Honolulu, Hawaii--R. D. Olson Construction, specialists in hotels, restaurants and retail centers, has been contracted to build a Morton’s Steakhouse in one of the world’s busiest retail complexes, the Ala Moana Shopping Center. This is one of three Morton’s Steakhouses the Irvine-based construction firm is currently building for Morton’s Restaurant Group, Inc., a popular worldwide chain.

Olson will provide pre-construction and general contracting for the 8,000-square-foot steakhouse. Shea Architects, a Minneapolis, Minn.-based firm, is responsible for the design of the new Honolulu restaurant. It will resemble other Morton’s dining establishments throughout the country, which are characterized by wood paneling, custom lighting and a richly-furnished decor.

"We always construe it as a compliment when a company like Morton’s keeps returning to us for repeat business," said Dennis Reyling, president, R. D. Olson Construction. "We are dedicated to maintaining high standards of workmanship and relationships like this let us know the quality of our work is being recognized."

Groundbreaking of the 1.5 million project will begin on July 1, 2001. The steakhouse is expected to be completed November 1, 2001.

R.D. Olson Construction was founded by Robert Olson in 1979 and has since built such well-known establishments as Northpark Plaza, Irvine; Southern Highlands, Las Vegas, Nev.; Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas, Newport Beach; and Oak Creek Village Center, Irvine. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., R. D. Olson Construction is the twelfth largest company of its kind in Orange County with offices in Honolulu, Hawaii and Las Vegas, Nev.