R.D. Olson Completes Construction of Popular Steakhouse

TROY, Mich.— R.D. Olson Construction has completed work on a new Morton’s of Chicago in Troy, Michigan.
While retaining the rich, tasteful image characteristic of all restaurants in the Morton chain, this particular steakhouse is designed specifically to draw in the hip, uptown bar crowd. Morton’s is located in downtown Troy at 888 W. Big Beaver Rd.
“We enjoy being part of Morton’s growth and progression in a new direction,” said Robert Olson, CEO/president, R.D. Olson Construction. “It’s always a complement when a client keeps coming back. ”

R.D. Olson Construction, an Irvine-based firm that specializes in hotels, restaurants and country clubs, has built six other steakhouses in the U.S. and Canada for Morton’s Restaurant Group. Olson served as the general contractor for the 7,400-square-foot facility at a project cost of $1.6 million.

Chicago-based Aumiller Youngquist, PC, designed the new restaurant. Dramatic style changes in the interior definitely play to its new intended audience. A large open bar lounge suitable for relaxed socializing replaced a small waiting area simply to provide for a place to wait until a table is ready. The typical Morton’s blue carpet has been replaced with wood flooring. And instead of the usual wood countertop, contemporary stonework brings in a fresh, modern appeal. Tall bar stools with tabletops gave way to new bench seating with long low tables. A corner of the countertop jets out into the lounge to create a trendy semi-circle with an inset ice bin, in which bottles of alcohol are displayed and customers served. Hanging rod light fixtures replaced the typical recessed illumination. And, wine lockers have glass door fronts instead of bronze mesh for better viewing.

The dining area too has found a new look, but only slightly. Here, the carpet is a dark green leaf pattern, not blue; colored paint adds vibrancy to the typical white walls; and alabaster light fixtures with leaf shaped glass takes the place of the traditional ceiling lighting as in other Morton’s.

Robert Olson founded R.D. Olson Construction in 1979. It has since grown into one of the largest general contracting companies in Orange County. The company has built establishments for such clients as Marriott, Hilton and Benihana to name a few. Current projects under construction include Union Station Village at Los Angeles Union Station; Marriott’s Shadow Ridge, Palm Desert; and Ocean Ranch shopping center, Laguna Niguel.