Shawmut Design and Construction, a national construction management firm valued at $2 billion, has acquired First Finish, a contractor specializing in full-service hotel renovations. This acquisition merges the strengths of both firms, enabling them to tackle large-scale, intricate hotel projects while also focusing on fast-tracked luxury interiors.
With a growing demand for updated rooms and amenities—especially across key markets such as New York, Los Angeles, South Florida, and Boston—this collaboration allows for a more comprehensive strategic evaluation of projects. Historically, extensive hotel renovations often require multiple contractors; however, Shawmut and First Finish can deliver a unified approach that addresses structural, infrastructure, public space, and room renovations efficiently.
“The integration of First Finish into Shawmut presents a uniquely comprehensive offering for our clients, delivering an all-in-one solution,” stated Les Hiscoe, CEO of Shawmut. “Our dedication to excellence in client service, execution, safety, and personnel aligns perfectly with First Finish’s ethos.”
Based in Columbia, MD, First Finish’s recently completed and active projects include notable locations such as W South Beach, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, The Shelborne by Proper in Miami Beach, and Sonesta Los Angeles Airport.
“Our growth has been driven by our specialized expertise, market insight, and a deep understanding of client needs,” remarked David Burman, president and founder of First Finish. “Joining Shawmut enables us to expand our capabilities and take on larger, more complex projects. The cultural alignment and complementary skills between our teams create a formidable, all-inclusive expert group.”
First Finish will maintain its own project pursuits alongside collaborations with Shawmut, and Burman will continue as president of First Finish. All employees of First Finish will join Shawmut, which is a 100% employee-owned organization.
Shawmut boasts a robust portfolio of hotel projects spanning 40 years, including prestigious sites like The Peninsula New York, Soho Warehouse, Hotel AKA Brickell, InterContinental New York Barclay, Nobu Ryokan, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina event center, and The Langham, Boston.
FMI Capital Advisors acted as financial advisor, while Venable LLP served as legal counsel for First Finish. Chartwell Financial Advisory provided financial advisory services, and Blank Rome LLP acted as legal counsel to Shawmut.
The article titled “Shawmut Design and Construction acquires First Finish” originally appeared on hotelbusiness.com.
