How Tikal Delivered 55 Custom Planters in 6 Weeks — So a Marriott Hotel Could Open on Time
Canal House of Georgetown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel — Washington, D.C.
The Project
Canal House of Georgetown is a boutique Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel nestled in one of Washington D.C.'s most storied neighborhoods, steps from the historic C&O Canal. The property blends modern design with its building's historic character — and like any high-end hospitality opening, every detail of the exterior and landscape had to be exactly right before the doors opened.
That included 55 custom planters.
The Challenge: 8 Weeks to Opening, Planters Required for Certificate of Occupancy
When general contractor Nauset Construction reached out to Tikal, the hotel's opening was 8 weeks away. The planters weren't just an aesthetic choice — they were part of the approved stormwater management plan, which meant they were required to obtain the certificate of occupancy. No planters, no opening.
The problem: the planter brand originally specified by the landscape architect — Tournesol Siteworks' Wilshire series — carried an 18-week lead time. That wasn't a delay. That was a dealbreaker.
Nauset needed an alternative. Fast.
The Solution: A Seamless Substitution, Approved in Days
We worked directly with the landscape contractor, Complete Landscaping, to prepare everything needed for a smooth approval: full submittal documents, color-matched physical samples, and detailed shop drawings — all provided to demonstrate a true like-for-like substitution.
The landscape architect approved Tikal's products as an equivalent without friction.
The scope: 55 custom planters — 47 in fiberglass for the upper levels, and 8 in lightweight GFRC concrete for the ground level per the landscape plan.
The Delivery: On Schedule, Ahead of Schedule
Tikal committed to a 6-week ship date. We beat our own timeline, delivering a partial shipment at the 4-week mark so the landscaping team could begin installation immediately.