In 2022, storm waves from Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole caused failures of the seawall along the waterfront at Embassy Suites in St. Augustine Beach, FL. The storm damage led to significant erosion and critical damage to hotel infrastructure.

Taylor Engineering completed an emergency waterfront inspection and determined the existing relic seawall was in critical condition and required short term repairs to prevent failure and keep the resort operational. The short-term repairs consisted of designing and permitting the placement of over 1100 tons of granite armor stone seaward of the relic wall to stabilize the wall and provide additional protection against future storm events.

While overseeing short-term repairs, Taylor Engineering also worked in parallel to develop a master plan to replace the seawall and redevelop the waterfront amenities at the resort. The most critical improvement was a new steel sheet pile seawall constructed four feet higher to increase future storm protection and site resilience. The design also included upland promenade walkways; expansions of the pool deck and sun deck; improved wedding venue; and an array of landscaping, lighting, and amenity enhancements to support the hotel’s beachfront experience for guests.

Taylor Engineering provided final engineering design and then construction administration services to see the project through completion in May 2024.