Bold, unique and ambitious are words often used to describe Dave Anderson, the creative force behind Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-BQue and Rainforest Cafe restaurant chains. The same can now be said of his latest development, KeyLime Cove.

Located just 30 minutes north of Chicago in Gurnee, Illinois, KeyLime Cove is not just any old waterpark resort. It is a unique "island escape," with authentic details of a tropical paradise infused into every aspect of the development and brand experience.

"We have a tremendous amount of experience in designing and building waterpark resorts, but frankly, this one raised the bar for virtually every aspect of execution," said Tom Pientka, chief executive officer of PLANNING Design Build. Charged with bringing Anderson's brand vision to reality, Iconica was the master architect, engineer, builder and interior designer for the $135 million project.

"To pull off such an exacting experience – applying Dave's brand vision to literally every aspect of this development – required a completely new level of partnership," said Pientka. "Our design and construction teams worked in lockstep with Dave throughout the process, ensuring that every square inch of this development was on brand – from fundamental questions about the floor plan to intricate details like lighting and music."

The new destination resort, complete with a tropical-themed 65,000-square-foot waterpark and 414-room hotel, was built on a 30-acre site and also boasts six different dining options, an exciting arcade, a luxurious spa and retail shops. In spite of its size, scope and unique concept, the project was built in 15 months and was both on time and on budget.

"With KeyLime Cove, we wanted something truly unique. That required unique thinking, which was brought to the table by Iconica," said Anderson. "Their blend of designer and builder experience allows customers like me to be involved in every detail with a complete understanding of how everything would come together according to plan."

PLANNING Design Build, a leader in waterpark resort developments across the country, credits its success on projects of this magnitude to its innovative delivery system. Called True Design-Build™, Iconica's approach is the ultimate in integration, both within their own company's operations and in how they partner with their clients.

"Lots of companies these days are trying to position themselves as design-build firms, when the reality is that most still work in silos with little integration between functions," said Pientka. "At Iconica, we've worked hard to create a truly revolutionary model within our industry which allows us to deliver projects not just on time and on budget, but on brand as well. This means that we're able to create great spaces that capture the essence of the experience our client is trying to create."

The KeyLime Cove project faced a number of challenges along the way, including fifty-seven days of weather delays and economic and political challenges.

"I have been impressed with Iconica's attention to details, intense knowledge of the industry, and their commitment to relationship-building through constant communications," said Anderson. "Not to mention that they brought our job in on time and on budget, which is impressive considering all the government regulations, local political issues, labor concerns and the overall challenge of pulling off a project of this size and scope."

Anderson already has plans to add 200 hotel rooms, expand the indoor waterpark by 35,000 square feet and add a 60,000-square-foot outdoor waterpark. In addition, Anderson is looking to expand the KeyLime Cove brand to several major metropolitan areas. His plans are to have 20 across the country in the next 10 years.

About Iconica
Iconica, formerly PLANNING Design Build, is a pioneer in the resort waterpark industry, reinventing what it means to be a True Design-Build firm. Founded in 1973, the company's commitment to integration began in 1994, and has been manifested in successful projects across the country.

Iconica's standard services include complete in-house architectural, interior design, structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical engineering and general contracting services. As an innovator, the firm also provides a wealth of unique services, including pre-construction Iconica, business Iconica and branded spaces Iconica.

About KeyLime Cove Water Resort
KeyLime Cove Water Resort is the vision of Dave Anderson, the creative force behind Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que and Rainforest Cafe restaurant chains, and is the flagship and prototype of what will be a worldwide resort organization. The consulting and public accounting firm Virchow Krause Capital, LLC of Madison, WI, secured financing for the project.