Shakman Hospitality LLC of Boca Raton is rushing to complete the renovation of the rooms and suites by mid-December, in time for the new tourist season. The room-suites renovation cost alone is $15 million. "We have assembled some of the best craftsmen and artisans in the world to complete the project on a fast-track basis," says Mark Isabelle, a Shakman principal. "Coordination of such a project in such a short period of time is a daunting task."

Philip Goldfarb, president and chief operating officer of Turnberry Associates, calls the new construction "a massive project that requires meticulous attention to detail under a very rigorous schedule." He says Shakman was selected because of the firm's expertise in renovating other world-class resorts in South Florida such as the Cheeca Lodge & Spa and the Brazilian Court Hotel.

The original tower at Fairmont Turnberry Resort was constructed in the mid-1970s. The most recent tower was completed in the mid-1990s. Turnberry had sold the resort after developing it but bought back the property last year.

The property is located midway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale International Airports. Goldfarb says the resort has received international media attention over the years for its golf facilities, Willow Stream spa, tennis, ocean beach club and fine dining amenities.