestone and pebble tile refreshes the lobby and entrance -- the effect is crisp, cool, and clean. The facelift of lobby included a new ceiling, new soffits and lights, and a new glass staircase harmonizing with the exterior glass panels.

The guest room buildings were also altered and improved. The panels bring more color and life to the exteriors while retrofitted and newly painted windows bring a sense of freshness the tropical grounds. For ease of access and guest safety, two new elevators were added to the existing buildings and a pedestrian walkway was constructed to join two buildings. The walkway is framed by glass paneled railings that mimic the entry and tie the complex together. The new construction blends seamlessly with the existing structures while improving admittance to the recently renovated rooms and suites.

JWDA worked closely with Bartell Hotels to ensure that each detail was carefully reviewed to ensure that the renovation adhered to the goal of creating a visual and textural wholeness. The renovation was carried off without disruption of services and was completed in early 2007, allowing the Sheraton La Jolla Hotel to enter the high season with a new, shining face and ensuring another forty years of entertaining corporate and business travelers as well as vacationers.