Geotechnical Engineering & Subsurface Exploration

Our team performed subsurface exploration, including the advancement of 4 borings across the site. Due to the below-grade level, one of the borings was converted to a temporary groundwater monitoring well. Laboratory testing was performed on the samples obtained from the borings A detailed geotechnical report was developed based on field and analytical data Due to the relatively deep bedrock, it was recommended to support the structure on conventional spread footings underlain by a Geopier reinforced subgrade

Due to the potential from vibration related damage to surrounding structures from the Geopier installation as well as the general construction, our instrumentation specialists implemented a vibration monitoring program: Vibration monitoring was conducted between the closest nearby building/improvement and the vibration source during demolition and installation of aggregate piers Measurements were evaluated against established thresholds from the United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Project-specific attenuation curves and tolerances were developed to ensure accurate assessment

Building Envelope Services

Given the premium nature of the Waldorf Astoria brand, the performance of the building envelope was critical. SOCOTEC team was engaged to perform inspection and testing of building envelope systems, such as: Glazing Systems: Windows and walls (including terrace doors), fixed windows, storefronts and entrances Façade & Cladding Systems: Opaque wall systems (Cladding / Façade), metal panels, wood cladding Roofing & Waterproofing: Occupied roofing / waterproofing, unoccupied roof Specialty Systems (Soffits & Traffic Coatings): Soffits, EIFS soffit, traffic coating Our services consist of providing quality assurance and special inspection services including job site monitoring of the building envelope systems work in progress for compliance of work with the Contract Documents and Approved Submittals. As a part of our services, our team will monitor field water tests that will be performed by the contractor for compliance with designs for installation.

Waldorf Astoria Residences Denver Cherry Creek, CO

Q: Construction Materials Testing & Special Inspection

We delivered construction materials testing and special inspection services to verify compliance with project specifications and regulatory requirements: Earthwork and utility installation observations Geopier installation monitoring Concrete reinforcement and materials testing Post-tensioned concrete inspections Structural steel observations Fireproofing inspections in accordance with the City and County of Denver International Fire Code requirements applicable codes

Challenge
Solution
Results

SOCOTEC delivered geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, special inspection, and building envelope expertise for the Waldorf Astoria Residences—the brand's first property in Colorado.

Key Information

Project name: Waldorf Astoria Residences Denver Cherry Creek
Client: Property Market Group
Location: Denver, Colorado
Services provided: Geotechnical Engineering, Subsurface Exploration, Construction Materials Testing (laboratory testing), Special Inspection, Vibration Monitoring, Building Envelope services

Talk to our experts

Brian GISI

Principal Engineer

Denver, CO

Principal Engineer

brian.gisi@socotec.us (303) 629 6000

Darbi KRUMPOS

Principal

Redmond, WA|Seattle, WA

Principal

darbi.krumpos@socotec.us +1 206 467 0054

The Challenge

Building Luxury on Complex Urban Terrain

The Waldorf Astoria Residences project marks the arrival of one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands in Colorado. Located in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood, this mixed-use building transforms a 0.9-acre urban site—previously occupied by residential structures—into a high-end development featuring 37 ultra-luxury condominiums, retail, and hospitality-inspired amenities.

The project includes the design and construction of a five-story structure with below-grade parking: retail, restaurant, concierge/lobby and general mechanical at ground level, and exclusive residences above, including penthouse units.

From a technical standpoint, several challenges had to be addressed:

Subsurface conditions, including relatively deep bedrock, required detailed subsurface exploration and analysis
The construction of a below-grade level introduced groundwater considerations and foundation design complexities
The installation of Geopier systems and general construction activities posed potential vibration risks to surrounding structures
The project’s high-end positioning demanded rigorous quality assurance for building envelope systems to ensure durability and performance
Compliance with local codes and standards, including the City and County of Denver requirements, was essential throughout construction

These factors required a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach aligned with SOCOTEC’s standards of technical excellence and risk management.

Integrated Expertise: From Foundation to Envelope

The Solution

SOCOTEC and Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, were retained by Property Market Group to provide a full suite of engineering and inspection services, supporting the project from early investigation through active construction.

Our team performed subsurface exploration, including the advancement of 4 borings across the site. Due to the below-grade level, one of the borings was converted to a temporary groundwater monitoring well.

Laboratory testing was performed on the samples obtained from the borings
A detailed geotechnical report was developed based on field and analytical data
Due to the relatively deep bedrock, it was recommended to support the structure on conventional spread footings underlain by a Geopier reinforced subgrade

We delivered construction materials testing and special inspection services to verify compliance with project specifications and regulatory requirements:

Earthwork and utility installation observations
Geopier installation monitoring
Concrete reinforcement and materials testing
Post-tensioned concrete inspections
Structural steel observations

Fireproofing inspections in accordance with the City and County of Denver International Fire Code requirements applicable codes

Due to the potential from vibration related damage to surrounding structures from the Geopier installation as well as the general construction, our instrumentation specialists implemented a vibration monitoring program:

Vibration monitoring was conducted between the closest nearby building/improvement and the vibration source during demolition and installation of aggregate piers
Measurements were evaluated against established thresholds from the United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Project-specific attenuation curves and tolerances were developed to ensure accurate assessment

Given the premium nature of the Waldorf Astoria brand, the performance of the building envelope was critical. SOCOTEC team was engaged to perform inspection and testing of building envelope systems, such as:

Glazing Systems: Windows and walls (including terrace doors), fixed windows, storefronts and entrances
Façade & Cladding Systems: Opaque wall systems (Cladding / Façade), metal panels, wood cladding
Roofing & Waterproofing: Occupied roofing / waterproofing, unoccupied roof
Specialty Systems (Soffits & Traffic Coatings): Soffits, EIFS soffit, traffic coating

Our services consist of providing quality assurance and special inspection services including job site monitoring of the building envelope systems work in progress for compliance of work with the Contract Documents and Approved Submittals. As a part of our services, our team will monitor field water tests that will be performed by the contractor for compliance with designs for installation.

The Results

A Landmark Achievement in Quality and Safety

Through a coordinated and technically rigorous approach, our teams are helping to ensure the successful execution of this landmark development.

Key outcomes include:

Reliable foundation design tailored to complex subsurface conditions
Controlled construction risks, including effective management of vibration impacts on neighboring properties
High-quality construction standards, supported by comprehensive testing and inspection
Enhanced building performance, particularly through detailed oversight of building envelope systems
Confidence for the client and stakeholders, backed by SOCOTEC’s integrated expertise

The Waldorf Astoria Residences Denver Cherry Creek now stands as a premier residential and retail destination, combining luxury living with robust engineering and construction oversight.