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Archive for the ‘Live’ Category

Gen Z ‘country club’ Society Park to bring sports and luxury to former Wyndham site

A third project has been announced for the former Wyndham Orlando Resort property at 8001 International Drive.

Society Park, a sports and entertainment complex, signed a lease with Chuck Whittall’s Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. and New York-based Flag Luxury Group this year, and is working on setting a date for groundbreaking, said Vice President of Development Nayrouz Olarte.

Society Park will develop its complex on 2.4 acres of the former Wyndham property, a fraction of the overall 42-acre site undergoing a large-scale transformation. Whittall previously told Orlando Business Journal he intended the development to be “very dense,” a description that matches what we now know about the site.

In addition to Society Park, an InterContinental hotel will be one component of Unicorp’s mixed-use redevelopment of the property on International Drive. Further, sources with knowledge of the deal said a Kimpton Resorts & Hotels outpost —another one of IHG’s luxury brands — also will be built on the site.

A rendering of Society Park’s exterior
Aleskovsky Architecture + Interiors

Olarte described Society Park as a “Gen Z country club” — a modern take on the traditional model. The complex will blend sports, dining, shopping and entertainment, with nine padel courts, one exhibition court, two children’s courts and three pickleball courts.

Padel, a fast-growing sport, has seen rapid adoption in the U.S. The number of courts here grew from 180 in 2022 to 454 in 2023 — a 152% increase, according to Austin-based Padel Dynasty.

Planned amenities include a pro shop and spa. The entire project totals 92,531 square feet.

Two restaurants are planned, one 6,000 square feet and the larger 12,000 square feet. Though the names and details of the restaurants have not been announced, Olarte said one will be a fusion dining concept brought by a well-known Orlando restaurant group.

The larger restaurant will be 8,000 square feet on bottom floor and 4,000 square feet on a rooftop mezzanine.

“We want to bring more flare to International Drive, not just franchise names,” Olarte said.

Society Park is targeting a soft opening in April 2026. Construction will be led by Orlando-based Build Ventures, headed up by CEO Kait Doulou. Orlando’s Moxie Brands, led by founder and CEO Angela Robbins, is managing brand strategy and partnerships. Olarte noted that women were selected intentionally to lead several key aspects of the project, including construction and marketing.

Finfrock Construction LLC is the design/build contractor for the broader redevelopment at 8001 International Drive.

The complex will offer exclusive memberships, luxury amenities, sponsorships and professional tournaments. Society Park also plans to collaborate with local companies on corporate events. Leveraging Orlando’s reputation as a leading sports destination, the team aims to make the city a hub for international padel tournaments, said Olarte.

Society Park’s leadership also includes CEO Giovanny Olarte and Chief Financial Officer Francisco Levine. Giovanny Olarte is known for his prior leadership at Orlando’s Icon Park as director of events and alliances.

“We’re showing the renderings at this early stage because we want people to know this project is higher end than what you might expect of padel courts, which sometimes can be just a container in the back of a parking lot.,” said Nayrouz Olarte. “We’re being very selective about the restaurants coming in because we’re supportive of the local food scene. I love what everybody’s doing and want to bring that to International Drive.”

Travel + Leisure – The Most Luxurious New Hotels in the World

Among Travel + Leisure’s editor-selected 100 best new hotels, these 15 are the most expensive—each will run you more than $1,300 a night. In return, you’ll get some of the wildest, most luxurious travel experiences in the world, including a fantastical stay in Austria’s Tyrolean Alps, a South African safari lodge with a first-of-its-kind aerial cable car, and a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on a remote Saudi Arabian archipelago that just opened to travelers.

 

Cheval Blanc Seychelles

clean hotel room with white accessories and large sliding wall to bathroom

This 115-island nation in the Indian Ocean just welcomed the LVMH hotel brand’s first African outpost. Cheval Blanc Seychelles does away with the expected thatched-roof aesthetic in favor of 52 modern-looking villas, with one to five bedrooms each, by celebrated designer Jean-Michel Gathy (Aman New York; Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore). I stayed in a sleek villa painted bone white, with views of aquamarine waves, a 41-foot-long pool, and an outdoor shower I shared with a giant snail one day and a pair of curious geckos the next. The minimalist main lodge has chic lounges, two infinity pools, and four of the hotel’s five elegant restaurants. The fifth, Mizumi, is on the waterfront, serving East Asian dishes including dim sum and excellent sushi in a historic cottage. The Guerlain Spa has a hammam and eight hillside cabanas, each with different design touches: a quartz massage table in one, mother-of-pearl walls covering another. Doubles from $2,500.? —Travis Levius

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The Emory, London

interior bar with warm lighting and tall windows with 360 views

As I approached The Emory—a new hotel from the hospitality group behind London’s iconic Claridge’s and The Connaught—I anticipated some fanfare: a top-hat-donning doorman, a chandelier-lit lobby, slick signage. But I found nothing of the sort; discretion is one of the hotel’s many luxuries. The Emory is quietly tucked inside a glass-and-steel building from architect Richard Rogers, who designed Paris’s Centre Pompidou, a detour from the typical white-stucco façades that line the rest of London’s Belgravia neighborhood. The hotel lies right next to Hyde Park, and you won’t soon forget it: The 61 rooms—between 600 and 3,000 square feet—have floor-to-ceiling windows peering over the Royal Park. Every two floors are the vision of a different designer, including Pierre Yves Rochon (The Savoy) and Alexandra Champalimaud (Raffles Singapore). My husband, son, and I stayed in the André Fu-designed Hyde Park Balcony Suite, and we happily made ourselves at home: My 1-year-old son giggled as he shuffled from the massive closet to the sprawling, spa-like bathroom during a rousing round of hide-and-seek, my husband helped himself to the complimentary in-suite snacks, I flipped through a coffee table book while lounging on the curved, cream-colored sofa, and the three of us together enjoyed a gorgeous breakfast spread in the dining room every morning.

Other exclusive amenities include a rooftop bar with all of London on display; a private cigar bar with moody lighting; complimentary airport transfers via black car or helicopter (the latter for those arriving by private jet to nearby airfields); and Surrenne, a four-floor members’ club with a spa. Much of the property feels hush-hush, but Jean-George Vongerichten’s ground-floor ABC Kitchens restaurant—the chef’s first U.K. outpost—is delightfully humming with chatter from both locals and guests sharing colorful, plant-forward plates (rainbow beet carpaccio, roasted cauliflower dusted with red zhug) that nicely complement the bright Damien Hirst artwork splashed all over the walls. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $2,043. Alisha Prakash

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Eriro, Tyrol, Austria

distant view of a wooden lodge in the mountains

Bärig, a dialectical German word rarely used beyond western Austria, means “wonderful.” It’s the perfect description for Eriro, a luxurious nine-room lodge perched on a meadow in Austria’s Tyrolean Alps. Its surroundings are glorious, with mountains all around; to the north is the Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany, which straddles the border with Austria. Owned by three local families, Eriro aims to protect the fragile Alpine ecosystem; No new construction is permitted in these meadows, so the lodge is technically a re-building, on the site of a derelict old inn painstakingly dismantled so that the old wood could be reclaimed and used in Eriro’s ceiling paneling.

Though the lodge’s exterior is classic Alpine chalet, the interior is strikingly modern, with hand-hewn pine furniture and enormous picture windows. Nearly everything the kitchen serves, except the coffee and some wine, comes from within a 50-mile radius; Since there’s no citrus, for instance, foraged berries provide acidity, and the juice on the breakfast table is apple and quince. In the craft room, a local artisan offers wood-carving lessons. Even the spa’s massage oil is house-made, with herbs gathered from the nearby woods. The warm welcome and cozy vibes of Eriro are perhaps best embodied by the thick socks hand-knit from local wool that are given to every guest on arrival. Doubles from $1,696, including all meals. Jeff Chu

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Few & Far Luvhondo, South Africa

aerial view of outdoor dining space surrounded by green trees

A carbon-neutral lodge carved into South Africa’s remote Soutpansberg mountain range, Few & Far Luvhondois close to the country’s border with Zimbabwe. The hotel, by the founders of the U.S. glamping empire Under Canvas, has just six suites—all solar-powered and decorated with local art—plus a spa and a farm that grows produce used at Luvhondo’s restaurant (including its excellent arugula pesto). The resort’s showstopper is a solar-powered cable car—with an onboard bar. The game drives are also spectacular; my favorite moment was stalking leopards and identifying their elusive tracks in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. Doubles from $1,800 per person, all-inclusive.? Carrie Honaker

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Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol, Mexico

stone staircase leading down towards a beach at sunset
Erin Agostinelli/Travel+Leisure

When I arrived in Los Cabos, six months pregnant with my second child and away from my toddler for the first time, I desperately needed a break. The thoughtful, extra-attentive staff put me at ease immediately; Never was I in need of water, a fresh towel, or a sunscreen refill. This must be how my toddler feels every day, I thought, as I sat in my private cabana at the adults-only infinity pool, staring into the cerulean water just beyond. The 96-room Four Seasons Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol occupies a prime piece of real estate along the Baja California coast, known for its beautiful, rugged beaches and active marine life. I visited just weeks shy of the humpback whale migration season, much to my dismay. But thanks to the guides at the beachside 360° Baja Adventure Center, who fitted me with flippers and helped me waddle into the waves, I was able to spot schools of tropical fish while snorkeling right off the beach. The suite I shared with my husband had a wraparound balcony with a private plunge pool, where I spent each morning, drinking my coffee and watching the sun rise over the Sea of Cortez, and where, on the last night, I saw a gigantic humpback whale jump from the water. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $1,500. Erin Agostinelli

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Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing

interior garden space with green tree and building surrounding the open area

Brochure phrases such as “authentic experiences” and “living like a local” have become clichés, with every urban hotel claiming to immerse its guests in the surrounding community. Few, however, deliver on that promise quite as literally as the new Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing, the brand’s second outpost in the Chinese capital. Scattered around a traditional hutong neighborhood on the fringe of central Beijing’s Forbidden City, the hotel’s 42 courtyard suites alternate with local homes along the hutong‘s stone-paved alleys. Here, your neighbors aren’t other hotel guests, but real Beijingers going about their daily lives.

The suites take over meticulously renovated courtyard houses and blend heritage with high design: under their century-old wooden ceiling beams, they feature marble-clad bathrooms, plush living rooms furnished with contemporary Chinese art, and beds framed in gorgeous headboards from brass and silk embroidery. The communal areas are similarly woven throughout the district. The lobby, set in a gingerbread-trimmed siheyuan courtyard building on the hutong‘s perimeter, doubles as an afternoon tea lounge, and connects to a village-like wellness center with a Chinese tea house, spa, and courtyard for qi yuan gong baths. One alley over, Yan Garden by chef Fei deals in fine Cantonese and Chaozhou specialities such as butter-smooth pork char siu and deep-fried fish maw. The hotel’s perch connects guests to Beijing’s courtyard culture, weaving amid local dumpling joints and ni hao-nodding centenarians. This isn’t just a fresh addition to the city’s already star-studded hotel lineup, but a bold experiment that radically redefines what a hotel can be. Doubles from $1,777. —Chris Schalkx 

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Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A pool at a resort on Costa Rica's Peninsula Papagayo

I spent my first evening at Nekajui—the Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s newest hotel, on Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo—halfway down a cliff at a tented tree house bar. The sunset had turned the whole sky a dark pink, the same color as my cocktail, a Negroni sbagliato madewith hibiscus and mango leaf concentrate. These views are par for the course at the 107-room cliffside resort. The next day, I loaded my eight-month-old son into the glass elevator, which takes guests down to Niri Beach Club, narrating the view to him as we descended; We could see azure water lapping against a half moon–shaped cove. At the beach club, we grabbed a wicker couch overlooking the water, where we slurped eagerly from baby coconuts and shared tapas (mashed Spanish tortilla for him, wood-fired prawns and pan con tomate for me). There’s a bevy of excursions on Peninsula Papagayo that guests can book at Nekajui’s Explorers Club—zip lining, hiking, snorkeling, and ATV off-roading included. But we caught most of our thrills at the resort, navigating the suspension bridge that connects fine-dining Peruvian restaurant Puna to more out-of-the-way suites, lazing in a poolside cabana, visiting the spa to try all the jets in Central America’s largest hydrotherapy pool, and walking down to the beach to feel the warm water on our toes. Doubles from $2,390. Maya Kachroo-Levine

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Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Saudi Arabia

room with a curved ceiling with wooden bone structure with tall windows letting sunlight in

On a remote archipelago off Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East fulfils every desert island fantasy: Nujuma’s pearl-white sands could have been scooped from the Seychelles, and its calm, turquoise shallows stolen from Zanzibar, Mauritius, or the Andaman isles. But don’t be fooled: it’s all natural and all Saudi Arabian. From Neyrah Spa’s moringa oil used for massages to Tabrah restaurant’s fresh sea bream (served still sizzling from the coals), Nujuma champions Saudi-sourced ingredients. The resort opened in May 2024, just a few months after the region first opened to tourism. Before that, the islands—reached by a 30-minute speedboat ride from the mainland—had been frequented only by fishermen.

As a first-time visitor to Saudi, I was captivated by Nujuma’s insights into the nation’s culture. Its in-house experts offer cultural insight via informal Q&As, while tours include diving on the Red Sea’s pristine reef, planting mangroves, and stargazing with a local astrophysicist. Under a velvet-black sky, I was spellbound by Habib Bafeil’s tales of how ancient seafarers used the stars to navigate—and I returned to my villa to find a telescope set up beside my private pool. With only the sea breeze for company, I explored the full moon’s craters in breathtaking detail. The resort’s 63 villas, designed by Foster + Partners, are spacious, shell-inspired domes, one of which is adapted for wheelchairs (and the entire resort is step-free). They’re scattered across the beach and overwater promenade, laden with luxuries, like butler service, Diptyque toiletries, and sea views from bed. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $2,133. Hazel Plush

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Ovo Patagonia, Argentina

four metal pods attached to the mountain side

The journey to this collection of four egg-shaped capsules suspended 885 feet up a cliff is an adventure in itself. After arriving at El Chaltén, a town at the north entrance of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, I transferred to Estancia Bonanza, where a 4 x 4 took me to the reception house of Ovo Patagonia. From there, a guide accompanied me on a short hike to the base camp to relax awhile before setting out on a via ferrata climbing trail up to my sleeping pod. Each has three levels: an entryway with a living room and bathroom; an upper-level bedroom; and a lower portion with a glass bottom that reveals the earth below. It’s a thrilling place to spend a night. A staffer delivers everyone a dinner of beef tenderloin or trout; after that, all that’s left to do is soak up the panoramic views of landmarks like Mount Fitz Roy, a legendary 11,000-foot peak—and watch the stars come out. Doubles from $1,600. —Cristóbal Palma

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Peter Island Resort, British Virgin Islands

aerial view of resort houses and pool surrounded by lush green mountains at the waterfront

Days are slow and sun-baked atPeter Island Resort, which was damaged in Hurricane Irma in 2017 and has now been restored. Most of the 52 rooms are on Deadman’s Beach, with sliding glass doors that open right onto the sand. Mine had its own kitchen, but I loved eating in the hotel’s two restaurants: the Drake, a classic steak house, and the more casual, open-air Drunken Pelican, which serves jerk chicken wings, roti stuffed with curried chicken, and a potent Painkiller, the BVI’s famed rum drink. The resort has five beaches; my favorite was White Bay, a powdery stretch I had all to myself for a blissful afternoon of snorkeling and sunbathing. The concierge can organize excursions to nearby islands like Virgin Gorda, but I stayed put, hiking the Sunset Loop trail around the island and soaking in my private hot tub. Doubles from $1,000. Sophie Dodd

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The Ranch Hudson Valley, New York

An estate style hotel entrance with high ceilings and large columns

Malibu, California’s The Ranch—the renowned luxury health and wellness retreat from husband-and-wife duo Sue and Alex Glasscock—has grown a cult-following over the last decade. Who can say if it’s the daily massage, the scenic hikes, or the organic plant-based meals, but something about the restorative program offers a welcome respite from reality. In April 2024, the brand opened its very first East Coast location in Sloatsburg, New York, just a little over an hour’s drive from Manhattan. The Hudson Valley offering is set within a newly renovated, historic 40,000-square-foot estate originally built in 1902. When I arrived on a sunny day in early June, I noticed detailed trimmings along the high ceilings, a light-filled grand staircase, and marble-tiled floors. New York design firm SR Gambrel curated a palette of nature-inspired colors for the 25 rooms and common spaces, like the living and game rooms, the Nancy Meyers-esque dining room, and my favorite spot, the gym that was once a ballroom. There’s also an outdoor pool, sprawled in full view of Sheppard Pond, which is open in the warmer months. While the setting certainly made me feel like royalty, it’s the signature Ranch programming, available for three-night, four-day stays at minimum, that takes the experience to the next level. Each day at this opulent sleepaway camp for adults goes a little something like this: 5:30 a.m. wakeup, morning stretch, group breakfast; 7:30 a.m. hike in the Hudson Valley on a nearby trail prescouted by our hiking guides. Following either a two- or four-hour hike, guests return to a whiteboard schedule where they can choose which yoga or workout class they want to sign up for, and find their daily massage time. After my daily massage, I would often choose to unwind in the 5,000 square-foot solarium featuring an indoor heated pool, hot and cold plunges, and an infrared sauna. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $2,955 per person for a minimum three-night stay. Jess Feldman

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Soneva Secret, Maldives

hut sitting on water with a water slide leading into the ocean and outdoor pool attached

When it opened in the remote Makunudhoo Atoll, the hotly anticipated Soneva Secret became the fourth Soneva resort across the Maldives and Thailand. With just 14 palatial beach and overwater villas (its first-of-its-kind floating villa is still under construction), each accommodation has a gym, spa room, one or two bedrooms, a kitchen, and endless places to bask in the Maldivian breeze. I’ve been to 40 resorts in the Maldives, but I’ve never seen a program like Soneva Secret’s private chef concept, where guests choose a cuisine, and a chef with deep ties to its food comes to your villa and cooks a multi-course meal. During my stay, I requested Chinese, Italian, and Japanese, digging into fresh Maldivian sashimi for lunch and al dente prawn pasta for dinner. Soneva Secret also has three restaurants, including an overwater spot called Out Of This World, where adventurous guests arrive for a multi-course European fusion feast via the country’s longest zipline, and The Living Room restaurant, with Soneva’s beloved ice cream and chocolate room opposite its decadent charcuterie and cheese room. Still, I took most of my meals in my villa, where sustainably sourced light timber interiors, reclaimed metal finishes, and petrified wood counters decorated my thatched-roof escape. I made good use of the main bedroom’s retractable roof and fell asleep under the stars. Doubles from $5,800. —Katie Lockhart

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The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, Florida

Aerial view of the pool complex at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

Set on 18 acres overlooking the sun-kissed shores of Sarasota’s longest barrier island, St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is a 168-room destination in its own right. There’s a welcoming buzz all over the property—most notably in the lobby, where guests are greeted by daily live entertainment and a full-service bar. Another popular hangout spot is the main pool area with an adjacent Polynesian-themed bar and a lazy river connected to a grotto with a hot tub. Guests soaking in the grotto’s hot tub can press a button and get a glass of Champagne delivered. The resort’s 26 oceanfront suites, ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, are sleek and modern with fully furnished living rooms and balconies with beautiful views of the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico. There are seven restaurants, but I especially loved dining at CW Prime, a high-end steakhouse with an exclusive speakeasy lounge, and at rooftop Oshen, serving seafood with Japanese- and Peruvian-inspired flavors. Other on-site amenities include a 500,000-gallon saltwater lagoon where guests can snorkel among tropical fish and feed stingrays, as well as a 20,000-foot spa complete with hydrotherapy circuits and an infinity pool. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $3,000. Annie Archer

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Voaara Madagascar

A guest room at a luxury hotel in Madagascar

On the 90-minute drive from the airstrip on Sainte-Marie, a low-key island off the northeast coast of Madagascar, to Voaara resort, the hum of village life gave way to an empty, palm-fringed coast and eventually a sign that read, “Last Stop Before Paradise.” Spread over 100 acres of jungle, with a pearly-white beachfront, Voaara’s secluded setting feels like a utopian private island. The opening marks owner Philippe Kjellgren’s (the founder of the Kiwi Collection) foray into a new brand of barefoot luxury, designed for guests who want to fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves, dine with their toes in the sand, and rinse off from the sea in a jungle-shrouded outdoor shower. “It’s not for everyone,” Kjellgren admitted. But it was certainly for me. Seven bungalows and a three-bedroom villa are steps from the sand, and all feature driftwood beams collected from nearby beaches, funky raffia lighting, and oversized landscape prints from Madagascan photographer Pierrot Men. Guests can snorkel the vibrant house reefs, whale watch with the resident marine biologist, and learn to wing foil with pro surfer Willow Hardy. Kjellgren drew on his favorite touches from some 2,000 hotels he’s visited to inform the property’s whimsical experiences, like a sushi dinner followed by stargazing in the Bird’s Nest, a wood-clad tower topped with an observatory. (Future Voaara locations are also planned for the Caribbean and Rwanda.) I’d say, paradise found. Doubles from $1,300. Jen Murphy

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Wilderness Bisate Reserve, Rwanda

Guest lodging at a reserve in Rwanda

The main lodge at Wilderness Bisate Reserve, located outside of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, is a near-perfect replica of a royal Rwandan residence, with a towering thatched roof, a crackling fireplace, and an emerald bar. All this is before you even get to your own palatially appointed quarters. The reserve has just four en-suite villas, accommodating a maximum of eight people; each includes a lounge area, fully stocked kitchen, and bar. In the bedroom, guests will find a roaring fireplace, a soaking tub, and a rainfall shower, along with a wood-burning hot tub with a view of the verdant hillside on the terrace. An unforgettable gorilla trek is almost certainly on the agenda, but guests can also tack on a hike to see the golden monkeys swing between the trees and take part in a number of on-site sustainability activities, including planting a tree to help in its effort to reforest the surrounding land. Doubles from $3,200 per person, all-inclusive. Stacey Leasca

Unicorp’s Sutton Lakes gains momentum with new 208-unit apartment plans

The next phase of the $400 million mixed-residence Sutton Lakes development is moving forward.

Sutton Grande will be a 208-unit apartment complex at 14331 Avalon Road in Winter Garden as part of the 125-acre Sutton Lakes PD, according to plans submitted to Orange County.

The plans were submitted by engineering firm VHB and William Bejarano, development manager for property owner Unicorp National Developments. Bejarano said he’s confident construction will begin in fourth-quarter 2025.

The complex will feature three four-story buildings of 22,090 square feet, 18,705 square feet and 36,681 square feet, respectively.

The Four Corners-area Sutton Lakes project will include about 200 single-family homes and townhomes and more than 500 apartments. Orlando-based Park Square Homes bought 80 acres for $27.2 million in February to begin planning for the homes portion.

Bejarano said another apartment complex with more than 300 units is planned for the southwest corner of the development. He did not have a budget for the Sutton Grande, but Unicorp President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal previously that he believes the entire multifamily portion of Sutton Lakes will cost roughly $200 million.

The Sutton Lakes site is near Horizon West, where Park Square is building a 260-unit apartment complex through its commercial arm, Kimaya Real Estate.

Meanwhile, Whittall, the developer behind O-Town West, has more than $700 million in projects he is advancing this year, including multifamily projects Elysian at Horizon West, the Selene at Lake Nona, and phases 2 and 3 of Glasshouse at O-Town.

There were 12,937 new multifamily units delivered in 2024 with another 15,395 in the pipeline, according to analytics firm CoStar Group. The average rent in metro Orlando is $1,790 per month, down 0.5% from the previous year.

Mike Tyson buys luxury condos in Orlando

The former heavyweight champion of the world is putting the City Beautiful in his corner.

Mike Tyson bought two condo units in the Ritz-Carlton Residences Orlando Grande Lakes for a combined $4.5 million from an entity tied to Unicorp National Developments, which owns the property, in deals which closed Feb. 25, according to a deed filed with Orange County.

Orlando Business Journal was not able to determine reliable contact information for Mike Tyson to confirm the sale with him. The deed and two mortgages from Foundation Mortgage Corporation include the boxer’s full name, Michael Gerard Tyson, as well as that of his wife, Lakiha.

Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp, also confirmed the sale and the buyer to OBJ.

Found off Central Florida Parkway, the waterfront Ritz-Carlton includes a full-service spa and salon, a golf club, water sports and 11 restaurants and bars. Floor plans for the two-story residences come in three- and four-bedroom models.

Tyson also recently spent $13 million on a property in Delray Beach, according to reports.

Tyson joins a long list of athletes who have bought homes in Central Florida. Former Red Sox and Yankees star Johnny Damon‘s Windermere residence was put on the market in 2023 for $30 million.

Other out-of-town sports stars in Orlando’s real estate market include NBA star Steph Curry, golfer Tiger Woods and the Patriots’ Matthew Judon. Orlando Magic players such as Shaquille O’NealTerrence Ross and Mo Bamba have also had significant real estate deals in the area.

Chuck Whittall’s $400M Sutton Lakes ramps up

A $400 million, 125-acre residential development in the Four Corners area is ramping up for construction after a local homebuilder’s land purchase.

Orlando-based Park Square Homes bought roughly 80 vacant acres in Sutton Lakes, a planned community from Unicorp National Developments, in southwest Orange County.

Park Square bought the land off Avalon Road, just north of U.S. Highway 192, from Westgate Resorts LTD for $27.23 million in a deal that closed Feb. 4, according to Orange County records.

Engineers Kimley-Horn & Associates also filed requests with the county on behalf of the land owner to make revisions to the planned zoning for the project, notably reducing permission for 61 townhomes to 48 units.

Park Square is planning for approximately 200 attached and detached single-family homes, with construction slated to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

“Sutton Lakes will offer homebuyers an incredible opportunity to be part of this vibrant community,” said Keith Hurand, Park Square’s president and COO. “With a prime location near Disney, Horizon West and top-rated schools, along with stunning views of Rexford Lake, this neighborhood is designed to meet the growing demand for quality homes in the area.”

Unicorp is also planning to build roughly 500 apartments across the remaining 40-plus acres, according to Unicorp President Chuck Whittall. He said the budget for the multifamily development will be close to $200 million, with another $200 million for the homes.

The Sutton Lakes site is near Horizon West, where Park Square is building a 260-unit apartment complex through its commercial arm, Kimaya Real Estate.

Meanwhile, Whittall, the developer behind O-Town West, has more than $700 million in projects that he is advancing this year, including multifamily projects Elysian at Horizon West, the Selene at Lake Nona, and phases 2 and 3 of Glasshouse at O-Town.

The developer changing the feel of Apopka, plus 4 more real estate game changers for 2025

chuck whittall

Chuck Whittall

President, Unicorp National Developments

Why he’s important: It’s almost hard to overstate the impact Whittall and Unicorp have had on the Central Florida landscape. O-Town West, Icon Park, The Dellagio in Dr. Phillips, Uptown Altamonte, The Gardens of Ravaudage and dozens of projects big and small that have come to shape the character of the region flow from Whittall’s firm. In 2025, Unicorp has over $2 billion in committed projects, such as breaking ground on the 700-room Intercontinental Hotel at Sand Lake Road and International Drive.

What’s happening in his industry: Interest rates over the past two years have hampered multifamily construction around the country. As those rates are coming down, Whittall is jumping with both feet into apartment projects in 2025, including the 100-acre Sutton Lakes near Kissimmee that will feature hundreds of single-family homes and townhomes as well as 500 apartments. Other projects include the Elysian at Horizon West, the Selene at Lake Nona, and phases 2 and 3 of Glasshouse at O-Town.

Benchmarks for 2025: Whittall wants to begin work on the long-anticipated Tao Hotel at O-Town and various restaurants. Out of the state, Whittall said he has 30 projects in the Ohio Valley area set to start construction next year.

Quotable: “My outlook for 2025 is very positive. I believe interest rates will continue to come down and we will get a little relief on construction pricing and things will start to happen again in our community.”

Daryl Carter
Daryl Carter, president, Maury L. Carter & Associates
Jim Carchidi

Daryl Carter

President/broker, Maury L. Carter & Associates

Why he’s important: A driving force behind the 2,400-acre, $165.5 million land deal in Lake County 10 minutes outside of Walt Disney World, Carter is both the namesake and the reason for the Daryl Carter Parkway Interchange at I-4 and Apopka Vineland Road set to open in 2025. In a partnership with Orange County, Carter put together an assemblage of 198 acres for the overpass parkway and sold it for $130 million. Additionally, Carter’s company, with Celebration-based Dowd Properties, has assembled 34 acres south of Orlando International Airport for the highly anticipated Bennett Place, a mixed-use project that will see the start of its first shopping center next year.

What’s happening in his industry: Carter’s land brokerage is poised in Lake and Osceola counties and beyond to capture much of the incoming growth to Central Florida. His company is handling the site selection for projects by Encompass Health, one of the largest physical rehabilitative hospital corporations nationwide, and is working on economic development projects with Orlando Health, AdventHealth, Lake Sumter State College and the UCF South Lake campus in Clermont.

Benchmarks for 2025: Carter is expanding the boundaries of his business with three major land investments in the Nashville, Tennessee, area and closer to home with investments in Ocala and the city of Alachua.

Quotable: “I am optimistic for 2025. Florida replaced New York as the third most populous state in the U.S. Folks will continue to move to Florida. In addition to population growth, there is significant wealth relocating to Florida. Our young workforce, low tax, pro-business environment, great weather and natural beauty of our state create a favorable environment for businesses and families.”


If Apopka is one day seen as a model of dense, urbanist development with walkable neighborhoods, public squares and shopping centers, a lot of the credit will belong to Tony Benge.

As president of Orlando-based Benge Development Corp., Benge has had his eye on the Orlando suburb for decades. “Apopka has been on the radar since the company we hired in 1994 to be our landscaping company had part of their nursery in Apopka taken by the Expressway Authority for State Road 429 right-of-way.”

That land formed the beginning of the $500 million Floridian Town Center, a 65-acre, mixed-use development that will include 600 apartments, retail and industrial space, as well as a hotel by Huntsville, Alabama-based Doradus Partners.

The Floridian Town Center is only one of Benge’s projects in the area. Across the street, he’s developing the 202-acre Crossroads at Kelly Park, where national homebuilder Dream Finders has started construction on the first round of single-family homes and Benge is developing a 300-unit apartment complex. Elsewhere in the city, Benge is developing more multifamily properties and retail space on 40 acres he bought from Tyler Crusades Inc.

Benge’s developments have attracted more interest to the area as well, such as the 255-acre Wyld Oaks, which is scheduled to bring in 4,000 residences. All told, Apopka has more than 15,000 new residential units and 14 million square feet of industrial and commercial space in the works, with much of it coming — directly or indirectly — from Benge.

But the numbers don’t capture the totality of these plans, the parks, common squares and village centers, the trails and walkable streets set to transform the feel of the sleepy, rural suburb.

Benge said he has locked down core tenants for Crossroads and the Tyler Crusades property, which he has yet to reveal. “These will be very well received and should promote additional growth.”

Benge expects 2025 to be not the culmination of a plan, but the beginning of the next era of plans. “We will see multifamily and retail become priorities as the demand is pent up and new space is desperately needed, especially in Apopka. Single-family will continue to be strong so it should be all the right economic conditions for a great four-year run for real estate.”


Alberto Vargas
Alberto Vargas, manager, Orange County Planning Division
Orange County Government

Alberto Vargas

Manager, planning division, Orange County

Why he’s important: In terms of changing the game, it’s hard to imagine anything will have the impact of Orange County’s Vision 2050 and Orange Code, the new building codes and development plans that will guide the county’s growth management for the next 25 years. Set to be unveiled in spring, the new codes spearheaded by Vargas will update zoning rules that have been on the books since the 1950s and a comprehensive plan that was adopted in 1991.

What’s happening in his industry: Amendments passed by voters in November gave Orange County greater control over annexations by municipalities and development in the rural boundaries on the east and west sides of the county. On top of this, metro Orlando is tackling a shortage of affordable housing options for local workers. Vargas is attempting to craft a code that will handle an anticipated 500,000 additional residents in the next two decades and encourage a wider mix of housing types in targeted sectors around the county.

Benchmarks for 2025: Releasing Vision 2050 and Orange Code, which were due to be released in fall of 2024, will mark the culmination of five years of planning.

Quotable: “We wouldn’t have gotten where we are today without an incredible amount of public outreach, ensuring diverse voices in the county were heard and woven into the fabric of the comprehensive plan. Everyone owns this. This is our collective future. This is history in the making.”


jdouglas

Jaime Douglas, CEO, Montierre Development
Montierre Development

Jaime Douglas

 

CEO/owner, Montierre Development

Why he’s important: Ocoee has seen a lot of the growth pouring into Central Florida, and the city has responded with a series of projects that provide new residents with places to live, work and play. The largest of these is The Dynasty, a 159-acre sports complex from Hobe Sound-based Montierre Development. The brainchild of CEO Jaime Douglas, the $1 billion project is expected to create 9,800 short-term jobs, 5,000 permanent jobs, and have an annual economic impact of $540 million a year.

What’s happening in his industry: Metro Orlando was named the No. 1 market for sports tourism in 2024. The Dynasty is capitalizing on this designation by including 1,100 hotel rooms to serve the athletes and their families visiting its 17 multipurpose sports fields. The massive complex, which will be designed by infrastructure firm Aecom, also will feature 500,000 square feet of commercial space with retail, restaurants and even more sports arenas indoors.

Benchmarks for 2025: The main goal for the next year, according to Douglas, is to break ground and take the project vertical.

Quotable: “Montierre Development is not just catching a trend here. We’re creating an innovative wave that’s going to change the face of sports tourism as we know it. This is huge, and it’s going to have ripple effects throughout the entire industry.”

Forbes Travel Guide’s Top 12 Destinations For 2025

While 2025’s calendar will be full of big events and noteworthy openings in alpha cities, Forbes Travel Guide is seeing travelers gravitate to more remote locales and a continued focus on wellness getaways.

These trends reflect a growing desire for unique, enriching travel experiences that prioritize personal well-being and connection with nature. From the tranquil beaches of the Maldives to the vibrant cultural landscape of Bhutan, these destinations offer a diverse range of experiences that go beyond a typical vacation.

Yet, no matter your travel motivation—from Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans to Amsterdam’s 750th birthday—you will find a place to visit on Forbes Travel Guide’s list of the top destinations for 2025. Start planning your next adventure:

 

Florida's St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
Visit the only St. Regis to debut in the U.S. in 2024. Credit: The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

Longboat Key, Florida

Unless you are a local, you might not know about this tranquil barrier island off the coast of Sarasota. Here, visitors will discover 12 miles of soft white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and nature preserves. But the secret is out with the opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, the only hotel from the brand to debut in the U.S. in 2024 and the largest development on the island in 50 years.

The beachfront hotel features more than a half dozen restaurants, a 20,000-square-foot spa and a 500,000-gallon lagoon for snorkelers with 40 rays and 2,800 local reef fish.

 

Read the full article here: Forbes Travel Guide’s Top 12 Destinations For 2025 – Forbes Travel Guide Stories

Chuck Whittall: Fashion Square mall owner should ‘hand over the keys and call it a day’

As the bank that owns Orlando Fashion Square tries to sell the flagging mall, the owner of the ground beneath it says it’s a futile quest.

“Nobody can get a loan to build on top of a ground lease,” said Chuck Whittall, president of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments, which owns the ground lease to the property at 3201 E. Colonial Drive.

“And even if somebody did build something, part of the old lease is that we get a percentage of sales. If they demolish it and build an apartment complex, we would get a percentage of the rent and the money generated.”

As Orlando Business Journal first reported, Dallas-based real estate brokerage Edge is marketing the two-story, 625,000-square-foot mall for sale as a redevelopment opportunity on behalf of owner TBB Orlando LLC — an entity related to Wilmington, Delaware-based The Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq: TBBK).

Barney McAuley and Christopher Morris are listed as Edge’s brokers marketing the offering.

Repeated attempts to reach McAuley, Morris and executives with The Bancorp for this story went unanswered.

The online flyer for the offering does not list an asking price, nor does it mention that the ownership of the mall would only include the improvements, meaning the building.

“The demise of Orlando Fashion Square alongside the economic growth of Orlando has afforded an opportunity for the future owner to create a $500 million mixed-use development,” reads the webpage for the offering.

Whittall said Bancorp had been working with a potential developer for the property from New York, but the deal fell through. Part of the reason, he argued, is that Unicorp will own the building when the 99-year lease that was created when the mall was first under construction in 1972 matures in 2071.

“If they get somebody to build a billion-dollar development, when the lease matures, my grandkids are going to love them,” Whittall said.

The longtime Orlando developer also said The Bancorp is losing around $200,000 per month paying him rent on the property.

Whittall has long expressed interest in redeveloping the property, with plans similar to the mixed-use village concept the Edge is marketing it as.

Now, however, Whittall balked at the idea of buying the ground lease property and said Bancorp will have to “get realistic” and realize that few buyers will build on ground they don’t own.

“We aren’t willing to pay anything for it at this point. Who wants to pay for something that’s losing $200,000 a month?” he said. “They should really just hand over the keys and call it a day.”

Florida’s Gulf Coast Has a New Resort — Here’s an Exclusive First Look Inside

Aerial view of resort

Sarasota’s Gulf of Mexico coastline is fronted by six barrier islands, known for its stunning beaches and laid-back vibe. Now, the region has a new St. Regis brand hotel on Longboat Key, which opened earlier this month after a soft launch over the summer. (Editor’s Note: Longboat Key was among the towns affected by the recent hurricanes; the hotel told Travel +Leisure it was minimally impacted. Sarasota County is keeping travelers updated with resources and information here.)

In what is being hailed as one of the largest developments in the area in over half a century, the 168-key resort boasts 18 acres of prime beachfront and a long list of top-notch amenities that will transform the property into a destination on its own.

“At The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, we’re focused on redefining luxury experiences with a multi-faceted approach to hospitality […] Our resort serves as a sanctuary, providing immersive experiences that allow guests to connect deeply with the natural beauty and culture of the area, ensuring that every stay is not just memorable but transformative,” Winfred van Workum, the property’s general manager told T+L.

The modern architecture envisioned by 10 Design features plenty of organic textures and architectural elements, maximizing the stunning panoramas enveloping the property, while the interior design, by Hirsch Bedner Associates and Dutch East Design, oozes timeless sophistication awash in natural hues and high-end finishes.

Living room in guest suite
Katherine Klauber Suite in St. Regis Longboat Key.
Courtesy of St. Regis Longboat Key
Details of guest room
Guest room in St. Regis Longboat Key.
Courtesy of St. Regis Longboat Key

The guest rooms and 26 suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies with frameless glass railing that allow guests uninterrupted ocean views even from inside the accommodations, standalone bathtubs, and separate rain showers in the bathrooms. Of course, every resort guest is welcomed by their dedicated butler, assisting them with requests throughout their stay.

Adding to the brand’s most iconic amenity, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort will offer poolside butler service, the first St Regis property to do so.

Aerial view of pools
Pool area at St. Regis Longboat Key.
Courtesy of St. Regis Longboat Key

However, van Workum explained that what makes the resort special goes “beyond the accommodations.” The resort’s amenities are truly impressive and range from classics such as two pools (one is strictly adults-only), private beachfront, a fully equipped gym, and a high-end boutique with chic resort wear by French brand Vilebrequin to unique offerings such as a secluded space with jetted tubs and Champagne service, a private mangrove island with cabanas, and a 500,000-gallon lagoon with stingrays, local reef fish, and giant tortoises, managed by marine biologists.

“Whether it’s a romantic couple’s getaway, a group of friends, or a multi-generational family vacation, the property has been thoughtfully designed and programmed to feel bespoke for each guest,” van Workum added.

The property’s kids club also goes beyond the standard activities to encourage ocean preservation. The Reef Rangers Children’s Club runs marine explorer camps where kids can participate in hands-on educational interactions with aquatic life or sign up for coral sculpting workshops.

“Our marine explorer camp offers an interactive way to engage with the ocean, fostering a love for marine conservation from an early age. It’s a unique experience that you won’t find at many other resorts,” van Workum said.

Bar area in hotel
Bar in St. Regis Longboat Key.
Courtesy of St. Regis Longboat Key

The food and beverage program is another highlight. With seven distinct concepts that vary from an elegant steakhouse serving prime cuts and seafood to Riva, the property’s take on coastal Italian cuisine with a focus on freshly prepared pasta dishes and Northern Italian and Adriatic classics, the resort’s dining options will satisfy a variety of palates. Guests can enjoy sundowners at Oshen, a sleek Aisan-fusion rooftop lounge with small plates and handcrafted cocktails where panoramic ocean views steal the spotlight. The St. Regis Longboat Key’s de facto lobby bar is one for the books, with a beautiful mural by Floridian artist William Savarese and live music.

And if you’re on a quest to taste every signature The St. Regis Bloody Mary, head to The Spirit Room, a speakeasy-like space that serves the Ca’ d’Zan Bloody Mary inspired by Sarasota’s famous Mediterranean-style estate Ca’ d’Zan.

Lastly, those who like to indulge in some R&R can do so in the 20,000-square-foot beachfront spa with 14 treatment rooms (including a couples suite with a private shower and tub) and a hydrothermal area with amenities such as a Finnish sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, and a cold plunge.

You can book your stay at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort on marriott.com; nightly rates start at $930.

2024 50 Most Powerful People in Orlando: Business

8. Chuck Whittall | President, Unicorp National Developments

50 Most 110 2 Enhanced NrChuck Whittall, a prominent figure in Orlando’s development scene, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transforming landscapes and enhancing communities. 

Recently, Whittall has solidified his reputation as an innovator in the field. One of his most significant accomplishments is the $30 million redevelopment project of Orlando’s renowned Restaurant Row. This project, which aims to rejuvenate one of the city’s most popular dining destinations, reflects Whittall’s dedication to elevating the local community through impactful development. 

Additionally, Whittall has continued to expand Unicorp’s portfolio with the construction of up to four new apartment complexes, scheduled for completion by the end of the year. These developments are poised to address the growing demand for high-quality residential spaces in the region.

Beyond his professional achievements, Whittall is recognized for his philanthropic efforts. His work as an inspirational speaker and dedicated father underscores his multifaceted personality and his desire to inspire others to pursue their dreams with the same passion and integrity that has defined his career.

 

 

To read the entire article please click here

Golden 100 2024: Central Florida’s largest privately owned companies

It’s time to reveal Orlando Business Journal’s 2024 Golden 100, Central Florida’s largest privately held companies.

Several surveyed businesses shared gross revenue and only the top are included in this yearly ranking. The list includes industries from construction, hospitality, technology and more, employing thousands in the region and bringing in billions of dollars in revenue.

The 2024 Golden 100 in alphabetical order are:

  • &Barr
  • 15 lightyears
  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse
  • A. Duda & Sons Inc.
  • Aagaard-Juergensen LLC
  • Air Flow Designs Inc.
  • AIT Engineering
  • Albu & Associates Inc.
  • Andrew General Contractors Inc.
  • Aqfer
  • Armstrong Air & Electric
  • Arthur’s Creative Events & Catering
  • Avcon Inc.
  • aVenue Event Group
  • AVT Simulation
  • Baker Barrios Architects Inc.
  • Birchmier Construction Inc.
  • Blue Cord Design & Construction LLC
  • Boston Lobster Feast Inc.
  • Collis Roofing Inc.
  • Competitive Edge Partners & Consulting LLC
  • Comprehensive Energy Services Inc.
  • Core Engineering & Construction Inc.
  • Cuhaci Peterson
  • D&A Building Services Inc.
  • DACG Inc.
  • Data Graphics Inc.
  • Diversified Window Solutions Inc.
  • DRMP Inc.
  • DynaFire LLC
  • Empire Management Group Inc.
  • Engineering & Computer Simulations Inc.
  • ESA
  • Exterior Walls Inc.
  • Finfrock
  • FK Architecture
  • Florida Paints & Coatings
  • Grosvenor Building Services LLC
  • Hatalom Corp.
  • HGR Construction Inc.
  • HuntonBrady Architects
  • i-Tech Support Inc.
  • IMG Enterprises Inc.
  • Ingenuity Engineers Inc.
  • Insurance Office of America Inc.
  • Interplan LLC
  • J. Raymond Construction Corp.
  • Jack Jennings & Sons Inc.
  • JK2 Construction
  • Johnson-Laux Construction LLC
  • JSM & Associates LLC
  • Kavaliro
  • KBF Design Gallery
  • Knight Federal Solutions
  • Lamm & Co. Partners
  • Lawton Connect
  • LiveTrends Design Group
  • Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter
  • Marc-Michaels Interior Design Inc.
  • Massey Services Inc.
  • McCree General Contractors & Architects
  • Mechanical One
  • Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo LLC
  • Moss Krusick & Associates LLC
  • Mule Engineering & Construction Inc.
  • NovaCharge
  • OCI Associates Inc.
  • One Florida Bank
  • P&A Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc.
  • Paramount Hospitality Management/Manzie Hospitality Group
  • Park Square Homes
  • PCC/Percopo Coatings Co. LLC
  • Primary Recruiting Services
  • Puff ‘n Stuff Catering LLC
  • Quality Labor Management LLC
  • RB Marks Construction Inc.
  • Rhodes+Brito Architects Inc.
  • Roger B. Kennedy Construction
  • Rosen Hotels & Resorts
  • S.A. Casey Construction Inc.
  • Schenkel Shultz
  • Seretta Construction Inc.
  • Sihle Insurance Group
  • Soco Interiors Inc.
  • Software Resources
  • Sonny’s Franchise Co.
  • South Milhausen PA
  • Southeastern Realty Group Inc.
  • Tri-City Electrical Contractors Inc.
  • Unicorp National Developments Inc.
  • Verity Construction Co.
  • Victor 12 Inc.
  • Walker & Company Inc.
  • Waste Pro USA Inc.
  • Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers Inc.
  • Welbro Building Corp.
  • Westgate Resorts Inc.
  • Wharton-Smith Inc.
  • Wiginton Corp.
  • WPC

The ranking order and more details about the top companies will appear in OBJ‘s Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2024, weekly edition, as well as online.

Information for the Golden 100 list was supplied by individual companies through surveys, and not all local companies responded to our inquiries. Companies are ranked based on their 2023 total revenue.

To have qualified, companies must be physically headquartered in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole or Volusia counties; be willing to allow OBJ to publish their annual revenue; be at least 51% privately-owned and operated and cannot be a subsidiary of another company.

Wyndham I-Drive to become InterContinental resort in Orlando

It’s official: The shuttered Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive will be replaced by an InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property. It will be the brand’s third Florida property, with the other two in Miami.

Orlando developer Chuck Whittall confirmed the luxury brand will be built at 8001 International Drive after receiving a $30 million loan from U.K.-based InterContinental Hotels in July. Whittall said the money was used to separate the hotel project from the future retail properties planned along International Drive, which Whittall’s Unicorp National Development also owns.

OBJ previously reported that InterContinental’s parent company, United Kingdom-based IHG Hotels & Resorts, committed to a hotel on International Drive, though the brand’s involvement in the Wyndham site was speculative.

Whittall said “several hotels” will be built on the site, but he could confirm only the InterContinental one. Other reports suggest a Kimpton hotel also will go up on the property.

The loan appears as a sale from Unicorp’s I Shops LLC to the company’s new I Shops Hotel LLC, in order to separate the two properties for the hotel and the shops, said Whittall.

Michael Weinberg, a director with Berkadia commercial mortgage services which is not involved in the Wyndham site project, said hotel brands sometimes use innovative financing structures to spur development.

The plan is for a 700-room, high-rise hotel with five restaurant and bar concepts, a spa and wellness center, and 106,000 square feet of meeting space. Weinberg, who works with hotels on financing, said the total buildout probably will cost about $500 million, or $700,000-plus per room.

“A lot of it will depend upon how amenitized the hotel is,” he said. “These full-service hotels have gotten very expensive to build. That’s why, when you do see them, they’re built by someone with very deep pockets and a long-term vision.”

Permit requests for the development should be submitted within the next 120 days, Whittall said.

Weinberg said the $30 million loan probably covered the cost of the land alone. I Shops LLC bought the property in 2011 for $32.4 million. “A brand doing a land loan must mean they have a lot of confidence in Chuck’s ability to build that deal, and that they already must have signed a long-term management agreement on it.”

Positioned at the corner of Sand Lake Road and International Drive, the Wyndham once was home to quirky events and conventions such as Spooky Empire.

Chuck Whittall’s Unicorp to bid out $700M worth of projects after Fed’s interest rate cut

The Federal Reserve’s Sept. 18 decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points already is creating business opportunities in Orlando — at least $700 million worth, as one of the region’s most prominent developers told Orlando Business Journal.

Elevated interest rates long have been a complaint by developers in town, cited as a reason projects have been put on ice.

Now, the rate cut has sparked the need to have a few drinks and celebrate, said Orlando developer and Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall.\

Whittall told OBJ the cut alone has given him the green light to move forward with a series of projects around Central Florida that will total more than $700 million. “We are putting projects out to bid in October … with foresight to break ground in January.”

Here’s the slate of projects Whittall and Unicorp intend to put back into motion:

  • Tao Hotel at O-Town West: A 220-room luxury hotel in partnership with New York-based Tao Group Hospitality, a subsidiary of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: MSGE), that could cost $200 million to build, with a Tao Asian Bistro restaurant that may raise the construction price closer to $250 million.
  • Glasshouse at O-Town West phases two and three: Glasshouse is an existing 300-unit apartment complex at O-Town West that debuted in 2023. The project will get an additional 600 units for a combined $250 million.
  • Selene apartments in Lake Nona area: The 300-unit apartment complex planned in the Lake Nona area for an estimated $100 million.
  • Elysian apartments in Horizon West: Another 300-unit apartment complex estimated at $100 million.

Despite the aggressive move forward, Whittall said he’d like to see the Fed cut the rate the remaining half a point to truly get business moving.

But for now, “we are in a debt coverage ratio to move forward,” he added.

However, not everyone supported the rate cut.

For example, Sean Snaith, director of UCF’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, prior to the Fed’s decision, told OBJ it would be unwise to make the cut right now.

“The Fed has a dual mandate. Their job is not to make Wall Street happy. Their job is to create economic conditions where there’s price stability and low levels of inflation, which they have had as their target 2%. We’re not at 2% yet,” he said. “I don’t see us as about to fall off a cliff into a recession, and we’re not there yet, as far as the inflation target.”

Marriott Celebrates Major Milestone With The Opening Of Its 9000th Property

Marriott International, Inc. recently celebrated a major milestone with the opening of its 9,000th property: The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, a luxurious new addition on Florida’s Gulf Coast. As a longtime fan of the St. Regis brand and a Florida native myself, I can’t help but think that this location marks the perfect spot for this momentous occasion. This new resort highlights Marriott’s continued expansion in the luxury hotel market, boasting an impressive portfolio that includes seven luxury brands (St. Regis, JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, and EDITION) with 522 properties across 72 countries and territories.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is not only a testament to Marriott’s rapid growth—having added 1,000 properties in just over two years—but also a significant advancement in their branded residences sector. The resort features 69 private residences, which were fully sold out in under a year. These residences offer high-end amenities including spacious outdoor terraces and private elevator access.

The resort, developed by Unicorp National Developments and designed by a team including SB Architects and Hirsch Bedner Associates, represents the largest development on Longboat Key in over 50 years. Situated on 18 acres, the resort includes 168 guest rooms, including 26 suites, and offers stunning ocean views, exceptional dining, and top-tier amenities that embody the St. Regis brand.

The hotel’s grand opening was marked with a traditional St. Regis champagne sabrage ceremony, held in the resort’s Great Hall overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. There are unique activities offered at the resort which take advantage of the beautiful Florida coast, such as the “Under the Sea Lagoon Snorkeling Adventure,” where guests are accompanied by dedicated marine aquarists to explore a stunning array of tropical marine life in a tranquil, private setting. In addition, there are multiple pools, a winding river, and beachside activities for the whole family.

“We are delighted to announce the opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key, a true testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury and personalized service,” said Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. “It is particularly fitting that this magnificent hotel marks the 9,000th property in our portfolio. This exquisitely designed new build resort embodies the elegance and sophistication synonymous with the St. Regis brand. We are excited to invite guests and Residence Owners to experience this unique blend of modern amenities and timeless charm, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for them in this stunning location.”

 

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is available for booking on marriott.com and will participate in the Marriott Bonvoy® travel rewards program, allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stays at the hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott’s extraordinary portfolio of more than 30 brands.

 

InterContinental Orlando joining the influx of new hotel construction; Universal’s Epic Universe, convention center expansion are driving the trend

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to bring a premium InterContinental Hotel to Orlando’s I-Drive corridor.

The new 784-room resort hotel, announced Tuesday, will be part of a $1.5 billion redevelopment of the former Wyndham Resort and Convention Center at 8001 International Drive, GrowthSpotter reported. It is the latest in an onslaught of hotel transactions and projects in the Orlando area, coming both in the tourist corridor and downtown. Universal’s plans for Epic Universe and the upcoming expansion of the Orange County Convention Center are helping to drive the trend.

The InterContinental project is being co-developed by Unicorp National Development and Flag Luxury Group, which have owned the property since 2011.

Flag CEO Paul Kanovos said

the new hotel would bring a touch of luxury to the iconic destination and provide guests with unforgettable experiences.

“They’re very special hotels,” Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall said. “It’s just below a 5-star hotel. It’ll accommodate tourists. It’ll accommodate conventioneers. It’s a brand that’s not in our market, and we just think they’re a great fit.”

The 700-guestroom and 84-suite property, set to open in 2028, will feature amenities including five restaurant and bar concepts, a 15,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, a pool, fitness center and 106,000 square feet of meetings and events space.

“We think Central Florida is going to keep growing, and with Universal’s new addition, we just don’t see it slowing down,” Whittall said.

Their ownership group received demolition permits for the Wyndham in July. Whittall said they are prepping development permits for the entire 30-acre site and will submit those soon to Orange County. The site is south of Sand Lake Road and stretches from I-Drive to Universal Boulevard, taking in everything except the Walgreen’s and WaWa stores on the corners. They hope to break ground next summer.

“The InterContinental Orlando will just take up a portion of it, and we have room to do another three or four hotels and some retail and entertainment,” Whittall said.

The site has entitlements for over 2,000 rooms. Whittall said the development team will offer multiple brands and price points.

This is the second time this month IHG announced plans to introduce one of its premium brands to the market. The company previously revealed plans to bring a Kimpton Hotel to Orlando’s Westcourt district across from the Kia Center. IHG is also moving forward with a new dual-branded EVEN and Staybridge Suites hotel next to the Epic Universe theme park set to open in 2025.

Last week, RIDA Development and ARES Management paid $1.07 billion for the Hyatt Regency Orlando and the adjacent 45-acre lot next to the Orange County Convention Center. They announced plans jointly with Hyatt Hotels to build a super-premium Grand Hyatt on the development site, starting with up to 1,300 rooms in phase 1.

IHG Hotels & Resorts and Flag Luxury Group Announce InterContinental Orlando, Set to Open in 2028

ATLANTA (August 20, 2024) – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announced the signing of a new InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in Orlando, Fla. Developed in partnership with owner Flag Luxury Group and Unicorp National Developments, InterContinental Orlando will welcome guests with elevated amenities and culturally rich experiences that exemplify the InterContinental brand’s evolution while providing insider expertise to all the destination has to offer. The hotel is set to open in 2028.

Located on Orlando’s renowned International Drive, InterContinental Orlando will exude approachable sophistication and present guests with distinct offerings designed to complement the vibrancy of the city. The new hotel will feature 700 guestrooms, including 84 suites. Guests seeking inspired epicurean experiences will enjoy the property’s five restaurants and bars, including a full-service restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a lobby bar and lounge, a coffee shop as well as a pool bar and grill. The hotel’s 15,000 square feet of spa and wellness amenities, inclusive of a pool and fitness center, will encourage guests to relax or energize as they wish. InterContinental Orlando also will feature approximately 106,000 square feet of well-appointed meeting and event space in addition to a business center and signature Club InterContinental lounge.

Jolyon Bulley, Chief Executive Officer, Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Flag Luxury Group and Unicorp National Developments to bring the pioneering InterContinental brand to Orlando. The city’s energy and expansive entertainment experiences continue to make it one of the most exciting destinations in the country. InterContinental Orlando will be an incredible addition to our luxury and lifestyle portfolio in the Americas.”

Paul Kanavos, CEO of Flag Luxury Group, expanded: “We are excited to collaborate with the prestigious InterContinental brand and bring a touch of luxury to the iconic destination that is Orlando. This new property will not only enhance our community but will also provide guests with unforgettable experiences. Together with Unicorp National Developments (Chuck Whittall), we are dedicated to creating unique and top-notch hospitality, cuisine, and cultural offerings, and the InterContinental Orlando will be no exception.”

As the United States’ most visited destination, Orlando is celebrated for its vast entertainment offerings, and International Drive is largely considered the city’s most dynamic destination. Both leisure and business travelers will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to world-famous theme parks, such as Disney World and the forthcoming Universal Epic Universe, sports entertainment, distinctive dining experiences and premier shopping as well as the Orange County Convention Center.

As the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has pioneered luxury travel experiences for decades with more than 220 open hotels and a further 100 in the global pipeline. The brand continues its trailblazing heritage with new openings in key cities and emerging destinations, including continued growth in the Americas with the recent openings of InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue in Washington, InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk as well as the soon-to-open InterContinental Indianapolis and InterContinental Presidente Monterrey in Mexico. InterContinental Orlando will mark the third hotel for the brand in Florida.

Chuck Whittall’s Unicorp to develop 2 upscale hotels at I-Drive Wyndham site, sources say

Unicorp National Developments will put a Kimpton hotel alongside an InterContinental hotel at the International Drive site where Wyndham Orlando Resort recently ceased operations, two sources with knowledge of the deal told Orlando Business Journal.

OBJ recently reported InterContinental Hotels & Resorts — part of the Luxury & Lifestyle Collection portfolio of Denham, United Kingdom-based IHG Hotels & Resorts — will open a location on International Drive. An Aug. 20 news release from IHG confirmed that reporting, formally announcing the InterContinental Orlando will be developed on International Drive, though it did not specify an address.

The 700-guest room and 84-suite property, set to open in 2028, will feature amenities including five restaurant and bar concepts, a 15,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, a pool, fitness center and 106,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

OBJ has learned the InterContinental hotel will be one component of Unicorp’s mixed-use redevelopment of the property at 8001 International Drive. Further, sources with knowledge of the deal said a Kimpton Resorts & Hotels outpost — another one of IHG’s luxury brands — also will be built on the site.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall confirmed plans for the InterContinental Orlando to OBJ, but did not elaborate further or address the reported Kimpton deal.

News Bureau Manager Pearl Madu of IHG Hotels & Resorts responded to OBJ‘s inquiry with an email saying, “IHG is continuously in discussions with various parties about many different projects.”

 

 

Apopka-based Finfrock Construction LLC is slated to be the general contractor for the 8001 International Drive project.

Finfrock President Bill Finfrock in June confirmed his company is slated to be the design/build general contractor. “We’ve worked with Chuck dozens of times over the years so we have a really good working relationship with him, and I look forward to another successful project of his.”

While appearing on an OBJ podcast, Whittall confirmed a new hotel partnership is in the works, though he wasn’t prepared to reveal with which hotel brands. He said Unicorp is “going to build a very dense, pretty spectacular development, and we’re in the process of drawing those plans as we speak.”

Meanwhile, IHG on Aug. 7 announced another Kimpton project to be built in Central Florida — this one in downtown Orlando, next to Kia Center within Machete Group and JMA Ventures’ Westcourt mixed-use project.

The downtown hotel will have 261 rooms spread over 11 stories, 16,000-plus square feet of meeting space, a full-service restaurant, lobby bar, cafe, pool, pool bar and pool lounge.

Marriott International Celebrates its 9000TH Property with the Opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort in Florida

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) announced its 9,000th property with the opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. Situated on an expansive 18 acres in Longboat Key, Florida, this luxury beachfront property features 168 exquisite guestrooms, including 26 suites, and offers breathtaking ocean views, outstanding culinary experiences, and world-class amenities, all reflective of the St. Regis brand’s signature distinctive design and exceptional service. The resort will also feature 69 private branded residences that will provide an extraordinary luxury living experience on Florida’s Suncoast.

Developed by Unicorp National Developments and designed by SB Architects, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA Miami) and Dutch East Design, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is setting the tone for the brand’s expanding resort portfolio, marking the largest development on the island in over 50 years.

 

“We are delighted to announce the opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key, a true testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury and personalized service,” said Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. “It is particularly fitting that this magnificent hotel marks the 9,000th property in our portfolio. This exquisitely designed new build resort embodies the elegance and sophistication synonymous with the St. Regis brand. We are excited to invite guests and Residence Owners to experience this unique blend of modern amenities and timeless charm, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for them in this stunning location.”

The company commemorated the opening with a celebration complete with the signature St. Regis champagne sabrage in the resort’s Great Hall overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort further solidifies Marriott International’s global leadership in luxury, with an unmatched portfolio of seven brands, across 522 luxury hotels and resorts in 72 countries and territories, with a strong pipeline of 233 signed projects in 57 countries and territories.

The opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort also marks the latest milestone in the company’s continued global leadership in branded residences. The 69 private residences, all of which sold out in less than a year, will be complete with spacious outdoor terraces, private elevator access and more. Today, Marriott International has a portfolio of 139 open branded residential properties in 32 countries and territories, with a strong pipeline of 122 projects across 38 countries and territories.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is available for booking on marriott.com and will participate in Marriott Bonvoy® – the company’s award-winning travel program – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stays at this hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of more than 30 brands.

The company is also offering 9,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for guests who are enrolled in the program and have booked at the St. Regis Longboat Key today through Sunday, August 18.

 

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

Waterfront restaurants, rooftop bar opening at new Sarasota luxury beach resort

Following the recent opening of the impressive Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa overlooking the Manatee River, we turn our focus about 20 miles southward to Sarasota County and the even more stunning St. Regis Longboat Key Resort hugging the Gulf of Mexico.

Part of Marriott’s prestigious St. Regis Hotels & Resorts luxury hotel chain, the Longboat Key destination boasts 18 acres of beachfront, including 168 guest rooms, 26 suites with terraces, spa, a 475-foot long winding river, and seven dining and drinking venues.

Back in January, I wrote about the new restaurant openings I was most excited to see in 2024 and singled out the St. Regis’s steakhouse. Now, after interviewing the resort’s general manager and executive chef, there are four restaurants, two bars, and a cafe? worthy of our excitement.

When will the restaurants at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort open?

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, which occupies the prime Longboat Key property that formerly housed the famed Colony Beach and Tennis Resort, has been under construction since late 2021. In May, the Herald-Tribune reported the new resort should open this summer. When I talked to St. Regis General Manager Winfred van Workum earlier this month, he said it should open to the public, along with the restaurants and bars, in “August or September.”

The St. Regis Longboat Key Has Announced Its Culinary Leadership

CW Prime is the St. Regis Longboat Key's signature restaurant.
CW Prime is the St. Regis Longboat Key’s signature restaurant, and one of seven dining options on-site.
IMAGE: JUAN LUQUE DUFFY/3DUS

The property will be home to seven—yes, seven!—food and beverage outlets.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort has announced its culinary leadership appointments ahead of the hotel’s opening later this summer.

Executive chef Alberto Taboada and food and beverage director Melih Eker will manage the property’s seven on-site dining destinations.

St. Regis Longboat Key Resort’s executive chef Alberto Taboada.
IMAGE: COURTESY PHOTO




“With culinary leaders like Chef Alberto Taboada and Melih Eker at the helm, we pledge to deliver unforgettable moments, epicurean innovations, and top-notch service to ensure our guests an extraordinary journey,” St. Regis Longboat Key general manager Winfred van Wokum said in a statement.

Toboada has worked for Marriot in Louisville, KY, as well as JW Marriot in Orlando, where he oversaw culinary operations for the 900-room luxury resort. Eker, meanwhile, was most recently the Food & Beverage Director at The Ritz Carlton in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

The St. Regis Bar
The St. Regis Bar
IMAGE: JUAN LUQUE DUFFY/3DUS

 

Here’s a look at all of the St. Regis Longboat Key’s food and beverage outlets.

 

  • The St. Regis Bar, where guests can enjoy live piano music and other performances.
  • CW Prime, the hotel’s signature restaurant, specializing in steakhouse classics.
  • Riva, which will offer coastal Italian fare.
  • Aura, an open-air pool grill with Latin American offerings.
  • Oshen, a rooftop lounge that’s exclusive to hotel guests and will serve small plates of Japanese and Peruvian fusion cuisine.
  • Monkey Bar, which offer elevated tiki drinks and light bites and is named after The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort’s beloved bar. (The St. Regis is built on the former Colony site.)
  • Café Caroline, an all-day café.

Unicorp’s Chuck Whittall names contractor for I-Drive Wyndham site

Wyndham Orlando Resort will close in July, and the developer says he has big plans for 8001 International Drive.

Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall confirmed to Orlando Business Journal that Finfrock Construction LLC is slated to be the general contractor for a soon-to-be-announced project at 8001 International Dr.

“Right now, we expect [Finfrock] to be the developer,” said Whittall.

Wyndham Orlando Resort will wrap up operations at that address in July, and Whittall has said Unicorp has “big, big plans on the horizon.”

During an OBJ podcast, Whittall said a new hotel partnership is in the works and while he wasn’t prepared to reveal which hotel brand, the company is “going to build a very dense, pretty spectacular development, and we’re in the process of drawing those plans as we speak.”


Finfrock President Bill Finfrock confirmed the firm is slated to be the design-build general contractor. “We’ve worked with Chuck dozens of times over the years, so we have a really good working relationship with him and I look forward to another successful project of his.”

Finfrock has shown itself to be adept in the hospitality space, building Hyatt House Naples/5th Avenue, which opened in March 2015. Finfrock continues to operate the hotel.

“That gives us kind of an advantage as a design-builder to really understand the ultimate goal of how you operate these properties and what their needs are,” said Finfrock.

Finfrock already has hotel chops close to where Whittall’s new project will go. The Apopka-based firm was contractor for Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. OBJ reported Finfrock as the contractor for Universal’s Stella Nova Resort and Universal’s Terra Luna Resort. And while Finfrock hasn’t confirmed his company will build the forthcoming Tao Hotel and Tao Asian Bistro restaurant, another source says it’s so.

“The Unicorp/Finfrock relationship has already changed the Orlando skyline with the new Marriott Vacation Club headquarters and Tao Hotel at the $1 billion-plus O-Town West project,” said International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce board member and Mango’s Tropical Cafe Chief Operating Officer Josh Wallack. “When you look at it heuristically, we are looking at the premiere hotel development construction company/design-builder in the market. [The Wyndham] site [has] unlimited potential. It’s so close to Epic Universe and all the restaurants and vibrancy of the I-Drive entertainment district.”

Greenwood zoning board OKs variances for Wawa

Plans for a Wawa location in Greenwood are progressing after a zoning meeting Monday night.

The Greenwood Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously voted 4-0 Monday to approve four variances for the Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain’s planned Greenwood store, which would be located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Worthsville Road and U.S. 31. The Greenwood location is just one of part of the family-owned chain’s plans for expansion in the Midwest.

Wawa currently has stores in six U.S. states — Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida — and Washington, D.C. They plan to open 60 new stores in Indiana, and broke ground on the first store on 96th Street in Indianapolis last week, the Indianapolis Business Journal reported.

To build each store, the chain will invest approximately $7 million and employ, on average, 140 contractors and local partners. Once open, each store will employ an average of 35 associates, with the chain expecting to create more than 2,200 new jobs as a result of its expansion. Wawa associates own 39% of the company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, company officials said last year.

When the company announced its expansion plans last year, it was reported that Greenwood would be a site. Mayor Mark Myers confirmed to the Daily Journal the city was talking with Wawa, but the plans were not final at the time. The BZA meeting confirms the plans are now much further along.

The Greenwood convenience store is being built on land once considered undevelopable until Endress+Hauser announced their plans in early 2023 to expand westward, investing $50.9 million to do so. As part of the expansion plans, E+H teamed up with Unicorp National Developments, Inc. to evenly split up the 70 acres between E+H’s Greenwood campus and U.S. 31. Unicorp had immediate plans to develop the northwestern portion of the property into retail shops and restaurants.

As for Monday’s meeting, Wawa asked the Greenwood BZA to approve four variances for their about 5,919-square foot store — increasing the maximum front yard setback, allowing a special “V”-shaped support column, reducing transparency on the north side and allowing materials other than what is normally permitted under the zoning code.

City planning staff were supportive of the variances for reducing transparency and the materials but did not agree with the requests to increase the front yard setback and for the V-shaped support column.

For the front yard setback, Wawa was asking for the maximum setback on the north side — the distance from the public right of way to their building — to be 100 feet instead of 80 feet. City planning staff disagreed, with Planning Director Gabe Nelson saying he felt Wawa could shift the building forward and move the row of parking between Worthsville Road and an outbuilding to behind the building.

“I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t co-locate the parking behind it,” Nelson said. “They already have a row of parking by loading facilities; they would just have to reconfigure their site to include two rows of parking to still hit their parking counts if they wanted to, but in doing so they would be meeting the setback.”

Since Wawa stores have both a convenience store and a restaurant, they require more parking than typical convenience stores. Based on the chain’s other locations, they determined they needed 64 to 67 spaces, said Patrick Moon, a Wawa representative.

Moving the spaces from the north side to the south side wouldn’t work, Moon said. This is because there is a loading zone behind the building, he said.

While Wawa did not note this reason on the application, Nelson said he still felt the building could be moved forward despite this.

Moon disagreed, initially taking Nelson’s comments as meaning Wawa would need to purchase additional land to the south to relocate the building. Nelson clarified it was just moving the building on the same parcel of land.

However, Moon still disagreed. He then informed the board and planning staff he couldn’t move the building forward because there was a large gas easement below the planned northern parking area.

Additionally, Wawa would only have room for nine spaces on the north half if they moved it up, and they would have to move the loading zone. Moon expects numerous delivery trucks at the store throughout the day, as they have both a convenience store and a restaurant, he said.

For the column, making it V-shaped is call back to what Wawa means, as it is a Native American term for geese, which fly in a V-shape, Moon said.

City planning staff recommended the board deny the variance because there are other options for the column, and there are Wawa stores that exist without it. While it would have been difficult to wrap the column in masonry, it wasn’t impossible, Nelson said.

Additionally, variances required it to be a practical difficulty and planning staff felt it wasn’t, he said.

However, Moon later told the board it was a support column for the roof in the area — which wasn’t mentioned on their variance application. With this information, board members felt this made it a practical difficulty.

Board member Josh King said that the fact it would be a gas station and a restaurant on the same parcel of land made the variance requests meet the practical difficulty requirements. As for the parking, board president Ken Knartzer agreed there was a practical difficulty for that too.

Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall on Florida development trends…

Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall on Florida development trends, interest rate impacts

 

What is the state of construction and development right now? Is it at a standstill?

 

It’s not in a standstill, [but] slowed down about 75% to 80%. The equity requirements are huge, but … if you have the equity to do these deals, with the interest rates so high, they don’t make money. If I take a $100 million development and add 4% on the cost annually, that’s $4 million a year of what it was two years ago — there’s just not a profit to be made. We believe the rates are going to come down in the third and fourth quarter … but today, we would just be building at breakeven, and it doesn’t make sense.

 

What are other major issues that should be on developers’ radar this year and next year?

 

The result of the interest rate [and] the capitalization rates in which values are derived from has changed, therefore we’re holding property, we’re not selling at discounts. If it costs you more to borrow money, you’ll pay less for the income strain. So therefore, cap rates have risen. Those will come back down as interest rates come down. We were so busy for the last decade, a lot of the contractors, vendors and suppliers got a little fat, dumb and happy by all their prices continuing to escalate so severely. You kind of needed the brakes put on to bring that back in check and get the numbers back down to reality. It’s not realistic to charge Jimmy John’s $50 a square foot [because] they can’t sell subs at a high enough price. So, we need that to come back and check, and that’s really what’s happening this year. I think it’ll put us back into a level growth period next year.

 

What’s the latest you can share on your O-Town West development in Orlando?

 

We’ve built about 700 apartments. We’re getting ready to break ground on 600 new apartments, and we have announced the Tao Hotel, which is going to be a big game changer in Central Florida. It’s a very, very cool hotel, which is going to bring along the Tao Restaurant. Then we have a couple of other restaurants we haven’t announced yet, but they’re equally as big names, and we’re moving forward on that. We are delayed. …We thought we were going to break ground on those first quarter of this year. The plans are pretty far along, and we’re getting close to being ready to break ground, but we’ve been slowed down by the interest rates.

 

Chuck Whittall of Unicorp shares what’s next for I-Drive…

Wyndham Orlando Resort lobby
Wyndham Orlando Resort lobby

COURTESY OF WYNDHAM ORLANDO RESORT


Chuck Whittall of Unicorp shares what’s next for I-Drive Wyndham site. The real estate magnate revealed some eyebrow-raising details about a new project in the works.

Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall has a vision for the International Drive property encompassing the Wyndham Orlando Resort.

In a conversation with Orlando Business Journal, Whittall said, “We have big, big plans on the horizon.”

In April, the hotel’s management firm Davidson Hospitality Group filed a notice with the state saying the 633-room hotel — which has 60,000 square feet of meeting space — would cease operations. Davidson Hospitality Group spokeswoman Carrie Drost confirmed that the hotel will suspend operations at the end of June.

Chuck Whittall of Unicorp

JIM CARCHIDI


However, Whittall said another hotel partnership is in the works. While he wasn’t prepared to reveal which hotel brand, he said the company is “going to build a very dense, pretty spectacular development, and we’re in the process of drawing those plans as we speak.”

The development is influenced in part by Universal Orlando Resorts’ Epic Universe development, just five minutes away and “moving so rapidly,” said Whittall.

 

Prime location for Epic Universe visitors

 

Whittall said his plans for the property can include going much taller on the popular corner lot. “We’ve got a prime piece of real estate, 42 acres that only has two-story buildings on it right now — where we can build 20-story buildings. So, we’re going to take advantage of the location and the height and bring something new and exciting to that intersection.”

Gregg Anderson, principal and hospitality consultant at GAnderson Global, said thanks to its proximity to Universal’s Epic Universe, “the land encompassing the former Wyndham Orlando is an ideal site for a new integrated retail, dining and entertainment district.”

Anderson, a former brand president of Wyndham’s Registry Collection Hotels & Resorts, predicts that once a new pedestrian overpass slated to connect the four corners of the International Drive and Sand Lake Road intersection is complete, the former Wyndham site will be the gateway from Interstate 4. “Keeping convention space and an associated hotel makes sense as a natural feed to the new mixed-use offering. I could see a mix of traditional hotel, condo hotel and timeshare all part of the accommodation pool.”

Meanwhile, as things wind down for Wyndham, 167 employees will be laid off. Yet, there should be opportunities for those workers to land new jobs.

CareerSource Central Florida Vice President of Service Delivery Nilda Blanco told OBJ on May 20 that there are plenty of positions in the area for job hunters. “We have the highest concentration of hospitality and tourism roles in the country. You think Las Vegas is competitive, but Central Florida is leading the nation.”

 

More I-Drive development ahead

 

Meanwhile, the Wyndham Orlando Resort redevelopment isn’t the only big project afoot on International Drive.

Another one is the addition of Live! At Pointe Orlando, set to open this fall. The 73,000-square-foot dining and entertainment destination within Pointe Orlando will have four venues.

In addition, “Bar Rescue” star Jon Taffer will open Taffer’s Tavern, a full-service restaurant and bar concept at 9101 International Drive, also in Pointe Orlando.

 

Mango’s Tropical Café at 8126 International Drive

JIM CARCHIDI

The popular International Drive Latin dance club Mango’s Tropical Café Orlando will welcome a fine-dining addition slated to open this summer. Corazón by Baires — a high-end offshoot of the Argentinian restaurant brand Baires Grill — will be inside the club to serve a late crowd.

Next door to Mango’s in the space once occupied by Mooyah’s, Hollywood Plaza Garage Realty LLC has leased the unit to Baires Grill for their classic restaurant brand, said Hollywood Plaza Managing Principal Joshua Wallack, who also operates Mango’s. On the roof of that same building, the sports bar chain Tom’s Watch Bar has set up shop.

Tom's Watch Bar

 

The interior of a Tom's Watch Bar
TOM'S WATCH BAR


Wallack told OBJ the parking garage always was meant to be more than that, and the addition of Tom’s Watch Bar and Baires Grill are part of that plan.


Ryan Lynch and Steven Ryzewski contributed to this report.

 

St. Regis Longboat Key resort aims for first Five Star resort…

Little blue stickers dot the tiniest of imperfections at the St. Regis under construction on Longboat Key. One blue blemish denotes a tile that’s not even an eighth of an inch from being flush. Each day, a team focused on quality control scours the emerging luxury hotel, logging where paint may have dripped, or a mismatched door hinge has been mistakenly installed.

“This is nothing,” St. Regis General Manager Winfred van Workum said during a recent tour of what aspires to be the first five-star hotel on Florida’s west coast. “You should see us a week before opening.”

When will the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort open?

While a date hasn’t yet been set, opening day is expected this summer for the largest development on Longboat Key in decades, set to fill a destination void on the island that’s been a sore spot for years.

The storied Longboat Key property where the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort once welcomed presidents and celebrities has been out of commission for more than a dozen years. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort has been under construction for about 31 months following a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by the Orlando-based developer Unicorp National Developments in October 2021.

During a recent tour of the facilities, hotel management gave a preview of the property while construction continues, showcasing homages to local history and extensive investment in the site. According to initial permits submitted to the Town of Longboat Key, the total construction value of the project is estimated to be more than $331.2 million.

Then there’s the real estate, boasting 800 feet of beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Guests will be welcomed upon entering to towering glass windows that face the stunning gulf waters lapping the white sand.

 

Service is key to five-star rating sought by St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

 

Rooms in the hotel tower of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort look out to the Gulf of Mexico. The St. Regis is currently under construction at the former site of the The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key.

Still, it will also take an army of workers and the creation of a service culture to eventually gain the coveted five-star designation. Van Workum said the resort will employ about 400 people during its busy season, with his focus being on processes and procedures to create that service culture. He said he’s already filled most senior management positions, with more employees joining in the coming weeks as the resort readies for the summer opening.

The 168-room resort will include four full-service restaurants, a spa, a lazy river and a 350,000-gallon lagoon filled with sea creatures that guests will have the opportunity to swim with.

Before the St. Regis started rising from the 17.2-acre property in the 1600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive, The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort had given Longboat’s name widespread recognition.

Winfred van Workum is General Manager of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. The St. Regis is currently under construction at the former site of the The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key.

But it’s complicated ownership structure eventually led to legal disputes that prompted its closure in the summer of 2010. There were at least four bankruptcies, competing visions of value and what should happen to the property, as well as the only time in Florida history that a condo association has been judicially terminated. A legal case with 1,341 filings wasn’t resolved until late 2021.

Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments, eventually resolved the legal issues and obtained approval for the project after more than a decade working on what he has described as a passion project.

 

What goes into getting five-star hotel ratings?

 

The reception area of the spa at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. The St. Regis is currently under construction at the former site of the The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key.

The five-star rating isn’t a given. Much work remains. While Forbes recognizes about 350 Five Star hotels in the world, Florida’s west coast currently doesn’t have any and the entire state has just seven hotels earning the prestigious designation — all of them in either Palm Beach or Miami.

A checklist for an inspector for one of the agencies that designate five-star hotels includes 15 categories with things like whether employees welcome return guests by name, and whether staff can anticipate the needs of guests.

From a facilities standpoint, van Workum has little doubt the property will meet the five-star standard but pointed out that the rankings for either the Forbes Travel Guide or the AAA Diamond List put a lot of focus on a hotel’s service culture. Of the 15 categories in the checklist, only six of the fields focus on facilities and the building’s infrastructure.

The lavish facilities are “the easy part ? of course it’s not the cheapest part, but it is the easiest part,” he said. “Creating the culture, that’s the hard part.” Creating that culture from scratch will be a heavy lift, even for van Workum, who has worked at multiple five-star hotels in his career in hospitality, including the Ritz Carlton Central Park in New York.

An elaborate mural and tray ceiling over the St. Regis Bar in the lobby of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. The St. Regis is currently under construction at the former site of the The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key.

A five-star hotel, he said, needs to anticipate the wants and needs of the guests. He provided an example of one guest in New York who was visiting the city while buying boxes and boxes of shoes. One of the hotel’s employees noticed all the shoe boxes in the room and commissioned a pair of tiny chocolate shoes that were left in the room with a handcrafted card. “That is the culture and the details that we will be training for that will set us apart,” he said. “We want to create a memory for the guests.”

Take a First Look at The St. Regis Longboat Key, Slated to Open Late This Summer

The new St. Regis at 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, is slated to open in late summer.

 

Bora Bora, Osaka and Abu Dhabi are all places that are home to a St. Regis Hotel and Residences resort, and now Longboat Key is joining those ranks. With the property slated to open in late summer, bookings for the St. Regis resort at 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive are now live, with available dates beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Multiple pools on the property include a 475-foot-long winding river with waterfalls leading into a grotto with Jacuzzi jets and Champagne service at the touch of a button.

We wrote about the St. Regis when it broke ground in 2021 on the site of the former Colony Beach Resort, which was demolished in 2018. Now, after some initial wrangling over parking, the roughly 18-acre beachfront site will be home to largest development on the barrier island in more than 50 years. The complex will include a 168-room luxury hotel and three six-story residential buildings, with 69 luxury condominiums. (We got a sneak peek of those back in 2021.)

Presidential suite

 

One of the hotel suites

 

Presidential dining room

 

The condos have been sold out for about two years, according to ??Winfred van Workum, the resort’s general manager, who also says the hotel will have roughly 400 employees.

Although a price tag for the buildout wasn’t specified, the project will likely cost around $800 million. (The St. Regis in Bal Harbour, near Miami, was reported to cost $1 billion.) Rooms will start at roughly $930 per night, depending on the time of year.

The spa relaxation lounge

 

The spa, which will be open to the public, will span 20,000 square feet with beachfront views. It will have a Finnish sauna, a eucalyptus steam room and, for fans of the cold, a snow shower that produces snow for up to 30 minutes, as well as a plunge pool. (These types of cold treatments, a current wellness trend, claim to address inflammation and boost immunity.)

The space will also lead to a terrace with an infinity-edge pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Meanwhile, a “vitality” pool will target different body zones with hydro massage, and a spa suite will host small parties of six to eight people.

The spa will include a snow shower, sauna, steam room and much more.

There will also be a menu of services including  massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and a hair salon. A wellness menu will include “guided visualization, meditation and sleep therapy with a gong and singing bowls,” says Shelly Anne Myrie-Lindo, the spa director.

A spa treatment room. Massage will range from 60 to 90 minutes and cost roughly $250.
The pre-function space

 

The resort will have 10 event spaces—a total of 36,285 square feet of indoor and outdoor locations—dedicated to meetings and events. “There’s huge interest for weddings—seven weddings have already been booked,” says Lorna Kirwan, director of sales and marketing.

The ballroom

 

The ballroom can accommodate up to 600 people, theater-style. In addition to weddings, it’s ideal for galas, fundraisers and conferences. As for pricing, “we like to be bespoke,” Kirwan says. “It will depend on the time of year and event. On average, a price for dinner might range from $250 to $300 per person, but a full-service event during high season could range from $20,000 to $80,000 or more.”

CW Prime is one of seven food and beverage options at the resort.

 

The resort will house seven food and beverage venues, with most open to the public. CW Prime will offer steakhouse classics like aged beef, seafood and salads with tableside preparations. The Spirit Room, a private cocktail speakeasy, will have on-demand access to CW Prime’s bar via a secret call button. It will be available by reservation only.

An intimate speakeasy space
Outdoor seating at CW Prime

 

Riva, meanwhile, will be an Italian-focused, all-day dining space with a pasta bar where a chef will prepare fresh pasta counter-side. It will also include indoor and outdoor dining and a rooftop area overlooking the water.

A rendering of Riva. The resort's restaurants were designed by New York City-based Dutch East Design.
A rendering of Riva. The resort’s restaurants were designed by New York City-based Dutch East Design.

 

Riva
The St. Regis bar will be the resort’s focal point gathering place.

 

The St. Regis Bar will have entertainment with a piano, while Aura will be an open-air pool grill offering Latin American fare. The waterfront Monkey Bar—named after the Colony’s popular bar—will serve tiki-inspired cocktails and bar snacks, including a cocktail called “Murf Dog,” named after longtime Colony owner Murray “Murf” Klauber.

Aura

 

Oshen, only accessible to hotel guests, will be a rooftop lounge with seafood-focused small plates and raw dishes with Japanese and Peruvian influences. Finally, for breakfast or all-day refreshments, the hotel’s Café Caroline will offer a mix of healthy drinks and dishes, plus coffees and fresh pastries.

The “Reef Rangers” program for children will offer a chance to get up close and personal with local marine wildlife.

 

As far as things to do on-site, a lagoon wildlife reserve will have a 350,000-gallon habitat with nearly 50 stingrays and more than 2,800 local reef fish, including 50 native species and two Aldabra tortoises. The goal is to offer an educational experience for guests—one that includes snorkeling in the lagoon among the marine life.

For guests with kids, a children’s program ranges from half to full days of activities, geared to kids ages 4 to 12. There will also be a teen program, says van Workum. “We’ll do a parents’ night out with a walk-in option available, too,” he adds.

There will also be a McCarver & Moser luxury jewelry store and a Vilebrequin luxury swimwear shop. The fashion brand is working on a dedicated St. Regis Longboat Key print, according to van Workum.

For non-guests who want to get in on the amenities, the St. Regis will offer a membership with resort access, exclusive pricing and event planning services. It rings in at $125,000, not including additional quarterly dues and a minimum annual spend.

Membership or not, what appears to be the upper echelon of luxury living is here.

“It’s paradise without a passport,” says van Workum.

Soon-to-close Wyndham Orlando Resort primed for redevelopment

A hotel that will close near the intersection of International Drive and West Sand Lake Road could be primed for redevelopment.

Orlando Business Journal reported the planned closure of the 633-room Wyndham Orlando Resort at 8001 International Drive on April 30. The hotel property is owned by an entity connected to Unicorp National Developments Inc., which owns more than 39 acres in the corridor. Orange County in February approved a lot split of the nearly 27-acre site into separate 17.1-acre and 9.6-acre properties. Plans submitted alongside the request did not disclose why the split was sought or what the respective properties would be used for.

 

Unicorp executives were not immediately available for comment, but the developer previously explored plans to redevelop the resort and add residential units at the site. In October 2022, for instance, Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall told OBJ the progress on Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe theme park and hotel projects about a mile east of the Wyndham were, in part, a motivating factor to get the wheels turning once again on redevelopment.

Joshua Wallack, owner and operator for Mango’s Tropical Cafe Orlando and owner of Hollywood Plaza, told Orlando Business Journal the property is well-positioned with the progress of the new theme park that is set to open in the summer of 2025. “I believe the hotel is one of the best properties in Orange County”. Wyndham Orlando Resort, which has been open since the 1970s, has changed since Unicorp bought the property in 2011. It was a 1,058-room hotel then, with buildings fronting International Drive which were eventually redeveloped into more than 100,000 squar

e feet of retail space.

Wallack said potential work at the property could include preserving some of the more recently renovated elements of the Wyndham — such as its 60,000 square feet of event space — while getting rid of its older buildings in favor of new development.

Any redevelopment would also benefit from being located near the proposed I-Drive pedestrian bridge. Whatever happens at the site would be the latest in a wave of investment into the corridor. Maria Triscari, president of the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, told OBJ the I-Drive corridor has more than $4 billion in new development planned, not including Epic Universe.

With work on the theme park underway and phase one of the Orange County Convention Center Master Plan expected to move forward as early this year, Triscari said many properties are starting to prepare and modernize. “The Wyndham Orlando is centrally located right in the center of all the growth on I-Drive and it only makes sense that they will be upgrading and transforming one of the original I-Drive hotels into a modern property and development that will enhance the corridor and best serve the future of I-Drive.”

See inside St. Regis Longboat Key ahead of summer opening

There’s still a lot to do, but St. Regis General Manager Winfred van Workum said the team is moving fast and is on track to open the Longboat Key resort this summer. The resort’s reservation system is online, and van Workum said some wedding reservations are already on the books. Before the grand opening, though, the resort still needs some construction and a staff. Van Workum said that most of the management positions have been filled and that hiring events for the rest of the staff positions are coming in a little over a month. Van Workum offered the Observer a behind-the-scenes tour of the resort. On the tour, he detailed everything from the four restaurants and a 20,000-square-foot spa, down to the woodwork used in the resort’s steakhouse.

 

Elegant entrance

 

When guests arrive at the St. Regis, they will either enter through the resort side or the ballroom side. Through the hotel entrance, guests are greeted by an intimate reception area. The unique mural stands as a central focal point. Behind it, guests can walk to the glass doors to get a view of the Gulf of Mexico.

A rendering of the reception area of the St. Regis Longboat Key, featuring the mural and bar.
Courtesy image

 

The reception area is seated, so guests checking in can have a one-on-one with a receptionist. “It was really designed to be this personal experience,” van Workum said. Around the mural is a bar, with countertops made from high-end marble. Van Workum said the marble used around the resort was hand-picked by Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall, and is something that shows the amount of detail put into the resort. Also in the reception area will be a grand piano that will feature live music at night. A little farther down the hall, guests can grab a cup of coffee at a small coffee shop or peruse the shelves of a luxury swimwear company that will have special St. Regis Longboat Key designs.

 

Behind the mural

 

Every St. Regis destination has a mural that is a focal point for guests. It’s a welcome piece that exemplifies the feel of the resort and location. For the St. Regis Longboat Key, designers worked with muralist William Savarese to create a mural that Savarese describes as abstract in its flavor but, at the same time, figurative in its representation. “I think it’s very inviting but, at the same time, it’s very elegant,” Savarese said. Savarese has created murals for over 40 years, won awards for his work in Denmark and has done projects for cities like Jacksonville and Pompano Beach. The St. Regis mural uses floral images to emphasize the location’s cultural history. Bromeliads are a key image that guests might be able to pick out.

Savarese said he was shown some renderings of the reception area and a general concept for a mural. He went to work analyzing the technical aspects of how to create this mural with elements like the right brush strokes and tones. That led to several mock-ups that went back and forth, a process that eventually led to eight days of work to put paint to canvas.

The mural stands as a focal point in the St. Regis Longboat Key reception area.
Photo by Carter Weinhofer

 

“It was a process, and that’s what I love about doing murals, is that it’s always something that evolves and you get lost in it,” Savarese said. When guests enter the St. Regis, the mural is one of the first things they will see. Behind it is a wall of glass that offers a view of the Gulf of Mexico. Savarese said, because of that view, he tied in some subtle blues to connect the mural with the water. It’s a piece that he hopes demonstrates Sarasota’s natural history, with hints of its legacy of arts and culture.

 

Lots of dining

 

Within the St. Regis Longboat Key, there are four main restaurants, all with a separate kitchen. CW Prime will be an upscale steakhouse. With 130 seats, guests can enjoy steak and seafood either indoors or out on the patio with a Gulf view. Just through the entrance to CW Prime is a spirit room that van Workum said will give off a speakeasy vibe. Cocktail connoisseurs can press a button in this room to receive a secret cocktail only made at this spot in the resort. Van Workum said chefs will work to include tableside preparation with some dishes at CW Prime. Riva is another restaurant in the resort, which van Workum described as a more approachable restaurant with an emphasis on pasta and fish. The word “riva” in Italian means shore.  Fresh pasta made at a pasta bar will be fun and interactive, van Workum said. Two other restaurants are planned for the St. Regis Longboat Key: one that offers Latin cuisine, and another that blends Asian and Peruvian flavors. Within one of the four kitchens is a pastry room where chefs will bake fresh bread and wedding cakes. There’s also a chocolate room to create special chocolate pieces. Down on the beach will be the Monkey Bar, a connection with local beachgoers and a nod at the site’s history, formerly The Colony.

 

Other amenities

 

Throughout the ballroom side of the St. Regis, there are plenty of meeting spaces, including a large circular boardroom. Still, van Workum said the St. Regis Longboat Key isn’t focused on being a conference resort. That’s where the large, oval ballroom comes into play. The shape of the ballroom hints at the Ringling Brothers’ influence on the Sarasota area while giving off an elegant feel.

Van Workum said the St. Regis hopes to host galas, charity events and weddings in the ballroom.

The 20,000-square-foot spa touches on the theme of the “healing powers of water.” A hair salon, manicure and pedicure stations are among the amenities van Workum hopes will be enjoyed by locals.

A view from the reception area. The middle of the resort will feature pools and an interactive saltwater lagoon.
Photo by Carter Weinhofer

 

The spa also features 14 treatment rooms that offer massages and facials for private reservations. There’s also a treatment circuit where guests can go from a sauna to a steam room and a cold plunge.

Outside, the center of the St. Regis Resort continues the connection to water with pools and a saltwater lagoon. The saltwater lagoon will require 350,000 gallons of water and about 110,000 pounds of salt, according to van Workum. A team of marine biologists will take care of about 50 different species, including several stingrays. The goal, van Workum said, is to offer an educational experience that includes snorkeling in the lagoon. He said they hope to tie that in with a kids’ program that will offer educational programs inside and immersive experiences outside.

Trader Joe’s buys Chuck Whittall’s Slate restaurant for record deal

Trader Joe’s has purchased a 17,121-square-foot building in the Dr. Phillips area that had two tenants: the popular grocery story and Slate, a Restaurant Row eatery that closed its doors in January.

Unicorp National Developments sold the property at 8323 Sand Lake Road to the California-based grocery store chain for $14 million, or about $817 per square foot — a deal Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall believes is the biggest sale per square foot in Central Florida. “I don’t think you’ll find anything that sold higher per square foot than what that property sold for.”

“Trader Joe’s came to us five to six months ago and said they’re doing so well on Sand Lake Road that they wanted to expand into Slate,” said Whittall, who also owned the restaurant, explaining why Slate closed in January. “It was something we couldn’t pass up.”

The 2.57-acre property was sold to Unicorp for $2.75 million in 2013 before the building’s construction was finished.

Executives with Trader Joe’s couldn’t be reached for comment prior to publication.

The space previously had high demand for parking, with Trader Joe’s customers having to fight for space with the now-defunct restaurant.

“It’s logical. … When you look at the sites they’re in [in Orlando], they’re both parking disasters so they need parking solutions. It’s logical that if they’re doing well and they’re committed to the market, but there absolutely is a parking issue … it’s the right call,” said John Crossman, president of CrossMarc Services in Winter Park, who is not involved in the deal. “To see Trader Joe’s taking the steps to cure a problem — I like that a lot.”

Since properties like this have become a good investment, an expert told OBJ grocers may see owning their own space as a more attractive option. “Grocery stores, in general, they used to like to lease … Now they want to own. It’s become very profitable to own the real estate themselves,” said Al Fishalow, director of NAI Realvest in Orlando, who also is not involved with the Trader Joe’s deal.

Meanwhile, Unicorp wants to expand Restaurant Row by redeveloping the nearby Valley Bank site on Sand Lake Road and Dr. Phillips Boulevard for more restaurants and a new Valley Bank office, said Whittall.

The move is still in the permitting process, but Whittall said the plan is to redevelop the area for more density to allow for more restaurants while keeping a spot for the New Jersey-based bank.

More shops and restaurants coming to Shoppes at Fashion Square

The California firm that bought Shoppes at Fashion Square last year is moving forward with more plans for more shops and restaurants in the center abutting to the struggling mall on Colonial Drive.

LBX Investments will follow the opening this month of Del Taco with two new retail buildings on shovel-ready pads bookending the mall entrance off Maguire Boulevard. LBX Investments bought the Floor & Décor-anchored shopping center from Seritage Growth Properties last May for $25.7 million.

Managing Partner Rob Levy told GrowthSpotter that new construction was always part of the plan for the asset. “We feel strongly about Floor & Décor as an anchor for the project, and we want to build around them,” he said. “So certainly had the idea and strategy to build a few outparcels and also to complete the tenancy at Floor & Décor.”

Levy said they’d like to start construction as soon as possible. LBX filed an administrative master plan seeking approval for a 4,584-square-foot building with two storefronts on Pad 5, just north of Longhorn Steakhouse. The slightly larger second building is slated for Pad 1 and is designed with three storefronts, including an end-cap space suitable for a restaurant or brewery.

The pad 5 building is proposed for 4,854 square feet and designed for two tenants. (Rendering by SA Group LLC)

“There’s nothing definitive in the tenancy yet,” Levy said. “We’re working with a number of potential prospects.”

Nicholas Fouracre with 4Acre Commercial manages the leasing activity for the property.

Kimley Horn is the project engineer and SA Group LLC is the architect.

The master plan also includes the final buildout of the shell space from Orchard Supply Hardware. The building was never occupied when parent company Lowe’s abandoned the boutique brand in 2018 and shuttered all 99 stores across the nation, including three in Orlando.

Floor & Décor took nearly 30,000 square feet of the building, which included 7,788 square feet of mezzanine space.  A new 8,826-square-foot storefront would be carved out of the existing building, along with another 5,893 square feet of covered space in what was the garden center for the hardware building.

The expansion comes while Unicorp National Developments CEO Chuck Whittall is working with mall owner Bancorp on a redevelopment plan for the Fashion Square property, the city’s oldest mall.

“For about a year and a half we’ve been negotiating with them to co-develop the property, but everything’s just been on hold because of the market right now,” Whittall said. “The costs are so high, it just doesn’t make sense to do anything at this moment.”

Whittall and investor/broker Daryl Carter bought the 46-acre mall property in 2019 for $23 million but for years couldn’t come to terms with Bancorp, which owns the actual mall building, to buy out the lease. In 2021 the Delaware bank brought in its own development team, New Jersey-based M&M Realty, to create a plan for the property. Bancorp won approval from the city that year for the framework master plan that called for demolishing everything except the Macy’s store and an existing parking garage. The plan included 177,000 square feet of new retail and dining uses, including two restaurant pads fronting on Colonial, a 120-room hotel, 1,400 residential units, two new parking garages and a central event lawn with a pavilion.

The project never advanced beyond the master plan approval.

Whittall had similar ideas for reactivating the site back in 2018. His initial concept included a four different apartment buildings, all five-stories with ground-floor retail, a hotel and a grocery store.

City Center at O-Town West wins Commercial Development of the Year

City Center at O-Town West is a part of Orlando-based Unicorp National Development's $1 billion O-Town West mixed-use project. (Unicorp National Developments, Inc.)City Center at O-Town West is a part of Orlando-based Unicorp National Development’s $1 billion O-Town West mixed-use project. (Unicorp National Developments, Inc.)

City Center at O-Town West, developed by Orlando’s Unicorp National Developments, brought the region one of its newest offices as part of a new 350-acre master-planned mixed-use development and, in doing so, brought a global vacation company to Orlando.

Located just off Interstate 4 at 8652 Fenton St., City Center at O-Town West is part of the $1 billion mixed-use project called O-Town West that is being developed by Unicorp. The nine-story building offers 350,000 square feet of high-end office space in addition to restaurant, retail and entertainment space for over 1,600 daily employees.

City Center was announced in 2020, with Unicorp selecting Finfrock as the architect and engineer of record, precast concrete manufacturer and installer, and as the project’s general contractor to help expedite construction, which wrapped up in late 2023.

The project’s design incorporated multiple employee wellness-inspired features. Executive offices were moved into the building interior, giving more employees access to City Center’s floor-to-ceiling windows and views of Orlando’s International Drive corridor. An on-site fitness center comes with a full selection of exercise equipment and classes, an IT bar for employees with tech issues, and private spaces for mothers or other general wellness needs on each floor.

Unicorp has plans to make City Center its headquarters and will join Marriott Vacations Worldwide at the site. In what remains one of Orlando’s largest purely office deals ever, the global vacation ownership company selected the site for its global corporate headquarters in early 2020.

The project won a 2024 CoStar Impact Award for commercial development of the year for Orlando, as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.

Also part of O-Town West is The Village and Glasshouse, featuring 80,000 square feet of commercial space and 900 luxury multifamily units; The Crossings, with four free-standing pads fronting Interstate 4 and Town Center, with 400 luxury multifamily units and 250 townhomes, all anchored by a Publix grocery store.

About the Project: City Center at O-Town West is part of the $1 billion, 350-acre O-Town West project developed by Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments. The office component features 350,000 square feet of space and was completed in late 2023.

What the Judges Said: “The success of this development is based in ‘out of the market’ thinking regarding density, intensity, and uses. This site very well could have been a couple of apartment sites, a grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping center, a hotel or two, and a few QSRs,” said Ike Cottle, president and CEO of Geen Slate Land and Development.

UPDATED They Made It Happen: Chuck Whittall, president and CEO of Unicorp National Developments; Kyle Ruperto, development manager at Unicorp National Developments; George Giebel, director of development at Unicorp National Developments; William Finfrock, president of Finfrock; Kyle Myers, director of project development at Finfrock; Jack Saboor, project manager at Finfrock; John Geller, president Marriott Vacations; Joseph Bramuchi, senior vice president and corporate treasurer at Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Katherine Stang, Director of Global Project Strategy at Marriott Vacations Worldwide.

12 New U.S. Hotels Set to Steal the Spotlight in 2024

For 2024, the American hotel landscape is unveiling its new look, trading traditional luxe for a narrative-rich ambiance.

 

St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

St. Regis Longboat Key Resort 

1620 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL, 34228

Summer 2024

The St. Regis Longboat Key graces the Gulf of Mexico’s azure waters and the pristine white sands of Sarasota’s most sought-after barrier island. Beyond the beach—which is private, by the way—The St. Regis Longboat Key boasts a family-friendly waterway and a unique saltwater lagoon, home to majestic Galapagos tortoises, blending luxury with natural wonder. For those seeking relaxation, the oceanfront spa, complete with rejuvenating vitality pools, offers a tranquil retreat.

 

Gardiner. Nick Mele

Barely into 2024, the American hotel landscape is already unveiling its new look, trading traditional luxe for a narrative-rich ambiance. Gone are the days when the zenith of luxury was defined by just plush beds and gleaming marble baths. Now, it’s all about immersive stays that weave a tale from the threads of a destination’s history and contemporary beat. This year’s most anticipated hotel openings are perfectly in tune, ready to satiate that craving with a sprinkle of historical charm and a dash of modern-day swagger.

In a year as unpredictable as a coin flip—or, say, a presidential election—the craving for escapism has never been stronger. Sure, urban sanctuaries in cities like New York and Miami are still jostling to out-luxe each other, but the real game-changers? America’s charming “second cities” flexing their design and storytelling muscles, from Richmond, Virginia, to Portland, Maine. Beyond the glamour of city retreats, the standout stars are the tranquil havens that offer more than just respite—they’re gateways to the essence of local culture, art and history. Handpicked for their “oomph” factor, each soon-to-open spot on this list promises to transform your stay into a weekend, week or month worth remembering.

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Gardiner House’s ballroom. Gardiner

Gardiner House

24 Lee’s Wharf, Newport, RI 02840

Winter 2024

Gardiner House was a five-year labor of love, meticulously crafted by local proprietors Howard Cushing and Wirt Blaffer. Drawing inspiration from Cushing’s grandfather, the renowned American impressionist Howard Gardiner Cushing, whose artworks adorn the walls of the Whitney in New York, the hotel weaves a story of artistic legacy. The hotel’s bar, Studio Bar, exudes a nautical sophistication, while its 21 rooms and suites strike a delicate balance between the old-money elegance of Newport’s iconic seaside mansions and a fresh, contemporary flair.

Hotel Bardo’s lounge pool. Hotel Bardo

Hotel Bardo 

700 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401

Winter 2024

In the heart of Savannah’s Forsyth Park, a 19th-century Southern Gothic structure has been brilliantly repurposed into an urban resort and private club. This project exemplifies the fusion of old and new, combining Savannah’s historic allure with modern, audacious design elements. Dubbed “riot clash,” Bardo’s style seamlessly integrates the classic Victorian-Romanesque facade with avant-garde, edgy design features. Spread over two acres, the resort boasts a rich display of local artistry, a serene courtyard centered around a majestic 82-foot pool and the exclusive Club Bardo, distinguished by its “Peach Fuzz” theme, offering a distinct social and membership experience.

Longfellow Hotel’s lobby bar. Lobby Bar Longfellow Hotel

The Longfellow Hotel

754 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102

Spring 2024

The Longfellow Hotel in Portland, Maine, offers more than just a stay—it offers inspiration. Named after the famed poet and Portland’s own, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, this 48-room boutique hotel is making waves as the city’s first new independent, full-service hotel in two decades. Alongside the rooms, the hotel will feature the Twinflower Café and the Five of Clubs, a salon-style lounge perfect for sipping on beers, wines, cocktails and enjoying light fare. For those seeking relaxation, the Nordic-inspired Astraea wellness spa provides a serene escape, complete with private infrared sauna rooms and spaces dedicated to meditation experiences.

Thompson Palm Springs. Thompson Palm Springs

Thompson Palm Springs

414 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Spring 2024

Thompson Palm Springs is gearing up to be the latest hot spot in the desert, attracting both local trendsetters and worldly travelers. This much-awaited destination will feature 168 bungalow-style guest rooms and suites, each with private balconies offering stunning views of the mesmerizing Palm Springs desert. The accommodations, a blend of sleek design and earthy tones accented with vibrant colors, some even boasting private pools, provide a modern oasis. Balconies fitted with lounge furniture overlook the picturesque San Jacinto Mountains, while the hotel’s two rooftop pools, surrounded by lush gardens and ample lounge areas, are perfect for basking in the desert sun.

The Ranch Hudson Valley. The Ranch Hudson Valley

The Ranch Hudson Valley

150 Sterlington Rd, Sloatsburg, NY 10974

Spring 2024

The Ranch Malibu, a jewel in the wellness retreat world and a favorite among the elite favoring discretion, is now expanding its realm of tranquility to the East Coast with The Ranch Hudson Valley, just a two-hour drive from New York City. This retreat, envisioned by the acclaimed Steven Gambrel of SR Gambrel, will feature 25 elegantly appointed guest rooms, each offering a peaceful view of the on-site lake and beautifully manicured gardens. The transformation of a majestic 2,000-square-foot ballroom into a state-of-the-art gym is just the beginning: guests can also immerse themselves in rejuvenating afternoon sessions of fitness, yoga and meditation, designed to renew and invigorate the body and mind. Adjacent to the estate, a magnificent 5,000-square-foot solarium awaits, providing year-round exercise options and a swimming pool.

Hotel Anna & Bel. Hotel Anna & Bel

Hotel Anna & Bel

1401 E. Susquehanna Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Spring 2024

Fishtown’s rise to national prominence has seen a surge in hotel development, with Hotel Anna & Bel being the newest entrant in this emerging Philadelphia neighborhood. Rooted in history, parts of the hotel date back to the 18th century; it originally served as the Penn Asylum for Indigent Widows and Single Women before its transformation into a retirement home. This historic backdrop adds a unique character to the property. Hotel Anna & Bel will offer 50 stylish rooms, complemented by an array of amenities including a charming courtyard, an outdoor heated pool, and Mediterranean restaurant Bastia helmed by former Zahav chef Tyler Akin.

The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel. The Surrey

The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel

20 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021

Summer 2024

Get ready to witness the revival of an Upper East Side legend. Once a 1926 residence hotel and a hotspot frequented by the likes of JFK and Bette Davis, The Surrey is heading into its centennial with a mission: to recapture its old-school glam and strut into the future. Enter Martin Brudnizki, the design maestro behind the interiors, masterfully weaving modern luxury with ritzy historical nods across 70 guest rooms, 30 suites and 14 residences. Culinary magic comes courtesy of Casa Tua. Founded by Miky Grendene and Leticia Herrera-Grendene, this partnership means Casa Tua’s famed Italian fare and lively atmosphere are hitting New York for the first time.

 

Casa Loma Model Room. Casa Loma

Casa Loma Beach Hotel

211 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Summer 2024

Just a flip-flop’s throw from Main Beach, this 70-room property promises to meld Mallorcan influences with the surf legacy of California’s coast. The interiors by Electric Bowery, featuring a palette of sandy tones, clay and soft seaside greens, offer a nod to the area’s history and bohemian charm. The hotel’s lobby bar and lounge will serve as a relaxed gathering space, accented with subtle clay tiles and plaster in sandy hues, while each room showcases thoughtfully crafted furniture and distinct lighting, reflecting the natural, oceanic surroundings.

The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection. The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection

The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection

3883 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island, SC 29455

Summer 2024

The Dunlin, with its nostalgic charm of bygone summer retreats, offers a picturesque escape with 72 cottage-style guest rooms and 19 white-washed villas dreamed up by Amanda Lindroth Design, all gazing out over the shimmering Kiawah River. This idyllic resort will be anchored by a main lodge, a true centerpiece where time slows down. Here, guests can sway in wicker chairs on the expansive wooden porch or sip cocktails from a pool cabana, all while watching the sun dip behind the marsh savannas.

Shenandoah Mansions. Blake Shorter

Shenandoah Mansions 

501 N Allen Ave, Richmond, VA 23220

Fall 2024

NYC-based hotelier Ash—you may know them from Hotel Peter & Paul in New Orleans and Baltimore’s Ulysses—is set to unveil Shenandoah Mansions, a distinctive 73-key boutique hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Occupying a six-story historic apartment building in the Fan District, this property promises to blend its rich history with contemporary hospitality. Retaining its classic red brick facade, Shenandoah Mansions will stand out as one of the tallest structures in the area, offering guests expansive views from its rooms and suites. The hotel will include a retail space and a hotel bar, along with the third installment of the sexy-swanky Ash–Bar, a unique blend of European café culture and Americana in the heart of Virginia’s capital.

The Vineta. The Vineta

The Vineta Hotel 

363 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Fall 2024

After purchasing the Chesterfield Hotel in Palm Beach, Oetker Collection is reviving the storied Vineta name, a moniker that graced the building for over five decades, marking a new era in its nearly century-old history. The hotel, with its elegant pale-pink façade, stands as a classic representation of Mediterranean Revival architecture, a style synonymous with Palm Beach, Florida. Undergoing a comprehensive renovation led by Parisian designer Tino Zervudachi, The Vineta Hotel undergoes a grand rebirth this year, restoring it to its original magnificence. The hotel’s dining and social spaces are set to captivate with four unique ambiances, including the once-famed Leopard Lounge, a former hotspot for celebrities and locals.

How Marriott Vacations Worldwide’s new HQ in O-Town West emphasizes flexibility, wellness

When executives for Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. (NYSE: VAC) talk about their newly completed headquarters and the theme of flexibility that pervades it, they’re referring to more than just its floor plan or design.

Plans for the nine-story, 350,000-square-foot office property predate the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic — or the supply-chain-driven construction delays that were omnipresent throughout the industry in its wake.

Because of this, the company’s leadership has had to be flexible each step of the way during the project’s buildout and in deciding how its employees would engage and utilize the new space.

The company is the anchor tenant of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s $1 billion-plus O-Town West mixed-use project.

The building’s exterior construction was completed by Apopka-based Finfrock, while Redwood City, California-based DPR Construction did the interior buildout. JLL has worked with Marriott Vacations Worldwide throughout as project manager for the new headquarters.

A phased move-in to the building began in November and stretched through the beginning of the year. Now, the Orlando-based, publicly traded company is ramping up its efforts to show off the new facility with an open house for employee family and friends scheduled for Jan. 31.

Mike Yonker, an executive vice president for Marriott Vacations Worldwide and the company’s chief human resources officer, told Orlando Business Journal feedback from the company’s associates has been overwhelmingly positive.

In addition to their appreciation of the building’s many amenities, he said the implementation of the company’s new adaptive work model has been well-received as a way to fit the needs of a staff with varying degrees of remote work.

 

The policy emphasizes flexibility, giving employees the option to have a full-time desk space that is their own or to “hotel” — working in one of the many workspaces that does not have an assigned employee. Yonker said how often employees are required to be in the office is largely delegated to team leaders, giving each position and its relation to remote work a greater level of customization.

“This adaptive work model, I’m just so thankful for it because it really has allowed us to position ourselves to be attractive — it helps us both from a retention standpoint and from an attraction standpoint,” Yonker said.

An additional degree of flexibility is built in for employees in giving them optionality for how they work when in the office.

In addition to the traditional cubicle-style workstations, each floor has spaces that are more casual for employees to work from, including big and small lounge areas. This is in addition to small quiet rooms for individual team members to take calls within, myriad conference room options and other smaller spaces designed to encourage more impromptu collaboration.

 

Katherine Stang, Marriott Vacations Worldwide’s Director for Global Program and Process Management, said that the building has been designed to regularly support 1,500 Central Florida-based employees.

Included among these are 1,200 more regular users of the headquarters space and around 300 call center employees who are largely remote, but who can count on space to work in the office in situations where they may not have internet at home, for example.

“They’re remote teams, but the building supports them,” Stang said.

In addition to traditional workspaces to accommodate all 1,200 employees expected to regularly work out of the facility, there are enough informal spaces there for all employees to have at least two places to work on any given day.

On top of that, the building utilizes “structured vacancy” such that it can accommodate large volumes of employees visiting from other locations, as the company has more than 21,000 employees in total.

“Not only can associates choose on how they want to sit and do their work when they’re here, but we can also load up the building on days where we bring people in from the resorts and support twice as many occupants as what it gets on a daily basis,” Stang said.

Other amenities in the new headquarters include:

  • an emphasis on natural light that manifests itself with floor-to-ceiling windows and the decision to move the majority executive offices to the interior of the building, to allow for all employees to have access to ample natural light
  • traditional workstations that include desks employees can sit or stand at, as well as dual monitors and ergonomic furniture
  • a large on-site fitness center available to all employees, including a full range of exercise equipment, in addition to the ongoing rollout of classes that can be attended
  • a health-conscious design that includes stairs strategically placed in the center of the building to encourage higher usage, as well as plants located throughout
  • rooms on each floor designed for mothers or general wellness needs, such as a place to perform an insulin shot or prayer
  • an “IT bar” for employees to have technology issues addressed
  • custom spaces on respective floors include a small media studio and a test kitchen.

Stang indicated the headquarters was designed in accordance with LEED and Fitwel certifications for the building and that both of those designations are being sought.

Meanwhile, with the delivery of Marriott Vacations Worldwide’s headquarters in the last quarter of 2023, a CBRE office real estate report notes there is currently no office space under construction in the Orlando market.

Though the final quarter of the year saw positive absorption of 164,217 square feet of office space in the market, vacancy remains high at 15.7% across the region. The average asking rent for the Orlando office market is $26.95 per square foot, up 3.1% year-over-year, the report notes.

The 50 Most Hotly Anticipated Luxury Hotel Openings in 2024

So, where did you go this year? Which of the hotels we recommended as new openings for 2023 were worth your time—perhaps the Atlantis in Dubai, for its Beyoncé-anointed début which was more like an Olympic opening than a hotel christening? Then again, perhaps you booked a suite at Son Net on Mallorca, the hottest island in Europe that’s a bike-lovers’ paradise, or headed to London for the arrival of the Raffles OWO, the $1.76 billion dollar renovation that we exclusively previewed?

There were other impressive arrivals, like Violino d’Oro and La Palma in Capri—which finally opened a year or so after it first promised to welcome guests. The award for most-delayed this year goes to the Lana, the Dorchester Collection’s foray into the Middle East, which is now penciled in for a February 2024 opening.

Still, the ultra-luxe spot is worthy of retaining its must-see designation on the list for a second year (as long it manages to book in the first few guests as planned). Alongside holdovers like that, though, we’ve scoured the globe for the 50 most anticipated five-star hotel openings earmarked for 2024—get ready to start planning out the next 12 months of globe-trotting now.

 

 

St. Regis resort on FL Gulf Coast expected to open next summer

The average daily rate at the resort will start at around $1,200.

The average daily rate at the resort will start at around $1,200. Photo Credit: St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

A new St. Regis resort is coming to a barrier island west of Sarasota, Florida.

Expected to open its doors next summer, the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort promises guests access to 800 feet of private beach and a four-acre saltwater lagoon populated with stingrays, turtles and tropical fish.

The 168-room property will also be home to four restaurants, a 20,000-square-foot spa, multiple pools and a “winding river” water feature, and 17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.

The average daily rate at the resort will start at around $1,200.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort will be the second St. Regis hotel in Florida, joining the St. Regis Bal Harbour north of Miami Beach.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is part of the Marriott International portfolio.

10 Longboat Key projects to watch in 2024

While Longboat Key had its fair share of achievements in 2023, it’s time to look ahead.

Last year, the Town Commission, staff and residents started the momentum on several projects that are heading toward notable progress in 2024.

There were also some notable issues, such as St. Regis Longboat Key parking, undergrounding project delays and Hurricane Idalia, which flooded areas of the island.

Be sure to stay up to date with the Longboat Observer as these stories progress over the next year:

 

6. St. Regis Longboat Key

Don’t worry, there won’t be a parking garage on site when the St. Regis Longboat Key opens in summer 2024.

The parking saga concluded over the summer, after plans for a parking garage were met with community and commission opposition.

Finally, the commission and developer Unicorp National Developments, Inc. struck a deal in October that expands surface parking. This includes expanding a 33-space lot to a 93-space lot, and adding 12 more spaces to the entrance driveway.

These changes also produce a loss of 3,202 square feet of impervious surface.

The 62 mechanical lift spaces that were previously proposed were also removed.

All in all, the new plans have a net gain of one parking space from the original 2021 plans.

At the end of last year, Unicorp President Chuck Whittall announced he had chosen a general manager for the St. Regis Longboat Key: Winfred Van Workum.

Van Workum has his fair share of experience with high-end resorts, previously serving as the general manager for the St. Regis Bal Harbour, the St. Regis Washington, D.C., and the Ritz-Carlton New York.

In October, Van Workum was already thinking about staffing strategies and how to market the St. Regis Longboat Key to be on track for a Forbes Five-Star Rating.

“We’re really positioning the hotel as a destination where I think we’re really going to market this to some of the top travel agents in the world,” Van Workum said.

Drone images from November show the lagoon beginning to take shape at the St. Regis Longboat Key.
Courtesy image

Some of the most interesting features Van Workum talked about in a profile with The Observer were a saltwater lagoon with tropical fish and stingrays, and two resident Galapagos tortoises.

The food and beverage options will appeal to both guests and Longboat Key residents. An upscale restaurant featuring steaks and seafood, as well as a more “approachable” Italian restaurant are planned.

A second-floor bar will be perfectly positioned to watch sunsets, and a tiki bar by the beach will pay homage to The Colony’s Monkey Room Bar.

According to previous updates from Unicorp, the St. Regis Longboat Key is scheduled to wrap up construction this spring, with a grand opening expected in the summer.

2024’s Buzziest Hotel Openings

2024’s most anticipated and buzzy hotel openings and expansions from some of 2024’s hottest destinations ranging from Florida to Corfu and points in between.

Longboat Key, Florida – The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort – Opening Summer 2024

Nestled along the sugar-white sands of a Sarasota barrier island, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort pairs oceanside luxury with an unprecedented level of hospitality. Opening summer of 2024, the resort will bring a new level of luxury to the Gulf Coast and marks the largest development on the island in over 50 years.  Situated on 18 acres of prime beachfront property with 168 elegant guest rooms including 26 suites with terraces, guests will have access to unparalleled amenities and the bespoke service of St. Regis. The resort will offer 800 feet of private beach, multiple pools and a winding river, a four-acre saltwater lagoon experience with stingrays, Galapagos turtles and tropical fish, a 20,000 square-foot destination St. Regis spa and four chef-driven culinary outlets. Conveniently located near Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and the vibrant St. Armands Circle, the property is primed to become an iconic resort destination for discerning travelers and the local community alike.

Hunter, New York – The Rounds at Scribner’s – Opening January 2024

Scribner’s Catskills Lodge will expand its footprint with The Rounds at Scribner’s, a collection of 11 private lodges perched north of the existing property. Designed by Post Company, the one of a kind 12-sided structures are primed to be a design lover’s dream with two configurations — a single and a suite, each featuring a curated collection of contemporary and vintage furniture pieces, private outdoor cedar soaking tubs and showers, and a central oculus for optimal stargazing.

Opening in January 2024, The Rounds revolve around a communal building which houses shared spaces including a lounge with wood burning fireplace, private dining and events and intimate bar area, all working together to create a luxury residential feel and a fresh take on private lodging in the Catskills.

Hudson Valley, New York – The Ranch Hudson Valley – Opening Spring 2024

The Ranch, the renowned luxury health and wellness brand featuring acclaimed, results-oriented fitness programs is opening its first East Coast destination in The Lower Hudson Valley near Tuxedo Park, New York.  Nestled amidst 200 acres, in an historic lakefront estate, The Ranch Hudson Valley is 45 minutes from New York City and immerses guests in nature as they experience the core elements of The Ranch program – hiking, fitness classes, yoga, deep tissue massage and a plant-based diet. Opening in Spring of 2024, The Ranch Hudson Valley will offer 3-night, 4-night, 7-night and multi-week wellness programs.

Denver, CO. – Urban Cowboy Denver – Opening Early 2024

Denver, the capital of Colorado, is an American metropolis dating to the Old West era and is the jumping-off point for ski resorts in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Slated to open in early 2024 Urban Cowboy Denver is the brand’s first westward expansion, located in the Capital Hill neighborhood of Downtown Denver. This historic gem, formerly the George Schleier Mansion, will house the 16-room boutique hotel featuring Urban Cowboy’s signature elements, such as free-standing clawfoot tubs, custom wallpapers, and curated antiques from around the world. Urban Cowboy Hotels co-founder Lyon Porter’s latest creation preserved much of its original, ornate detail and architecture to embrace the spirit of the western cowboy.

The mansion’s two-story carriage house will serve as the property’s Public House—a delightful restaurant/bar offering house cocktails and a delectable menu of wood-fired pies and small plates by Brooklyn-based Roberta’s Pizza. Additionally, Urban Cowboy Denver features a Parlor Bar with a carefully selected wine collection, conveniently situated in the downstairs lobby. With its charming ambiance and welcoming atmosphere, Urban Cowboy Denver strives to become a beloved neighborhood gathering place—a destination where locals and visitors alike can relish wonderful moments and create lasting memories.

Urban Cowboy Denver is located at 1665 Grant St, Denver, CO and will open early 2024. Rooms will start at $295 a night.

Orlando, FL. – Evermore Resort Orlando

Evermore Resort Orlando is poised to open its doors on January 1, 2024, and is currently accepting reservations. Nested on a sprawling 1,100-acre landscape adjacent to Walt Disney World®, this resort complex introduces a fresh perspective to the conventional vacation home rental, unveiling the newest addition to the esteemed Conrad Hotels & Resorts portfolio – Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) contemporary luxury hotel brand.

Boasting an impressive 10,000 bedrooms, the resort will initially debut with nearly 1,500 rooms, offering an array of accommodations, including standalone homes, opulent villas, chic flats, and refined hotel guestrooms. Guests can select from 69 distinctive houses ranging from five to eleven bedrooms, 76 four-bedroom flats, 41 two and four-bedroom villas, and a sophisticated Conrad hotel that promises a blend of elegant design and top-tier amenities.

At the heart of the resort is a 20-acre tropical beach complex and an 8-acre crystalline water amenity, Evermore Bay, developed by Crystal Lagoons®. This eco-friendly design uses minimal chemicals and energy, creating an inviting water haven for guests. Surrounding beach areas offer zero-entry swim areas, bars, cabanas, private fire-pits, and an aquatic adventure zone. Additional amenities include a vibrant food hall, a casual resort restaurant with scenic views, and a two-story Boathouse for weddings and private events.

Starting rates: 2-Bedroom Villa $278/night, Flat $611/ night, 5-Bedroom House $1,379/ night

Caesars Republic Scottsdale

Projected to open in February 2024, Caesars Republic Scottsdale is a new lifestyle-hotel experience and the first non-gaming hotel from Caesars Entertainment in the United States. Located adjacent to Scottsdale’s premier luxury retail destination, Scottsdale Fashion Square, the new concept taps into the unique pulse of the surrounding city to form a one-of-a-kind experience. Boasting 265 rooms in an 11-story glass structure, it will feature two Giada De Laurentiis restaurants and its rooftop pool will feature expansive Camelback Mountain Views.

The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie

Projected to open in October 2024, The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie is an exclusive sanctuary, tucked away yet close enough to touch the vibrant pulse of Scottsdale. Th ethereal retreat evokes a sense of playfulness and escape, with modern accommodations and luxury amenities including a two-story 16,000 square foot spa, several dining concepts and what will be America’s longest pool. This 20-acre new-build with 215 rooms sits below Camelback Mountain and boasts gorgeous mountain views and a convenient location to downtown Scottsdale.

A New Era of Italian Luxury – COMO Alpina Dolomites

Opening on December 7, 2023, COMO Alpina Dolomites is a luxury year-round ski-in ski-out resort in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol. Situated amongst the Dolomites, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, the 60 thoughtfully designed rooms provide sweeping views of famous peaks in the Dolomite Mountain range. The area provides year-round activities including skiing, hiking and mountain biking. Guests can choose from a variety of dining options, including the casual Alpina Chalet, the intimate Mountain Restaurant, or the Lobby Lounge for complimentary Afternoon Tea. COMO Shambhala Retreat offers an expansive wellness program with an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, and more.

All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy Continues Portfolio Expansion

The all-inclusive concept is undergoing somewhat of a renaissance, with demand continuing to increase, and more and more resorts upping their game and evolving in the luxury space. Seeing plenty of opportunity in the segment is All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy. Launched in 2019 with an aim to elevate the concept and bring unparalleled experiences to 150+ million Marriott Bonvoy members, the portfolio encompasses 31 properties across the Caribbean and Latin America with even more exciting growth plans found over the next two years, including six all-inclusive Barbados hotels to be renovated and transitioned to Marriott brands, four new luxury all-inclusives (including two new-builds) in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, and the world’s first Marriott-branded all-inclusive in Cancun.

Revitalized Legacy at Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort

In early 2024, All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy will debut its first-ever Marriott branded all-inclusive resort in the world with the re-opening of Cancun’s iconic Marriott Resort, now renamed Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort. Marriott International’s legacy property in the Yucatan Peninsula has, for several decades, graced its sweeping shoreline with beachfront elevated accommodations, world-class amenities, and access to Cancun’s most treasured adventures. Now, Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort will welcome guests to enjoy brand-new, redesigned rooms and suites, public areas and more refined facilities, including new and innovative restaurant concepts, expansive pools, and aquatic attractions alongside authentic nightlife experiences and dedicated services set to further distinguish the ever-expanding brand within the all-inclusive space.

Almare, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Isla Mujeres, Mexico 

Set to open in Q2 2024 as All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy’s second all-inclusive Luxury Collection property, Isla Mujeres is an island paradise across the bay from Cancun, a short car or ferry ride from Costa Mujeres. The adults-only, 105-room property will feature a modern, sophisticated take on vernacular architecture, layered with locally-inspired interior design to showcase the beauty of the locale. Promising unique, authentic experiences synonymous with The Luxury Collection ethos, the resort will feature two glittering pools, a vibrant beach club and four dining destinations where guests can savor a decadent twist on authentic cuisine or an expertly crafted cocktail. Elevated amenities also include private transportation to the island.

The W All-Inclusive Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 

Slated to open in late 2024, the launch of The W All-Inclusive Punta Cana, Dominican Republic  is expected to mark the debut of W Hotels both in the Dominican Republic and in the all-inclusive space – a brand known for its modern, bold luxury service with a vibrant ambiance. Situated on the picturesque shores of Uvero Alto, this adults-only, all-inclusive, new-build resort is anticipated to feature 349 guestrooms with balconies and plunge pools, as well as several suites. Plans for the resort include a spa with 11 treatment rooms, three dazzling pools with pool bars, 11 dining and drinking destinations, and immersive, dynamic adults-focused programming. Construction on the resort follows the signing of a management agreement between Marriott International, Inc., Grupo Puntacana and MAC Hotels.

Domes Announces 3 New Luxury Concepts for 2024 Throughout Greece

Following a momentous past 12 months with hotels debuting in Milos, Halkidiki and Mykonos, as well as the brand’s first ever standalone restaurant Markis by DomesDomes Resorts has announced its plans for 2024 with new hotel and lifestyle openings to launch in Santorini, the Athenian Riviera and Corfu Old Town.

Domes Oramma Santorini

Domes’ inaugural hotel in Santorini, Domes Oramma Santorini will provide guests with a ultra-luxe and sophisticated retreat boasting 50 suites and two villas, each with its own private pool.  Mixing Cycladic luxury with a sustainable approach, the resort’s design by Kiros Pagkalidis Architects uses local materials such as volcanic stone and blonde oak for a neutral, relaxed palette. The signature Makris restaurant serving traditional and authentic Greek cuisine with a contemporary twist will sit atop a rooftop garden where guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and views of Santorini’s renowned sunsets.

91 Athens Riviera

A brand-new concept for Domes and the destination itself, 91 Athens Riviera, will be situated in the coastal area of Athens, Greece. This ‘private lifestyle members’ club provides guests with an ultra-luxe glamping experience in 30 spacious and chic ‘tents’, most of which have their own private plunge pools. Designed by Chadios Architects, the property was styled to offer exceptional restaurants including Barbarossa, serving traditional Aegean cuisine, vibrant bars, and modern sporting facilities including eight tennis courts.

Domes Maison Corfu

Opening within Domes’ “Reserves” portfolio, Domes Maison Corfu will be situated within a historic mansion dating back to 1903, which is known to have hosted the British royal family after Prince Phillip’s baptism. Located on one of Old Town Corfu’s most prestigious boulevards, the property offers just ten suites. Combining its boutique accommodations with fine-dining and bespoke interior design, the property will provide guests with a one-of-a-kind elevated, yet cultural experience.

Chuck Whittall, Unicorp alter $30M Restaurant Row project after residents’ pushback

A $30 million commercial project planned by one of Orlando’s busiest developers has been altered in response to concerns from residents in the Dr. Phillips community.

Unicorp National Developments Inc. President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal two significant changes have been made to the in-the-works redevelopment of the bank property he owns at 7625 W. Sand Lake Road, along Orlando’s popular Restaurant Row corridor, following a community meeting last month.

In response to pushback related to the project’s height, he said one level from the structured parking has been removed from the plans, lowering the proposed height. It is a change that, in addition to heeding those concerns, also may mean the height restriction waiver previously sought will not be needed, Whittall noted.

As for concerns about the project’s architecture, which initially was more modern, the design has pivoted to an Italian aesthetic, he said.

“I’m a resident [in the Dr. Phillips area] and the concerns of the neighbors weigh deeply on us,” Whittall said. “We’ve made changes to the project to accommodate the voices of the community.”

 

A rendering shared with OBJ reflects the changes and was produced by Apopka-based Finfrock, whom Whittall previously indicated was in talks to be the project’s general contractor.

With the updated plans, Whittall said the project’s construction cost may tick down some, to about $25 million or $27 million, though his all-in costs — including the land acquisition in 2002 — will be closer to $40 million.

The project’s overarching goal of featuring three to four high-end restaurants remains, he said, with a focus on securing new-to-market concepts. “We’re talking to a high-end Mediterranean restaurant and we’re also talking to a famous chef about a concept.”

Of the community meeting and the pushback encountered, Whittall noted discontent many residents already have with plans by New York-based Kimco Realty Corp. to redevelop part of the Marketplace at Dr. Phillips — the large 35-acre shopping center that Unicorp’s bank property is an outparcel to — with hundreds of apartments.

“I think they kind of stirred up the hornets’ nest, if you will – the neighbors really don’t want apartments there, and I believe Kimco probably is going to move forward under Live Local Act.”

Depending on how Unicorp’s modifications affect the Restaurant Row project’s need for waivers and rezoning, next steps include going before Orange County’s development review committee, planning and zoning and eventually the county commission — a timeline for which is not immediately available.

Meanwhile, industry experts say projects like the one Unicorp is seeking to do on Restaurant Row are important for the Orlando market to continue to improve its standing as a dining city, following its recent recognition by WalletHub as the best foodie city in America.

Alexie Fonseca, a senior vice president for Colliers who is not involved with the plans but previously worked for Unicorp, told OBJ the project is significant and “if we want to continue to elevate our dining scene, it starts with Restaurant Row and Winter Park.”

Alexie Fonseca

Alexie Fonseca, senior vice president, Colliers
ALEXIE FONSECA

“It takes a visionary like Chuck to redevelop a site like that,” Fonseca said. “I’ve worked with a lot of developers, but the difference that Chuck and Unicorp bring to the table is his extensive travels around the world, where he gets a lot of great ideas and inspiration.

“If these higher-end concepts are going to come to Orlando, then the development has to be something very elevated.”

As for the restaurant sector in Central Florida, activity has been robust.

For instance, Central Florida’s six counties — Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia — reported a combined 1,105 food licenses granted to various establishments and operations in fiscal 2022-23, up 11.1% from 994 in 2017-18, showed recent Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation data.

St. Regis parking lot approved, ending lengthy parking debate

Drone pictures from August 2023 show the St. Regis Longboat Key making progress ahead of its expected March 2024 completion.

The saga of parking struggles for the St. Regis Longboat Key has come to an end.

On Oct. 2, the second public hearing for the newest amendments to the project ended with a unanimous vote from the Longboat Key Town Commission to approve the amended plans.

“Today, we’re celebrating the shortest hearing,” Mayor Ken Schneier said, leading the room to burst out in applause.

The changes focused on the parking for the development.

Back in June, public hearings were held to discuss the proposed parking garage set forth by Unicorp National Developments, Inc. The parking garage plans were met with opposition from the community and commission during the June 5 public hearing.

Commissioners voted to draft an order of denial at the June 5 hearing, but Unicorp President Chuck Whittall asked for a continuance at the June 20 public hearing.

He wanted more time to come up with a better solution — a balance he struck with the community and his project.

To accommodate enough parking, Whittall and his team came up with a solution to add surface parking to the lot. The plans expanded a 33-space lot to a 93-space lot, and added 12 spaces to the entrance driveway.

Additionally, the 62 mechanical lift spaces that were previously proposed as a possible solution are now removed from the plans.

In total, the new plans represent a net gain of one parking space from the original 2021 plans.

The changes in surface lot coverage also produce a loss of 3,203 square feet of impervious surface.

 

Unicorp’s attorney Brenda Patten had nothing new to add at the hearing, and was met with no public comment on the matter.

“I did want to thank you very much for your patience and your endurance and your astute analysis and comments over all these many months, and maybe years,” Patten said.

Many of the town commissioners shared the sentiment of relief that the parking matter had finally been put to rest.

Schneier and District 1 Commissioner Gary Coffin spoke about how important The Colony Tennis and Beach Resort was to Longboat Key’s community.

Coffin said his kids worked there, and he’s looking forward to seeing how a similar relationship continues to develop between the St. Regis and Longboat Key.

“The Colony worked itself into the fabric of our community,” Coffin said. “And I think very much so that the St. Regis property will do the same thing.”

Coffin also commented that the lengthy process filled with approvals, denials and legal matters has been a learning experience. He added how this situation set a precedent to show how the community and town can work together on issues at hand.

Patten said that the St. Regis is on schedule to finish construction in March 2024, with the opening expected around July 2024.

50 Most Powerful People of 2023: Business

Orlando’s economy has evolved far beyond its reputation solely as a tourist destination. While tourism and hospitality remain crucial components of the local economy, the city and its surrounding districts and suburbs has diversified its industries and experienced growth in various sectors. 

Orlando has become a hub for technology companies, particularly in fields like simulation, aerospace, defense, and modeling. The presence of institutions like the Central Florida Research Park and the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Partnership II Building has fostered research and innovation in these areas. The area is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of Simulation” due to its concentration of companies in the simulation and training industry.

Orlando has seen growth in its healthcare and biotechnology sectors, with medical research and advanced healthcare services becoming significant contributors to the local economy. Institutions like the UCF College of Medicine and the Lake Nona Medical City have played a key role in attracting healthcare and biotech companies to the region.

Principal Photography by Roberto Gonzalez

 

1. Randy Haffner |President & CEO, Adventhealth Florida

50mostp23 Business Randy

Randy Haffner is president and CEO of AdventHealth Florida, which encompasses 30 hospitals and 42 emergency departments stretching from Tampa Bay to the Atlantic, centered in  the vibrant metro Orlando area. This expansive healthcare network, renowned for its world-class facilities, operates in synergy with an all-encompassing outpatient care framework, culminating in a staggering annual count of more than 4.8 million patient visits.

AdventHealth’s dedication to service is evidenced by its extensive community investment, an impressive annual figure exceeding $1.1 billion statewide. The organization’s influence radiates further, underpinning nearly a fifth of Central Florida’s thriving economy and underscoring its role as a cornerstone of the region’s prosperity.

Haffner’s unwavering commitment to AdventHealth stretches back to 1989, during which time he has donned various senior leadership mantles within the organization. In his role as President and CEO of the multistate division, he orchestrated AdventHealth’s ventures beyond the Sunshine State, overseeing a constellation of 20 campuses sprawling across eight states. His storied career also encompasses the position of CEO at Colorado’s Porter Adventist Hospital and an administratorship at AdventHealth Orlando.

Haffner’s academic achievements are as noteworthy as his professional accomplishments. A graduate of Walla Walla College, he ascended to higher academic echelons, securing a graduate degree from the Roy E. Crummer
Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, culminating in a doctorate in leadership studies from Andrews University.

His influence transcends the medical realm, extending to roles within the Florida Hospital Association Board and the Orlando Economic Partnership’s prestigious Governor’s Council.

Photo Courtesy of Adventhealth

2. David Strong |President & Ceo, Orlando Health

50mostp23 Business DavidDavid Strong took on the role of President and CEO at Orlando Health in 2015. Orlando Health, a prominent private not-for-profit healthcare organization in Florida, manages assets worth $9.2 billion, and more importantly, provides health care services to millions of Central Florida residents. 

In 2022, Orlando Health managed 155,000+ in-patient visits, along with 3.9 million ER and outpatient visits. They employ over 28,000 people currently; a far cry from their single hospital beginnings a century ago.

 The Orlando Health organization encompasses more than 450 facilities, including 29 hospitals, emergency departments, rehabilitation services, cancer centers, imaging and laboratory services, wound care centers, and physician offices for adults and pediatrics, along with urgent care centers.

Orlando Health continues to earn esteemed national healthcare honors with Strong at the helm, including Best Hospital awards by U.S. News & World Report, Fortune, and Modern Healthcare magazines. Forbes recognized it as a top employer, and The Leapfrog Group granted Top Hospital awards for patient safety. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses bestowed Beacon Awards for bedside care excellence. Orlando Health also operates Orlando Health Strategic Innovations, which involves a corporate venture fund investing in promising early-stage healthcare companies globally.


3. Tim Giuliani | President & CEO, Orlando Economic Partnership 

50mostp23 Business TimGiuliani is heading into his seventh year as head of the public-private partnership, whose goal is to spread the word that the Orlando area is a great place to do business, while advocating for economic development, public policy and transportation solutions that will draw high-wage companies. Under the OEP’s umbrella are groups ranging from the  Orlando Tech Community to the Orlando Film Commission to Leadership Orlando, which helps business people connect with their peers. The partnership takes in seven Central Florida counties, and the board members are a who’s who of movers and shakers (including many on our 50 Most Powerful list). Highlighting the impact of his six years of OEP economic development work, the Partnership supported a total of 160 business projects, which are expected to create 21,500 new direct jobs with average annual wages of $73,600, significantly higher than even the current regional average of $57,400, as well as $2.5 billion in annual payroll and involve $2.5 billion in capital investment. 

In the last ten months alone, Giuliani has won the National Chamber of the Year award; unveiled the First-of-its-Kind Orlando Regional Digital Twin – The 3D technology platform maps 800 square miles of the region and recreates 40 square miles in high-
fidelity, including Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. 


4. Craig Ustler | Owner & President, Ustler  Development, Inc. 

50mostp23 Business CraigCraig Ustler is the Owner and President of Ustler Development, Inc., a real estate development company, and Vice President of Ustler Properties, Inc., a commercial real estate brokerage company. Ustler is deeply involved in property ownership, investment, development, and brokerage across various sectors including multifamily residential, student housing, hotels, offices, restaurants, retail, and mixed-use. 

With over two decades of experience, Ustler specializes in land sales, urban planning, and highest and best use analysis. His focus aligns with the “new urbanism” planning movement, with projects concentrated in Downtown Orlando neighborhoods such as Creative Village, Health Village, North Quarter, Thornton Park, and the Central Business District.

Ustler’s projects prioritize quality of life and urban design. His notable endeavors encompass diverse real estate ventures including Alta at Health Village Apartments, Marriott’s Residence Inn – Downtown Orlando, and mixed-use developments like Thornton Park Central. His current centerpiece is the Creative Village master development, a joint venture between Banc of America Community Development Corporation and a local entity led by Ustler. This initiative transforms a former Amway Arena site into a 68-acre urban Innovation District, housing the UCF/Valencia Downtown Campus.

Ustler is renowned for his contributions to the downtown dining scene. He co-founded Urban Life Management Restaurant Group (ULM) and is a principal in restaurants like Soco Restaurant, Reyes Mezcaleria, and The Monroe.


5. John Morgan | President & Partner, Morgan & Morgan 

50mostp23 Business MorganJohn Morgan, a prominent figure in the legal world, founded his career on personal injury law due to his brother’s paralysis incident during a heroic lifeguarding effort. With his “For the People” brand and relentless advertising through various mediums, he has ascended to the apex of the legal domain from his Orlando base. Morgan’s battles against corporate giants, advocating for the underdog, have been marked by a 3,000-strong workforce including 488 lawyers across 60 offices. His success, amassing around $500 million or more, led him to support and fundraise for Democratic leaders, as well as collaborate with Republican politicians.

Morgan’s motivation remains grounded in aiding his paralyzed brother, inspiring his advocacy for medical marijuana legalization and curbing opioid misuse. He initiated a ballot initiative in 2013 to allow medical marijuana in Florida, ultimately succeeding in 2016. Despite legal disputes over cannabis smoking, political efforts resulted in its approval.

 Despite his wealth, he remains low-key about charitable contributions and emphasizes philanthropy over financial success. Morgan is passionate about kids and community, with charities like Boys Town USA, which offers access to foster homes and guidance for at-risk youth, Harbor House, which provides help for abused women and children, The Miami Project, which conducts neuromuscular and spinal injury research and testing, and United Cerebral Palsy.


6. Pamela Nabors President & CEO, Careersource  Central Florida

50mostp23 Business PamelaPamela Nabors is a driving force behind positive change in workforce development at local, state, and national levels. Nabors leads the region’s official workforce development board, managing a budget exceeding $40 million and a staff of 250. Their team serves 2.8 million residents across five counties: Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, and Sumter. Nabors’ dedication to this field spans decades. Her achievements encompass transformative moments, including pioneering inventive programs that identify talent sources in high-growth sectors and bridge gaps in areas like advanced manufacturing and STEM, scaling up workforce support during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently, aiding employers in navigating historically tough times marked by record-low unemployment, the Great Resignation, and a post-pandemic workforce mindset shift.

Through her visionary and transparent leadership, Nabors has transformed CareerSource Central Florida into a high-performance workforce board renowned as an economic development leader and community partner. Her guidance has modernized regional programs, enhanced value for business partners, and expanded investments addressing high-demand professions like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and construction. Nabors has been instrumental in engaging CareerSource Central Florida with the Victory Cup initiative by being a major sponsor for the past several years. 


7. Chuck Whittall | President, Unicorp National Developments

50mostp23 Business ChuckChuck Whittall, a multifaceted personality hailing from Orlando, is renowned for his roles as a visionary developer, inspirational speaker, dedicated philanthropist, and devoted father. His impact is deeply etched into the landscape of the Sunshine State and beyond. At the helm of Unicorp National Developments, a company he founded and currently leads, Whittall’s journey is a testament to the power of ambition, determination, and ethical business practices.

Whittall’s journey commenced with humble origins, where he embarked on the path of entrepreneurship during his formative years. A remarkable display of his enterprising spirit was seen as he managed a flourishing lawn care business at the tender age of 12. This early success paved the way for even greater achievements.

Following his innate passion for construction and real estate development, Whittall plunged into the dynamic world of property development. Under his astute leadership, Unicorp flourished, becoming synonymous with innovation and progress. The company rapidly expanded its footprint through transformative projects, encompassing vibrant retail developments, bustling town centers, and luxurious apartment complexes. Next, Whitthall has his sights set on the 30+ million dollar redevelopment of Restaurant Row and the construction of up to four new apartment projects by year’s end. 

Reflecting on his journey, Whittall shared, “I remember my first business cutting grass. At age 12, I had a philosophy to do it right and cut every lawn as if it’s my own. So no matter what you do, do it right – and as if it’s your own – then, the results will come.”


8. Inez Long President & CE0, BBIF Florida 

50mostp23 Business InezInez Long serves as the President/CEO of BBIF Florida, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) established in 1987. BBIF’s primary focus is offering capital to underserved small businesses, particularly those owned by Black and minority entrepreneurs. The organization’s mission revolves around fostering Black business enterprises through education, training, loans, and advocacy.

Under Long’s leadership, BBIF achieved several significant milestones. The organization obtained certification as a CDFI by the US Department of the Treasury in 1994. It expanded its loan services statewide, managing an $8.5 million loan fund in 2009. Additionally, it became an SBA Community Advantage lender in 2011 and received substantial federal New Markets Tax Credits allocation awards totaling $93.5 million between 2014 and 2019. BBIF also created $12 million in New Markets Tax Credits loan pools dedicated to minority businesses. Notably, BBIF was chosen as one of the first three CDFIs to receive a $1 million Wells Fargo Bank Diverse Community Capital grant.

Since October 2022, Long has successfully developed a new affiliate organization, the Community Development Corporation. This organization will focus on developing local community facilities and assets. The hope is that these buildings will bring makerspaces and incubators that will accelerate the development of small businesses and improve the work skills of people in underserved communities. Long has also raised capital and added a Developer’s Loan Fund that allows the BBIF to provide capital and business development services to Black Indigenous and People of Color.


9. Gaby Ortigoni | President & CEO, Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce

50mostp23 Business GabyWith a rich blend of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Floridian heritage, Gaby Ortigoni has dedicated two decades to serving the Hispanic community of Central Florida. As the President of HCCMO (Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando), her role entails ensuring the Chamber dutifully meets its obligations to its members. Ortigoni’s professional journey has been marked by unwavering commitments spanning business development, strategic relationship cultivation, economic growth, international trade, government affairs, and holistic community progress.

Ortigoni’s illustrious journey has garnered a cascade of accolades. Notable among them are the Orlando Business Journal’s prestigious awards—40 Under 40 and Women Who Mean Business. La Prensa honored her with the Hispanic Women Who Make the Difference Award, while the Orange County Sheriff’s Office recognized her with the Community Service Award.


10. Martha McGill | President, Nemours Children’s Hospital

50mostp23 Business MarthaMartha McGill, President of Central Florida Region and a member of Nemours’ Florida Executive Cabinet, has been part of Nemours since 2015. Beyond overseeing hospital operations, she spearheads the establishment and integration of Nemours’ practice sites and partnerships throughout Florida. McGill manages a range of sectors, including Florida’s Network Operations Chief Medical Officer, Service Delivery and Innovation, Strategy and Business Development, Physician and Patient Network Operations, and Practice Administration.

With over 30 years of experience in clinical operations and executive leadership, McGill excels in areas such as program growth, margin improvement, physician enterprise management, and government relations. She previously served as executive vice president and COO at Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH), where she developed service lines, established physician leadership structures, and facilitated business modernization.

McGill drove continuous improvement at MCH, which gained recognition as the sole Florida children’s hospital ranked in all 10 pediatric subspecialty categories by U.S. News & World Report.

Unicorp plans to deliver high-end restaurants, parking garage to Dr. Phillips

Unicorp National Developments wants to bring more high-end restaurants — like ones you’d find in New York City and Miami — to one of Orlando’s most affluent communities.

The company is seeking approval from Orange County to deliver a three-story mixed-use commercial center with an attached parking garage to 1.6 acres of property in the heart of Orlando’s famed “Restaurant Row” at the northwest intersection of Dr. Phillips Boulevard and W. Sand Lake Road. According to plans, the building would span 29,750 square feet.

To make way for the new development, Unicorp would demolish an existing bank that has occupied the prime corner property since 1984. Unicorp has owned the land since 2002, acquiring it for $2 million, according to property records.

To make way for the new development, Unicorp would demolish an existing bank that has occupied the prime corner property since 1984. Unicorp has owned the land since 2002, acquiring it for $2 million, according to property records. (renderings by Finfrock/ Orange County records)
To make way for the new development, Unicorp would demolish an existing bank that has occupied the prime corner property since 1984. Unicorp has owned the land since 2002, acquiring it for $2 million, according to property records. (renderings by Finfrock/ Orange County records)

“We’ve got so much desire and need for high-end restaurants, some concepts that are out of New York and out of Miami,” Unicorp’s CEO Chuck Whittall told GrowthSpotter. “We want to bring some non-chain restaurants here that we’ve met with and talked to.”

He said the project would include as many as three restaurants, as well as space for retail stores.

For the plan, the development company is requesting to rezone the land from its current C-1 (retail commercial district) use to a PD (planned development).

The proposal is the subject of a community meeting scheduled for Sept. 20 at Dr. Phillips Elementary School.

The property sits on the outskirts of the Marketplace of Dr. Phillips, a Publix-anchored 326,729-square-foot shopping center that's being eyed for redevelopment. (Orange County Property Appraiser)
The property sits on the outskirts of the Marketplace of Dr. Phillips, a Publix-anchored 326,729-square-foot shopping center that’s being eyed for redevelopment. (Orange County Property Appraiser)

“I know some of the neighbors are against it,” Whittall said. “But this parcel of land is a great piece, it’s strategically located and it would be a great place to bring new restaurants to Dr. Phillips. Alternatively, under the Live Local Act, I could build a high-rise apartment project right on that corner. I want to point that out to neighbors when we have our neighborhood meeting. But we don’t want to (build apartments). We want to build a very nice development with outdoor seating and very high-end, high-quality restaurants.”

The project team includes Apopka-based design-build firm Finfrock and engineering firm Kimley-Horn.

The property sits just on the outskirts of the Marketplace of Dr. Phillips, a Publix-anchored 326,729-square-foot shopping center that’s being eyed for redevelopment. New York-based Kimco Realty Corporation, which bought the space in 2006 for $49.9 million, has made a preliminary pitch to tear down the shuttered Stein Mart and build an apartment tower with as many as 411 units in its place.

Other possibilities presented to the county include razing the HomeGoods and Office Depot in order to build as many as 879 units on the property.

At a preliminary review meeting in May of 2022, county planning staff raised concerns about the proposed height, as tall as eight stories, and urged Kimco leaders to meet with nearby residents.

Nothing has been presented to the county since.

The property sits across the street from a newer shopping center called Venezia Plaza that’s also anchored by a Publix. It includes several upscale restaurants such as Chima Brazilian Steakhouse and Seasons 52.

In marketing materials, the shopping plaza’s owner, Regency Centers, says the site attracts more than 66 million visitors per years and boasts “Orlando’s “strongest concentration of restaurants”

Meanwhile, Unicorp has been active in this submarket.

The company is behind the 365-acre O-Town West, located a short drive to the south at the corner of Daryl Carter Parkway and Palm Parkway. Here, three luxury apartment communities totaling 1,500 units are in the construction pipeline, set to join a number of retailers already open for business — such as a World of Beer, Portillo’s, and the nation’s largest White Castle.

The $1 billion mixed-use development project will soon be home to the nation’s first ever Tao Hotel.

 

Whittall announced plans for the new hotel in November, saying it would be a five-star luxury resort rising 15 stories with 220 rooms. It will include a TAO Asian Bistro, rooftop bar, meeting space, and fitness facility.

Unicorp is also seeking approval of a plan to bring more than 800 housing units to a 154-acre site along Avalon Road near Four Corners.

The development program for the larger portion of the property, known as Sutton Lakes, calls for 304 apartments, 155 detached single-family homes, 98 townhomes and 20,000 square feet of commercial space. The northeastern portion of the project, known as Sutton Grande, calls for 250 multifamily units.

Unicorp would build the apartments while a homebuilder would be tabbed to develop the other housing types.

At an Orange County Commission meeting in April, Whittall said he was exploring the possibility of making some of the housing units available below market rate — something his company has never done before.

 

Those details are still being worked out, he said this week.

“The project is coming along very nicely,” he said. “We have a couple of commission hearings coming up, but it’s moving along nicely and we hope to be underway by the middle of next year.”

The City Center at O-Town West – Where Office Sophistication Meets Magic

As one of the Orlando region’s hottest new communities, Unicorp National Developments Inc’s $1 billion O-Town West project is defining mixed-use. Located in one of the largest commercial centers featured in the development, the City Center at O-Town West offers a variety of restaurant, retail, and entertainment space, along with the new office building for Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.’s Headquarters.

In securing one of the region’s biggest office lease agreements ever with Marriott, Unicorp knew they would need a builder that would be able to handle a project of this size and scope while minimizing schedule delays. Because of FINFROCK’s fast and reliable build-out speed, Unicorp selected FINFROCK as the architect of record, engineer of record, precast concrete manufacturer & installer and general contractor for the project’s office building and attached parking garage.

The City Center at O-Town West office tower boasts an innovative and modern design that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding area. The sleek design of the columns and beams leaves plenty of opportunities for the exterior glass design, including the encompassing floor-to-ceiling windows on the northern part of the structure. The office tower also includes double-height entry space on each level, leaving room for some of the best views in the Orlando area overlooking sections of the I-Drive corridor and downtown. Due to program and code requirements, FINFROCK’s architecture, engineering, and construction teams collaborated to create a new, deeper structural product that would meet the design criteria for heavier loads and vibrations –FINFROCK’s first 36” deep DualDeck.® This innovative pre-stressed, precast concrete piece is unique to FINFROCK design and allows for column-free spans throughout the building, allowing for future space flexibility.

With the core and shell of the nine-story office tower and parking garage complete, the interior build-out remains with an anticipated completion date of Fall 2023. When finished, the tower will provide 350,000 SF of Class-A office space, making it an ideal fit for over 1600 daily employees. Parking is supported by an attached eight-story parking garage and attached central energy plant, housing 2,021 stalls across 609,611 SF, also designed and constructed by FINFROCK.

New St. Regis parking plans eliminate garage, expand parking lot

The new St. Regis parking plans sent to Longboat Key staff include some interior changes to impervious surfaces.

Unicorp National Developments has submitted a new proposal for an increase in parking for the St. Regis development. The two-story parking structure has been removed from discussion, and the new plans incorporate an expanded surface parking lot.

The newest plan proposes a total of 469 parking spaces, which is one more than the total proposed in 2021. In the new total, a 93-space parking lot and 12 surface spots are proposed. An increase in landscaping from the 2021 plan is also included in the newest proposal.

After the 2021 plans were proposed, Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall said the company realized parking lifts were not ideal and could lead to operational problems. Additionally, Whittall said an increase in travel and demand for luxury leads Marriott to believe the St. Regis will be a “very successful, top U.S. luxury resort destination.” Whittall said he knows the hotel will be busier than expected because of this, and wants to ensure the resort delivers the best quality in the most efficient manner.

The proposal to increase parking from the 2021 plan via a two-story parking garage met with opposition from some members of the community.

After the Town Commission rejected the parking garage in June, Whittall said he challenged his engineers to reimagine a way to add more parking and landscaping.

This led to the current proposal, which removes the 62 lift spaces and 38-space lot of the 2021 plan. Instead, a lot that includes 93 spaces has been designed, while also adding 12 surface spaces. The changes represent a 3.2% decrease in lot coverage and 0.5% decrease in open space. The additional lot spaces come from removal of portions of the development’s interior roadways. The proposal adds 60 more trees than were planned in 2021 to try to improve the buffer around the parking lot.

“We hope the community would get on board for this,” Whittall said. “We’re trying to make this project community friendly and guest friendly.”

Town staff will now review the proposal. According to Town Manager Howard Tipton, the town’s landscape architect will conduct the first review, and then the proposal will be reviewed according to the town’s rules for development. A staff report will be sent to commissioners in advance to the first public hearing.

The proposal will be heard during the first public hearing on Sept. 18 with a second public hearing to follow on Oct. 2.

According to Whittall, all other aspects of the St. Regis project are going smoothly and are still slated to be finished next year, with an opening date of July 2024.

Flippers Pizzeria Adds Additional Orlando Location

Flippers Pizzeria will be joining Jeremiah’s Italian Ice in the O Town West development at the northwest corner of Palm Parkway & Daryl Carter Parkway according to planning documents from leasing agent Unicorp National Developments Inc.

The Flippers website says the company was established in 1987 by college friends seeking quality pizza options in Orlando. Since then, Flippers has grown to include 15 locations across Central Florida, including St. Petersburg, Clermont, Oviedo, and Lake Mary.

With fresh, all-natural ingredients, Flippers promises no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, with dough made fresh daily. Serving cheese bread, meatballs, wings, and more for appetizers, main entrees include brick-fired sandwiches like the Italian Club with ham, Genoa salami, pepperoni, provolone, and Italian dressing, as well as chopped salads, calzones, and brick oven-baked, artisan pizzas.

Guests can choose to create their own pizza pie topping combinations or order from the classic, Napoletana-style or signature menus. The signature Hog & Honey pizza includes ricotta cheese, Italian sausage, smoked bacon, roasted red peppers, red pepper flakes, and mozzarella drizzled with local raw honey.

Wine and local craft beer is available for order, and out-of-town Flippers fanatics can opt to have pizzas in quantities of 10 shipped directly to their residence.

No date has been set yet for Flippers opening, and the buildout process has not yet begun. The Village at O Town West includes 80,000 square feet of commercial space.

Health and Wellness Trends for a New Generation of Luxury Hotel Spas

Post-pandemic, there has been a growing cognizance of the benefits of mental health and self-care.

Consumer attitudes and spending on personal wellness products and services are growing exponentially.

This has resulted in increased demand for luxurious spa facilities at hotels and resorts; and the hospitality industry is responding.

According to McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, the global wellness market is estimated to be more than $1.5 trillion, with an annual growth rate of 5 to 10 percent. Consequently, spas are continually developing new programs, products, and environments to meet the needs of guests seeking total body health and wellness.

To provide those offerings, hotel owners and operators are turning to architectural, construction and interior design professionals to create opulent settings with world-class amenities. These new and inviting spas offer the latest treatments and services amid spectacular architectural designs. They incorporate thoughtfully curated building materials, finishes and interiors that seamlessly incorporate the natural environment to promote wellness and evoke a sense of indulgence. Every detail of the experience is examined, including materials, finishes, color palettes, lighting and acoustics.

Designs being brought to the table elevate this dedicated space from the traditional massage rooms and a hair and nail salon to an all-encompassing experiential destination of its own.

According to Pinar Harris, Vice President and Principal of SB Architects the most apparent emerging trend is that spas are getting larger. “We’ve seen a huge change in consumer priorities when it comes to travel. More guests are looking for an experience and wellness. We anticipate that this upsurge of people prioritizing their health and well-being will only get stronger.  Hotels are becoming relied upon to provide havens for relaxation and health. As such, new hotels are dedicating more square footage to spas to provide these services.”

In the last few years, some of Florida’s most pristine west coast beaches are experiencing a renaissance. Redevelopment is transforming these Gulf Coast gems into prime tourist destinations, with several new luxury hotels and spas.

Treatment rooms at the JW Marriott Clearwater incorporate wood elements to integrate the natural environment and support relaxation.

Seamless Integration of Nature

One of the most noticeable trends in luxury resort spa design is the extent to which a locale’s natural environment is considered and seamlessly integrated, giving guests the ability to connect with nature.

Off the coast of Sarasota in Florida, Moss Construction is currently building the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort and Residences for Unicorp National Developments, Inc. The 1.1 million square-foot project consists of five buildings and is scheduled to open next summer. The spa sanctuary was designed alongside the larger 166-room resort and 69 private luxury condominiums to create a cohesive design narrative for the 17-acre destination.

The overarching vision for the 22,000-square-foot St. Regis Longboat Key Spa was to create a statement spa that seamlessly blends elegant and sophisticated design with a modern approach to wellness. Here, nature is placed strategically front and center through outdoor facilities with natural light and fresh airflow.

Wow Factors

Today guests are also looking for a “Wow Factor” that distinguishes one property from another. Anything a hotel can do to provide a novelty factor will be memorable and bring guests back.

At St. Regis, natural elements such as water, fire and ice play a crucial role in delivering the novelty that guest seek. Constructing these special elements requires careful technical planning and meticulous coordination with a variety of specialists. The hotel features a spectacular salt-water lagoon with live fish and sea life, which reinforces the tropical sense of place and brings guest even closer to nature.

The lounge area in the spa features a fireplace that invites people and connects them to the outdoors with an unobstructed beach view through the flames. The Vitality Room at the spa incorporates a large Vitality hot tub with hydro-massage jets, a cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, a waterfall feature and showers. The Vitality Room offers guests a unique snow shower that produces snowflakes on demand to help blood circulation return to normal after a hot sauna. This rejuvenating experience required its own ventilation system and overhead cavity to enclose the space in its own conditioned environment. From a wellness standpoint, the snow shower emulates the rest of the spa environment by connecting guests directly with nature in an innovative, modern way.

The intimate fireplace overlooking the mesmerizing infinity pool at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort and Residences connects guests to the natural environment and offers unobstructed views of the Gulf.

Lighting, Color Palettes and Acoustics

Previously, spas have been typically dark with low light, but the St. Regis Longboat Key spa takes advantage of the location at every point. Each treatment room is strategically located to connect guests to a specific part of the property and its natural surroundings.

Calming colors that echo the environment remain an enduring mark of luxury spa design. Warm neutral brown and gray tones provide a soothing and grounding atmosphere. Warmer wood tones and green and blue accent colors often offset these natural pallettes. At the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach’s Pallavi Luxury Spa, the lighting in the corridors is blue to tie in with the ocean-side environment and provide a tranquil, almost enchanted experience.

Acoustics are also a design and construction component that must be examined carefully. To address this, specific materials and systems can be implemented to minimize sound from traveling which can enhance the experience for guests. Sound Transmission Class (STC) rated walls and doors can be used to make noises more muffled; Sound attenuators can also be installed in the HVAC duct work that services the saunas and steam rooms to minimize the sound of mechanical equipment that may carry through ductwork.

The use of natural materials, such as wood, at the JW Marriott in Clearwater promotes sustainability and environmentally conscious construction.

Sustainability and the Use of Natural Materials

It’s been almost 30 years since the introduction of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, which the U.S. Green Building Council established. And although LEED standards are not required in private hotels, as in public facilities, the trend for adopting these practices has grown exponentially. As a result, sustainable design and construction are standard among spa projects today, and nearly all the products used meet sustainability standards.

Post-pandemic supply chain disruptions and the availability of materials also play a role in the thoughtful curation of construction materials. These new challenges require designers and builders to combine their knowledge and experience.

“From a construction materials perspective, the spa areas need to look rich and beautiful but wear like iron,” said Gina Goodin of CRTKL Interior Design in Miami, who has worked on the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach and the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach. “We’re working with general contractors to ensure that we have eco-friendly stone and wood options as well as water conservation fixtures and built-in energy efficiencies to implement these modern spa designs.”

Of course, climate and environment play a significant role in selecting materials, particularly those that can resist moisture damage in a beachside spa environment. For example, in some high humidity prone areas at the spa at St. Regis Longboat Key, Moss installed aluminum ceiling panels instead of wood because of its durability and beautiful modern aesthetic appeal.

This growing trend exemplifies the spa industry’s commitment to creating spaces that harmonize with nature and the ability of architects, designers and builders to meet those needs.

St. Regis Longboat Key Resort and Residences integrates natural materials including stone and wood to create a harmonious environment and foster serenity.

Variety of Wellness-Oriented Spaces

Spas are evolving and devoting square footage for new and different uses. “People aren’t comfortable using new hair stylists when they go on vacation,” said Goodin. Therefore, that square footage now is being dedicated to comprehensive health and wellness services.

Spas are incorporating distinct spaces for yoga, meditation, and fitness activities, recognizing the importance of holistic well-being. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to promote tranquility and mindfulness, including salt, herbal, and cold rooms for the added healing experience after exercise.

In addition, resorts are creating immersive hydrotherapy areas, complete with thermal pools, water circuits, and therapeutic water features, to enhance the relaxation and rejuvenation aspects of the spa experience. Integrating wellness-oriented spaces within luxury resort spas reinforces that these destinations are not just about temporary indulgence but also about long-term health and vitality.

Goodin explains how the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach has tied the fitness rooms with the spa to provide a more focused health and wellness experience. “At that property, you must enter the fitness room through the spa areas. They also added a beautiful Express Massage station, intended for people in the fitness center to stop in and get a quick chair massage before or after working out. It’s definitely a more integrated experience.”

With flexible space options, spas create a mix of open communal spaces and intimate private settings to provide equal opportunities for meaningful connections with like-minded people and for enjoying serenity and solitude.

The intimate setting in the massage rooms at the JW Marriott Clearwater features a natural color palette with blue accents and expansive windows, allowing for natural light.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort spa offers various treatment rooms planned not only to meet peak demand but to appeal to all types of guests. The Signature Iridium Suite connects to the outdoors, overlooking the ocean and creating a space of celebration for events, retreats and wedding parties. On the other hand, the couples Longboat Suite has access to secluded, tropical outdoor seating and a private pool.

With a myriad of options to distinguish their unique properties, hotel owners and spa operators are working with architects, interior designers and construction managers to meet the ever-changing needs of sophisticated guests seeking unforgettable experiences.

With a greater emphasis on health and wellness, today’s modern spas fully integrate the natural environment with the spa’s luxurious and opulent interior: creative and unexpected “Wow” features, adopting sustainable practices, creating multi-sensory environments, and incorporating wellness-oriented spaces for various uses set the bar higher for the industry.

Expertly selected building materials, lighting, technology, color, and acoustic treatments, these spas offer guests a perfect blend of indulgence, relaxation, and holistic well-being experiences. As industry offerings continue to evolve, the beautiful luxury resort spas that provide these services will undoubtedly do the same.

 

Main Photo: The architectural, construction and interior design elements of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort and Residences Spa create a relaxing atmosphere for rest and rejuvenation.

Here’s the latest on new Slim Chickens restaurant at Unicorp’s Celebration Pointe

More details have emerged about Central Florida’s first Slim Chickens restaurant that is set to debut in Kissimmee.

The Fayetteville, Arkansas-based chicken chain is building a 3,920-square-foot eatery at the corner of Celebration Drive and World Boulevard in Kissimmee at Unicorp’s Celebration Pointe development, according to plans filed with the state.

The application, filed June 26, shows the restaurant will feature two drive-thru lanes that merge into a single lane.

Slim Chickens’ menu features chicken tenders and wings, craft sandwiches and wraps, salads, chicken and waffles, milkshakes and other desserts. The restaurants offer dine-in, drive-thru and catering service.

In addition, the plans show the team working behind the eatery including Florida’s Best Chicken LLC in Tampa as the developer and MPH Civil Consultants Inc. in Odessa as the civil engineer.

Executives with Slim Chickens and Unicorp could not be reached for comment.

Other tenants planned for the development include Walgreens, AdventHealth Centra Care, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’, Jersey Mike’s Subs and The UPS Store, according to Unicorp’s website.

The company has 10 Florida locations and more than 200 restaurants worldwide. Its international locations are in Kuwait and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the restaurant industry remains challenged by a smaller workforce, according to the National Restaurant Association. The group said 79% of restaurant operators “currently have job openings that are tough to fill.”

The food service industry employs more than 15 million people, added the association.

ST. REGIS DEVELOPER GRANTED TIME TO PRESENT NEW PARKING PLANS

Unicorp National Developments will have another chance to present plans for parking at the St. Regis project, at a public hearing on Sept. 18.

Longboat Key town commissioners voted 7-0 in favor of granting Unicorp a continuance for a public hearing during the June 20 special Town Commission meeting. This continuance will allow Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall and his team to provide a new fully developed plan for parking.

Whittall said these plans will not have a structure involved.

Whittall was the first to speak during the June 20 public hearing and recognized the public did not want a two-story parking garage. He stated an “honest mistake” was made and that there was an over-allocation for the residential parking and an under-allocation for the commercial parking.

He described the process of wanting a “quick solve,” with Unicorp first considering a plan to install mechanical lifts in the already-approved ground-level garage under the hotel building. After that idea was realized as being too problematic, they moved to the parking garage which was denied at the last public hearing on June 5. Now, Whittall said Unicorp’s engineers are working on a new plan, and requested the continuance to present the plan.

“We’re going to come back through with a reconfigured parking lot that we can fit the 62 spaces in without having to do the lifts,” Whittall said. “And we don’t have to worry about building a structure or any heights.”

Mayor Ken Schneier commented on the fact that the corporation has been a good community partner thus far, but wished the issue had been addressed sooner.

Whittall responded to Schneier’s comment by saying the town’s policies had been the reason behind waiting to present the parking garage plans. In most other jurisdictions, Whittall said they only require a basic site plan to be presented to the town council. For this project, Whittall said it took a lot of time and $200,000 to be able to present a plan in accordance with the town’s proposal requirements.

“In this case, we had to design the entire thing which took a year,” Whittall said. “I would have loved to have brought it to you in 60 or 90 days after the fact, but it’s not possible based on your system.”

Commissioners were able to weigh in with their own thoughts, or ask Whittall and town attorney Maggie Mooney questions. Commissioner Gary Coffin said he wouldn’t apologize for the town’s requirements for a fully fledged plan, but had no issue with granting the continuance and seeing the new plans. Penny Gold, District 2 commissioner, also said she had no objection to the continuance and was interested to see the new plans.

In their final deliberations, the commissioners reinforced that they saw public feedback as crucial moving forward with this plan.

Commissioner BJ Bishop motioned to accept the continuance, requesting a completed and accepted application no later than July 6. She also motioned for that application to be fully reviewed by staff, including landscaping and traffic plans that conform with code. This was passed unanimously 7-0.

Next, Unicorp must present its plans to the commission by July 6, which will be heard during two public hearings. The first hearing date is set for Sept. 18.

Unicorp’s Chuck Whittall plans new $30M+ redevelopment of property on Orlando’s Restaurant Row

One of Orlando’s most prolific developers has his sights set on redeveloping a prime Dr. Phillips corner property.

Unicorp National Developments Inc. President Chuck Whittall confirmed to Orlando Business Journal Monday his plans for a new 29,750-square-foot project with commercial uses and a parking garage at 7625 W. Sand Lake Road, along Orlando’s popular Restaurant Row corridor.

The property, which Unicorp’s related Marketplace Center LLC bought in 2002 for $2 million, currently is home to a two-story, 9,000-square-foot building formerly used as a bank.

“We want to redevelop that corner to do some high-end restaurants there,” Whittall said. “We’re going to bring some really cool concepts that the Central Florida area has not seen — concepts out of New York and Miami. Sand Lake Road has always been known as Restaurant Row and we just need a little more variety there, so we want to bring new-to-market concepts there and it’s a great location.”

Whittall told OBJ the project could cost anywhere from $30 million to $40 million to build and Unicorp’s goal is to break ground by the beginning of 2024.

He also said he is in talks with Apopka-based Finfrock to be the general contractor on the project, given its experience with projects with parking garages.

Other firms involved in the preliminary plans include Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc.’s Orlando office and Maitland-based American Surveying & Mapping Inc.

As for what restaurant concepts may end up in the high-dollar project, Whittall suggested Slate, Unicorp’s upscale restaurant it owns that is currently in its Parkside at Dr. Phillips development, may relocate to the new project.

In addition, he said his team is in talks with “a very high-end Mediterranean concept” as well as restaurant concepts out of South Florida and Tampa.

The project would rise on a 1.6-acre parcel that is part of the larger Marketplace at Dr. Phillips shopping center owned by New York-based Kimco. That property is being eyed for partial redevelopment to multifamily homes, plans which have encountered resistance from neighbors concerned about the implications for traffic.

Whittall said Kimco’s plans to redevelop part of its shopping center do not factor into his own plans to redevelop his parcel, and added that he believes his project will encounter less resistance as it seeks rezoning to “planned development.”

“It’s not going to create new traffic, it’s existing traffic — we’re not going to produce any more bodies than what’s already there.”

Whittall, who also has been advancing his planned $100 million The Luxe super luxury apartments development, told OBJ that new high-end restaurants soon will be announced for his $1 billion-plus O-Town West project.

Meanwhile, the anticipated restaurant-centric project comes at a time of growth for the food-service industry nationally.

The U.S. food-service sector is expected to reach $997 billion in sales this year, along with adding 500,000 jobs to exceed total industry employment of 15.5 million by the end of the year, according to the Washington, D.C.-based National Restaurant Association.

“The restaurant and foodservice industry is fueling the American economy. Our hiring rate and wage increases are outpacing the overall private sector, and this year our industry will contribute nearly $1 trillion to the economy,” said Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, in comments made in conjunction with the release of the group’s 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry report earlier this year.

Jeff’s Bagel Run plans next Orlando restaurant

Jeff’s Bagel Run will open a new location in O-Town West later this year.

The Orlando-based bagel chain later this year will debut a 1,200-square-foot store in the Unicorp National Developments project. It will be the first new location since locally based private equity firm 1337 Capital invested in Jeff’s Bagel Run earlier this year to ramp up expansion. Why this matters: New restaurants can add jobs and often are sought by real estate developers to fill retail space.

Features of the new site will include areas where people can see bagels being made from scratch. Besides bagels, the site will offer hot and cold coffee drinks.

“As we looked for our next location, O-Town West was the ideal spot,” Justin Wetherill, president and founder of 1337 Capital and former co-founder of uBreakiFix, said in a prepared statement. “This new development will serve residents and visitors — giving us the opportunity to share our bagels with a new community. We are thankful to Chuck Whittall and the Unicorp team for allowing us to showcase our store of the future in their world class O-Town West development.”

Wetherill told Orlando Business Journal the location should be the first of the planned Central Florida expansion sites to open, but that depends on lease signings and construction. The store will hire eight to 10 people.

The chain is targeting a national expansion, but plans to open at least four new Central Florida locations this year.

Founded by Jeff and Danielle Perera, Jeff’s Bagel Run currently has stores in Ocoee and Orlando’s College Park neighborhood.

Meanwhile, other concepts already have debuted new sites in the O-Town West area, including BurgerFi International Inc. (Nasdaq: BFI), which opened a new restaurant in February at 7730 Palm Parkway.

“O-Town West is the perfect BurgerFi location,” said CJ Kaawach, owner and operator of the franchise location, in a prepared statement. “It’s buzzing with excitement, poised for growth and attracts customers who are looking for high quality food in a welcoming environment.”

Metro Orlando’s first Slim Chickens set for Unicorp’s project

Fayetteville, Arkansas-based Slim Chickens’ first metro Orlando-area location appears to be lined up for Unicorp National Developments’ Chuck Whittall’s next major mixed-use project.

The chicken restaurant chain appears to be planning a 3,804-square-foot eatery at the corner of Celebration Drive and World Boulevard in Kissimmee at Unicorp’s Celebration Pointe development, according to a water permit application filed with the state.

Celebration Pointe is a 127,277-square-foot mixed-use development anchored by a Publix store. Satellite images from Osceola County records show the project is under construction.

Other tenants planned for the development include Walgreens, AdventHealth Centra Care, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’, Jersey Mike’s Subs and The UPS Store, according to Unicorp’s website.

Executives with Slim Chickens and Unicorp could not be reached for comment.

Slim Chickens’ menu features chicken tenders and wings, craft sandwiches and wraps, salads, chicken and waffles, milkshakes, and other desserts. The restaurants offer dine-in, drive-thru and catering service.

Orlando Business Journal reported in 2021 that Slim Chickens was interested in expanding into the region. The company has nine Florida locations and more than 200 restaurants worldwide. Its international locations are in Kuwait and the United Kingdom.

The anticipated local opening comes at a time of growth for the food-service industry nationally. The U.S. food-service sector is expected to reach $997 billion in sales this year, along with adding 500,000 jobs to exceed total industry employment of 15.5 million by the end of the year, according to the Washington, D.C.-based National Restaurant Association.

“The restaurant and foodservice industry is fueling the American economy. Our hiring rate and wage increases are outpacing the overall private sector, and this year our industry will contribute nearly $1 trillion to the economy,” said Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, in comments made in conjunction with the release of the group’s 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry report earlier this year.

Longwood looks to add more downtown restaurants, retail

Over the past 10 years, nearly 1,000 new residential units have emerged in Longwood’s historic downtown district.

Not only have an influx of people moved into the area, particularly around the city’s SunRail station, but the overall downtown area has seen a boost in foot traffic lately. After the city redeveloped Reiter Park in 2017, the space routinely began hosting popular food truck events, concerts, festivals, and more. The problem isn’t getting people into downtown Longwood. It’s getting them to stay when they’re ready to grab a meal.

“We’ve got many more people downtown than we used to,” Chris Kintner, the city’s community development director told GrowthSpotter. “But we really want restaurants downtown, we really want retailers downtown. We have the people now.”

Kintner sees opportunity in two prime pieces of real estate: city-owned land where a soon-to-be-defunct fire station now stands and a 15-acre chunk of property owned by Orlando Health.

Orlando Health is planning to redevelop its South Seminole Hospital campus located on roughly 17 acres between S.R. 436 and W. Warren Avenue, across the street from Reiter Park.

With the healthcare system building a 180-bed acute care hospital in Lake Mary and a 144-room behavioral health hospital in Apopka, the Longwood campus will get a makeover.

Plans call for the construction of a new free-standing emergency department. Hospital leaders have expressed a desire to work with the city to transform some of the property into a town center with a high-quality mix of multi-family residential, retail, restaurants, and office uses.

A plan involving a fire station could also open up the door to commercial growth near Reiter Park.

In 2021, the city of Longwood purchased property along Warren Avenue, to the west of Reiter Park, for roughly $1.5 million. The city commission, at its most recent meeting on March 20, voted to move forward with the construction of a new fire station on this land.

Once this project is complete, the city will no longer have use for the old fire station at 301 West Warren.

“We’ve discussed bringing in a restaurant of some type to the old fire station site because it’s adjacent to Reiter Park and could really play well into that,” Kintner said.

Unicorp plans more apartments

Unicorp National Developments is preparing to deliver another one of its luxury apartment communities to the Orlando market.

The company behind popular destinations such as ICON Park and O-Town West submitted an application last week to the St. Johns River Water Management District for a 182-unit apartment complex on nearly 15 acres just north of S.R. 528 near the bustling Lake Nona area.

Chuck Whittall, president and CEO of Unicorp, told GrowthSpotter the community would be called Selene.

“It’s a luxury apartment project and we are moving forward on it,” he said, adding that the goal is to start construction on as many as four separate class A multifamily projects across Orange County by the end of this year. “We are waiting for the market to settle down.”

Development plans in the pipeline for Unicorp also include the 212-unit Elysian. Slated to rise between S.R. 429 and Avalon Road in the Horizon West submarket, the garden-style community will come with a wine-tasting lounge and an indoor basketball court.

Further south on Avalon Road, near Four Corners, Unicorp is pursuing the 250-unit Sutton Grande. The developer secured the 13 acres in June 2022 for $7.5 million. Unicorp is also prepping to build the 200-unit Luxe at Dr. Phillips at the end of Daryl Carter Parkway.

This is a sampling of stories from GrowthSpotter, a premium subscription service from the Orlando Sentinel that focuses on the early stages of real estate development. To subscribe, go to GrowthSpotter.com

Unicorp to start construction on luxury apartments by year’s end

Unicorp hopes to start construction on as many as four luxury apartment projects by year’s end

 

Unicorp National Developments submitted an application last week to the St. John’s River Water Management District for a 182-unit apartment complex called Selene. It's planned for nearly 15 acres on Narcoossee Road just north of S.R. 528 near the bustling Lake Nona area.

After snagging land next to a shopping center on Narcoossee Road in late 2021 for $3 million, Unicorp National Developments is preparing to deliver another one of its luxury apartment communities to the Orlando market.

The local company behind popular destinations such as ICON Park and O-Town West submitted an application last week to the St. Johns River Water Management District for a 182-unit apartment complex on nearly 15 acres just north of S.R. 528 near the bustling Lake Nona area.

Chuck Whittall, president and CEO of Unicorp, told GrowthSpotter that this community would be called Selene.

Chuck Whittall, the president and CEO of Unicorp, said this community near Lake Nona would be called Selene.

“It’s a luxury apartment project and we are moving forward on it,” he said, adding that the goal is to start construction on as many as four separate class A multifamily projects across Orange County by the end of this year. “We are waiting for the market to settle down.”

Development plans in the pipeline for Unicorp include the 212-unit Elysian. Slated to rise between S.R. 429 and Avalon Road in the Horizon West submarket, the garden-style community will come with a wine-tasting lounge and an indoor basketball court.

Further south on Avalon Road, near Four Corners, Unicorp is pursuing the 250-unit Sutton Grande. The developer secured the 13 acres in June 2022 for $7.5 million. It’s part of a larger mixed-use project Unicorp has planned for this area consisting of 20,000 square feet of commercial space, 554 apartment units, and 253 attached and detached single-family homes.

Unicorp is also prepping to build the 200-unit Luxe at Dr. Phillips at the end of Daryl Carter Parkway where it intersects with S. Apopka Vineland Road. The community will consist of 18 townhome units and a four-story parking garage with 209 spaces, according to site plans by Kimley-Horn.

Whittall describes it as a “super high-end” product with “the quality you’d find in a million-plus dollar home.”

Unicorp CEO and President Chuck Whittall describes The Luxe at Dr. Phillips as a “super high-end” product with “the quality you’d find in a million-plus dollar home.”

The 7-acre site is located just outside the boundaries of Unicorp’s O-Town West, a not-yet-complete 300-acre mixed-use project that’s already home to several restaurants, including the world’s largest White Castle.

Two apartment projects are underway at O-Town West including the 396-unit The Bentley and Glass House, which will eventually include more than 900 units across three phases.

“We build a little bit more resort-style, with resort-style amenities, which is why I think we do so well,” Whittall said. “We’ve been doing this with all of our projects and it seems to give leasing quite the charge.”

Whittall said he plans to pursue construction loans for Elysian, Luxe, Sutton Grande, the final two phases of Glass House, and the newly filed project near Lake Nona this summer.

This signals a change in course for Whittall who told GrowthSpotter in December that he wouldn’t be starting any new construction projects this year due to rising construction costs and interest rates.

Asked if things have gotten better, he said, “I don’t know ? we are going to see soon.”

“We are going to go out for pricing on these apartment communities in June or July,” he added. “If pricing is good, we will break ground on (these apartment communities) in September or October,” Whittall said.

The planned apartment project for Narcoossee Road calls for four-story buildings, according to site plans by Kimley-Horn. It would include eight studio units, 102 one-bedroom units, and 72 two-bedroom units.

The residential buildings and clubhouse surround an open courtyard with a 2,300-square-foot pool and other amenities. The amenity package includes a sauna, steam rooms, a putting green, a pavilion with a production screen, a fire pit and a trellis walk with hanging chairs.

The residential buildings of Selene surround an open courtyard with a 2,300-square-foot pool and other amenities. The amenity package includes a sauna, steam rooms, a putting green, a pavilion with a production screen, a fire pit and a trellis walk with hanging chairs.

Architecture firm Baker Barrios is leading the project’s design.

The land is next to the Vista Palms Shopping Center, which is anchored by an Aldi, Kohl’s, and Home Depot. The Vista Lakes subdivision, built by homebuilder Taylor Morrison, abuts the property to the east.

The property sits just north of the Orlando International Airport and the Lake Nona master-planned community, which is consistently among the best-selling residential destinations in the country.

 

Have a tip about Central Florida development? Contact me at (407)-800-1161 or dwyatt@GrowthSpotter.com.

Unicorp’s $100M super luxury apartments will go to ‘next level’

More details have emerged on Unicorp National Developments’ $100 million The Luxe at Dr. Phillips apartments — including some of the thinking behind the 200-unit project that will rise adjacent the developer’s $1 billion-plus O-Town West mixed-use project.

Riley Whittall, a development associate with the firm and daughter of Unicorp President Chuck Whittall, said she has several friends in the Miami area, through whom she has become familiar with the market’s high-end, luxury offerings. “With Central Florida’s growth, we thought something like that would do well in this market,” Riley Whittall said.

Chuck Whittall revealed further details on the project to Orlando Business Journal, including that its timeline has moved up from what previously was expected and that a general contractor has yet to be selected.

Why this matters: Given The Luxe at Dr. Phillips’ anticipated price tag of $100 million, the project’s opportunities for contractors and subcontractors will be highly sought after. Additionally, Unicorp’s plan to introduce a higher caliber of luxury apartment product to the market could set the stage for similar projects to follow.

Chuck Whittall said The Luxe will break ground this year, which is a significant change given his previous read on the landscape for construction costs in 2023.

“We’re seeing a little softening in the market — not a big softening, just a little softening — and so we’ve accelerated our timelines a little bit,” Chuck Whittall said. “We had planned to start about six or eight projects in January of next year and we’re pushing now to start those in August or September of this year.”

Chuck Whittall further detailed what will set the project apart from the Orlando market’s existing apartment inventory, which skews heavily toward luxury apartments.

“The luxury apartments here, they’re all kind of common — and we’ve built tons of that type of apartment,” Chuck Whittall said, noting the thousands of units his own firm has in different stages of development. “We’re all doing granite countertops, nice appliances, vinyl wood floors and tile in the bathrooms.

“We’re going to the next level on this.”

Examples of the differentiation Unicorp hopes to achieve with The Luxe include units with real hardwood floors, marble tile in the bathrooms, upgraded ceiling and door heights, larger windows and wine coolers in the kitchens, among other luxury touches.

Additionally, Unicorp has brought Lifescapes International to the project as its landscape architect.

The Newport Beach, California-based firm brings experience to the project that includes work on Las Vegas’ Bellagio Hotel & Casino and Wynn Las Vegas — experience Whittall hopes will bring a more resort-like aesthetic to the project, which is to include cabanas and other high-end outdoor amenities.

The Luxe also will feature 18 townhome-style villas for rent alongside 182 apartments.

Per a site plan, the apartments will occupy one large building, with the townhome-style units broken up into three rows. A four-story, 209-space parking garage also is planned for the 7.8-acre property at 11010 S. Apopka Vineland Road.

Other firms involved include the Orlando office of Kimley-Horn as the project’s engineer, and Maitland-based Slocum Platts Architects.

Kerina Wildwood Inc., an entity related to Orlando-based Marcent Group, owns the land and Chuck Whittall indicated the group will remain involved with the project as a joint venture.

Meanwhile, the super luxury units at The Luxe also figure to be bigger than typical units — which would fit with another emerging trend in Central Florida.

According to a report by RentCafe, renters in Orlando have 91 more square feet of apartment space than the average American renter, with new apartments consisting of 978 square feet on average. That’s a 23-square-foot increase, or 2%, in space compared to 10 years ago. The average size of all Orlando apartments is 955 square feet.

St. Regis project executive digs into details of its construction

Project executive Josh Mutchler leads over 500 people every day on the Residences at the St. Regis Longboat Key project.

No day is the same when working on the $800 million, two-and-a-half-year-long construction of the Residences at the St. Regis Longboat Key.

After more than 20 years working in construction, project executive Josh Mutchler is the one charged with overseeing the largest project to be developed on Longboat Key since Arvida started shaping the Key in the 1970s.

In a typical work week, which usually lasts from Monday to Saturday, Mutchler can spend as much as 11 hours per day on the project site.

He works for Moss, one of a few contracting teams that work together to build the hotel and condominiums. The primary two teams include a superintendent team, which handles the construction. The project management team handles the paperwork, pricing and designs.

The majority of his days are spent working to collaborate with agencies covering the design and construction of the project.

“A lot of your days are in meetings going through that coordination between teams,” he said. “We do a lot of pricing changes. There’s a lot of changes on these jobs with additions and adjustments.”

As small issues arise, which the team prefers to call “management opportunities,” they will gather to discuss the origin of the issue, how to address it and ways to prevent it from happening again.

“My main focus on the management side is making sure we get that material to the gate,” he said. “A lot of our day is spent tracking deliveries and making sure we know when things are coming.”

Looking ahead as much as six months is crucial for a project of this size, he said, especially with the state of the supply chain and longer lead times.

As far as his responsibilities go, the safety of the employees is his top priority.

“They’re here to do a job and make a living, take care of their families,” he said. “The last thing we want to do is have anybody get hurt.”

Other responsibilities he has to keep in check include ensuring the project stays on schedule and stays within budget. Upon completion, the project is estimated to cost $800 million.

Mutchler works with superintendents on the project to ensure the entire team is getting along as best they can when each week workers tend to see one another more than their families.

He also helps keep up communication with neighbors of the construction site. Weekly emails are sent to property owners around the property to keep them updated. If complaints arise, meetings can be scheduled with the neighbor on-site to discuss the issue and give them a clear view of what is going on and why certain noises are made.

“Our goal is to be super courteous to our neighbors,” he said. “We’re disrupting their lives for two years. We’re making noise, making dust. We want to be as respectful as we can.”

A lot of material (and people)

As one can imagine, a lot of materials are needed to successfully build a project, especially one of this size.

Materials, supplies and equipment for the project were purchased in advance in preparation for the likely long delivery times that developers across the country are facing following the pandemic.

A 40,000-square-foot warehouse was rented in Sarasota for storage of the materials that weren’t needed right away. For example, as equipment and steel poles were procured for the project, they were placed in the warehouse until crews got the go ahead to move them to the site.

At the moment, as the buildings are being constructed, materials needed for the current phase of the project are kept in spaces not being actively worked in.

About 500 workers show up to the site each day, but in lieu of not making traffic more congested in the area and just a lack of parking on the lot, workers park in a garage on St. Armands Circle before taking a shuttle to the work site.

Project of a lifetime

When working on a project the size of the St. Regis project, it is easy to get stuck in the day to day. Mutchler tries to ensure he and his colleagues remember the grandeur of the project they are undertaking.

“I’ve done condos of the size we’re doing condos here,” he said. “I’ve done hotels the size we’re doing here, but never at the same time. This is a unique job. You don’t see this kind of property on the beach being developed to this level.”

Mutchler’s favorite part of the project is the people he gets to work with every day.

“The biggest joy I get is watching people be successful on this team and work hard and be able to work on this iconic project,” he said. “I keep telling them ‘You’re not going to get this chance again.’”

Status update

Five buildings are working their way through construction, a five-story hotel on the north end of the property, three five-story condo buildings on the south side of the property and a single-floor amenities building in between.

The project is in construction on a 17.6-acre lot of the previous home of the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort.

The last slab of concrete for the whole project was poured Feb. 16, Mutchler said. The final pour will be formally celebrated at a private topping-out ceremony Friday, Feb. 24.

The project remains on track for completion in 2024.

More than a year into construction, the project developer wants to change parking plans and build a three-level parking garage on the northeast corner of the property.

If approved by the Planning and Zoning Board and Town Commission, the garage would replace a plan to install mechanical lifts in the already-approved ground level garage under the hotel building.

The multilevel garage would be built on the site of an already approved outdoor surface lot.

In replacing the mechanical lift spaces and surface lot, parking spaces would increase from 100 to 157. The proposal could go before the town’s Planning and Zoning Board as early as March.

 

Wawa Plans First Stores in Ohio & Indiana

A location slated for Liberty Township in Ohio will replace an existing car wash and former convenience store.

WAWA, Pa. — Wawa Inc.’s efforts to double its network footprint within the next decade continue to take shape as the convenience store retailer unveils further plans for Ohio and Indiana.

After officially announcing in December plans to open its first c-stores in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, Wawa brought forward its first location for approval in the Buckeye State, where it plans to open a cluster of sites in 2025.

Ohio’s Liberty Township’s board of trustees approved plans for Unicorp National Developments Inc. to build a Wawa in the township, Journal-News reported.

The new c-store is slated for 7160-7198 Cincinnati Dayton Road, near Skyline Chili in the long-dormant northeastern corner of Liberty Way and Cincinnati-Dayton Road on the southern border of Liberty Township.

The new Wawa will replace an existing car wash and former Dairy Mart convenience store, which eventually closed, leaving the site abandoned for several years. A short-lived pool supply company occupied the property for a time after that.

Since the opening of the nearby $350 million Liberty Center in 2015, the area has drawn in more business development — most recently the November opening of Butler County’s first Costco about one mile east on Liberty Way — and the abandoned intersection corner had become a rarity of undeveloped property in the area, according to the news outlet.

“This is a perfect location for Wawa and the community. It takes an unproductive, deteriorating property and puts it to great use for our residents,” said Liberty Township Trustee Todd Minniear. “Wawa is known throughout the country as being a great place to work that provides a superior product and service. We are pleased Liberty Township has been selected as their first Ohio location.”

Moving further west, Pennsylvania-based Wawa plans to open its first Indiana location in Noblesville. The site is planned for the Midland Pointe housing and commercial development at State Road 32 and Hazell Dell Road, reported IndyStar.

The project will include 256 rental units of two-story flats, three-story units and townhouses. The Wawa will be situated along State Road 32, next to a Crew Car Wash and other businesses, Jim Adams, president of co-developer Secure Holdings, told the Noblesville City Council last week.

Wawa Spreads Its Wings

The upcoming stores in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky are part of Wawa’s new market expansion that includes its entrance into Tennessee. The c-store operator’s current plans call for the opening of up to 40 convenience stores in the Nashville, Tenn., market in the coming years, as Convenience Store News previously reported.

“We have received thousands of requests over the years to spread our wings further west! We couldn’t be more excited to announce our growth plans in these markets as we will soon serve more people in new communities with our unique brand and offer,” John Poplawski, vice president of real estate for Wawa, said at the time of the announcement. “We can’t wait to reconnect with those that know us from existing markets and meet new friends and neighbors come 2025 and beyond!”

Wawa is also focused on extending its footprint in the Southeast. Earlier this month, the retailer shared details of the company’s plans for south Florida and the Florida Panhandle regions, as well as the Mobile, Ala., area. Wawa first announced plans to open up to 40 c-stores within four markets in the Southeast in April 2022.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania-based operator is looking to spread its wings into southern and coastal Georgia, with store openings planned for 2024.

Wawa operates nearly 1,000 c-stores throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C.

Here are 8 eateries to open in Orlando soon

Noodles, tacos, burgers and coffee are being served at some of the new Orlando-area restaurants opening this year.

Why this matters: New restaurants create jobs and business opportunities for local contractors and suppliers. They also help landlords lease up shopping centers and provide an amenity for existing residents and workers in the area, helping make developing areas more desirable. * Torchy’s Tacos: The Austin, Texas-based chain is entering the Orlando market by opening two new restaurants here. It’s Altamonte Springs location on 999 N. State Road 434, Suite 100 is set to open soon. It serves tacos with toppings such as fried chicken, shrimp, smoked beef brisket and fried avocado. It also features a full bar.

* JoJo’s Shake Bar: This Illinois-based dessert restaurant also is making its entrance here in 2023. It will be located at Pointe Orlando’s entertainment and tourist district at 9101 International Drive. Besides serving shakes and desserts, the 80s- and 90s-themed restaurant serves sandwiches, salads, soups, brunch and cocktails.

* Kung Fu Kitchen: It will open a new location at 8466 Palm Pkwy. in south Orlando near Disney later this year. Kung Fu Kitchen serves the best dim-sum in New York City, according to the Michelin Guide. It also has received the Bib Gourmand award, meaning this restaurant serves high-quality food at a reasonable price.

* Jaws Jumbo Burgers: Patrons may need a bigger belt to dine at this movie-themed restaurant. The new eatery, which will be minutes away from Universal Studios in the Dr. Phillips area, will open in April. The address and number of employees have not been revealed yet. Menu items such as sliders, single-, double- and triple-patty burgers, as well as chicken and fish sandwiches, chicken tenders, wings, fish and chips, fries and old-fashioned vanilla, chocolate or strawberry ice cream shakes and malts will be available.

* Papi Smash Burger: It is set to open on Feb. 23 at 66 E. Pine St. Chef Christopher Hernandez served these burgers via food truck before opening this brick-and-mortar location. Once inside the restaurant, it is decorated with pink and green, bringing a Miami vibe to Orlando. Items on the menu include burgers, chicken sandwiches and loaded yucca fries.

* The Dragon Vault: This medieval-themed restaurant will open later this year at the iconic 100-year-old bank building on 101 E. 1st St. in historic downtown Sanford. Specific menu items weren’t revealed but patrons should expect unique cocktails and swords of meats or vegetables cooked over a flame.

* SoFresh: Tampa-based SoFresh restaurant chain, known for its lean protein and vegetable-heavy salads and bowls, is set to open five new locations this year in the Orlando area. SoFresh already has signed leases for spaces in the Dr. Phillips area, Winter Springs and Celebration.

* Dutch Bros: The Grants Pass, Oregon-based coffee chain (NYSE: BROS) will open a location in Orlando developer Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s O-Town West at the southeast corner of Daryl Carter Parkway and Apopka Vineland Road later this year, spokeswoman Rilynn Davis told Orlando Business Journal. Some drinks on the menu include cold brews, Americanos, teas, lemonade and smoothies.

Chuck Whittall’s Unicorp sells Griffin Farm retail property in Lake Mary near Orlando

One of metro Orlando’s busiest high-profile developers has parted with a prime retail property it built in Seminole County.

Unicorp National Developments Inc. sold the retail components of its Griffin Farm mixed-use project in Lake Mary to Largo-based Equity Management Partners on Jan. 1. Ben Mallah, the principal and founder of Equity Management Partners, confirmed the off-market deal to Orlando Business Journal.

Why this matters: High-dollar commercial real estate properties can be important momentum drivers for the local economy and signal bullishness by investors on submarkets where they take place.

The deal includes three separate properties at 211, 236 and 242 Wheelhouse Lane, adjacent the Drake Midtown apartments, which also were part of Unicorp’s original mixed-use project but sold in a separate deal in 2019.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall told OBJ his company originally had not intended to sell the property before being approached with the off-market offer.

“Interest rates continue to be awful and we want to have plenty of dry powder for projects,” Whittall said. “It made sense to free up that capital.”

Altogether, the retail components total 150,000 square feet of space spanning 10 acres.

Tenants include Winn-Dixie, 24 Hour Fitness, First Watch, Zaza Cuban Comfort Food and Crumbl Cookies, among others. The space is 100% leased, Mallah said.

Mallah further said his team liked the fact that new, Class A apartments were on site, building in consumers in close proximity, not to mention Lake Mary’s strong demographics.

“We like the fact that it was a newer project, so we don’t have any deferred maintenance,” Mallah said. “It has good tenants and good clientele profiles.”

Mallah complimented Unicorp on a well-done project, adding that he anticipates it will be a stable asset in his firm’s portfolio “for a very long time.”

Daniel Baruch, a broker and vice president for New York-based Legacy Realty Group, brokered the deal.

Equity Management Services has been active in Orlando previously, having owned and sold an International Drive hotel. Currently it holds a small retail property there, as well.

Mallah said he is still interested in further acquisition in Central Florida, in spite of what he termed a very difficult market. “I’m actively pursuing anything, anywhere that makes sense.”

Meanwhile, Whittall said he is not alone in his intended pullback for projects in 2023 and keeping an eye on 2024 as a time to ramp up again as costs may have come down by then. “I’ve talked to many fellow developers who do apartments, as well as retail, and they’re just putting everything on hold.”

This also is true on a national level, as construction starts declined by 18% in November 2022, according to Dodge Data and Analytics.

Richard Branch, Dodge’s chief economist, told The Business Journals previously that he has forecast a 10% decline in construction starts for nonresidential this year — and much of that dip will come from the office, industrial, hotel and retail sectors.

 

List Extra: Chuck Whittall shares tidbits on his 2023 outlook

Things may appear to be rough out there, but Chuck Whittall still is pretty confident about growth opportunities throughout Orlando.

The president and CEO of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. — Central Florida’s largest and most active commercial real estate developer with 1.64 million square feet under development in the region — said he’s still experiencing plenty of demand the macro-economic challenges business face these days.

Whittall was named one of Orlando Business Journal‘s 2022 Power Players among the Heavy Hitters, those who make the news year after year, and whose companies have a lasting legacy in the region. Despite dealing with supply chain shortages and a shaky economy, Whittall’s firm found its footing — and is growing.

Here, Whittall shares why local development has survived, grown and thrives despite difficult times:

In which areas are you seeing new or sustained demand for commercial properties? The largest is in mixed-use, inclusive of lifestyle retail, grocery and multifamily. Rising inflation rates have increased multifamily demand as inflation has pushed up interest rates, creating more demand for apartments.

What are some key considerations in choosing the location of your next project? Throughout the pandemic Florida stayed open. Many other states did not, so all the opportunities here caused a large influx of the residential population. Everything we build caters to people and the more people we have the more growth we see. We are very content in Central Florida as we feel like we are in the center of the bullseye and that’s where we continue to grow.

What is your 2023 outlook? Super positive. I expect interest rates to come back down, and the demand for our industry to remain very strong. We always play to the market we are in and remain bullish on Central Florida growth.

Year in review: Top 5 Orlando restaurant industry stories of 2022

Orlando Business Journal readers often are interested in which restaurant brands are coming to town or expanding their presence here, but an ongoing lawsuit generated the most reader engagement in 2022.

Red Robin International Inc.’s lawsuit filed in Orange County against the Winter Garden Village shopping center’s ownership group was the most-read restaurant industry story of the year.


Why this matters: The restaurant and hospitality industry represents a crucial component of the local economy, and big news within the sector — good or bad — can serve as an important bellwether for the region’s employment market.

A dispute over an option to extend a lease at one of the region’s most popular shopping centers led to legal action in Orange County. Red Robin International Inc. sued Winter Garden Village shopping center owner DDR Winter Garden LLC over what it alleged was the defendant’s refusal to honor its lease-extension requests at 3310 Daniels Road for three to five more years — an option guaranteed in the original 10-year lease, signed in 2012, per court documents. The defendant countered it never received the alleged correspondence; it reached out to Red Robin about renewing and heard nothing back; and the tenant should have vacated the space at the beginning of December.


Chicago’s Potbelly restaurant chain to enter Orlando

Chicago-based Potbelly Corp., a growing chain of sandwich shops, in November announced a multidevelopment deal to bring six restaurants to Orlando during the next seven years. The neighborhood sandwich shop-style concept features antique potbelly stoves in select stores and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.


Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant chain plans Orlando market entry

San Diego-based Jack in the Box, one of the more popular fast-food brands on the country’s West Coast and in Texas, is eyeing a Florida market entry with an emphasis on Orlando, a brand executive told Orlando Business Journal in September. The chain is actively seeking franchisees in the metro area.


White Castle, Portillo’s to expand in Orlando

In April, two restaurant brands with loyal followings and Midwestern roots announced plans to double down on metro Orlando. Columbus, Ohio-based White Castle and Illinois-based Portillo’s — chains famous for their mini hamburger sliders and Chicago-style hot dogs, respectively — each will open new eateries in the region. Both chains debuted locally at Unicorp National Development Inc.’s $1 billion-plus O-Town West mixed-use complex.


6 Orlando eateries that will open soon

A flurry of eateries in late 2022 announced plans to open soon in the Orlando area, including Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken, The Dolly Llama Waffle Master, Cowboy Chicken, a pair of coffee shops and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill.

St. Regis Longboat Key is ‘on budget and on time’

More than a year ago, the Longboat Town Commission gave their approval for the Residences at St. Regis Resort to be built at the former site of The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort. Since then, Moss Construction has been busy building what the developer says will be the nicest resort in all of Florida. When it is complete, the 166-room hotel along with three condo buildings comprising 69 units will be a landmark destination on Longboat Key, reviving a popular destination that invokes nostalgic memories in many local residents. Chuck Whittall, president of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc., said construction was “on budget and on time,” and he expects the construction phase of the project will be completed in March 2024, with occupancy of the condo units expected in July 2024. The condo units in the property have all been sold, he said. The St. Regis project on Longboat Key has been a passion project for Whittall as it’s taken more than 10 years from when he became involved to when he expects the project to be completed.

“Most of our projects take just two or three years,” he said. “But this one will have taken 12 years, but it’s going to be beautiful.”

Because of The Colony’s ownership structure, a protracted legal fight ensued after the resort closed its doors in the early 2000s, which wasn’t resolved until Whittall became involved in redeveloping the property.

Not even Hurricane Ian has been able to slow down the construction progress.

“There’s been many barriers,” Whittall said, “and none of them has stopped us.”

2022 Big Deals: Land trades, attractions, and real estate

Apopka likely has been the biggest beneficiary in Central Florida from more from highway expansion and the near-completion of the region’s toll-road beltway — and a massive land sale in 2022 has set the stage for even more.

State Road 429 and its link to Florida’s Turnpike, Interstate 4 and the rest of metro Orlando has led to a boom in apartments, single-family homes and industrial development in the city. A hot spot is the Kelly Park Road corridor, where a $44 million sale of 200 acres at the southwest corner of Kelly Park Road and SR 429 captured plenty of attention in the real estate industry.

The judge-approved sale to Vero Beach-based developer Evans Properties subsidiary Kelly Park VB Development LLC — which closed on June 10, per Orange County records — kept the land that previous owner Rochelle Holdings XIII LLC had in bankruptcy from going to a court-ordered auction. Instead, the property sale satisfied all debtors and concerned parties.

“This settlement removes all of the complex litigation that otherwise would have ensued,” Tara Tedrow, a shareholder and land-use attorney for Lowndes law firm, told Orlando Business Journal in March, when the deal first was announced.

Now, Evans Properties’ plans for the land — which it added another 50 or so adjacent acres through subsequent purchases this year — include 2,931 apartment and multifamily units, 1.1 million square feet of office and retail space, and 1.8 million square feet of industrial uses.

The project will have a huge regional impact on several fronts, from the jobs and opportunities it will create during development to becoming an anchor for a booming corridor in northwest Orange County.

Apopka has become “a quiet boomtown,” said Tony Benge, president of Benge Development Corp., which has a neighboring mixed-use project in the pipeline off of Kelly Park Road.

The new project will benefit all of Apopka, Tedrow added. “The next chapter is going to see Kelly Park finally launching an exciting live/work/play project that generates jobs, residential and entertainment options for the entire city of Apopka and its neighboring communities.”

The Kelly Park land sale was just one of Central Florida’s 2022 big deals in commercial real estate. Here are other highlights of the year:


Main Street

DeBary taps developers to build downtown from scratch

 

The city of DeBary is working with two developers to build a new downtown from the ground up. In February, the city approved a letter of intent from one developer for the core of DeBary Main Street on U.S. Highway 17-92 near the DeBary SunRail Station. Just north of that site, another developer plans to build a community that includes 296 live/work townhomes on Shell Road — the new main street of the project.

 

  • Parties involved: Mosaic Development LLC, Falcone Group LLC, city of DeBary
  • Cost: $100 million-plus
  • Why it matters: It’s not often that a city’s downtown is built from scratch, or that one developer is responsible for such a large portion of it. Along with an ideal location across the St. John’s River from the booming Sanford/Lake Mary area, the momentum from this project and the connectivity provided by the nearby SunRail stop may lead to significant additional investment in DeBary.

“Previously, there was a lot of doubt that we’re going to build a Main Street from scratch in DeBary. When we put this plan together, the reaction was, ‘Wow, I can’t believe DeBary is going to be delivering this.’ “

— Carmen Rosamonda, city manager, city of DeBary


Tourist corridor

Unicorp lines up 1st-of-its-kind Tao resort near Disney

 

A New York-based subsidiary of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: MSGE) on Nov. 9 announced Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s $1 billion-plus O-Town West will be the site of the group’s first-ever Tao Hotel. The luxury resort will include a Tao Asian Bistro high-end restaurant. Work is expected to start in 2024 and finish in 2025.

 

  • Parties involved: Unicorp, Tao Group Hospitality
  • Cost: $175 million estimated overall project cost
  • Why it matters: The resort is a first-of-its-kind concept for the well-known luxury brand. Tao, along with its high-end restaurant — known for drawing athletes, celebrities and businesspeople — may become major players in the International Drive and convention-area landscape.

“To bring a specialty brand like this to Orlando, we think it’s going to change the whole face of the city.”

— Chuck Whittall, President/CEO, Unicorp National Developments Inc.


Retail

High-profile Winter Park corner site’s sale to draw more

 

An Oviedo-based developer on Aug. 24 bought 1.82 acres at the southeast corner of Orlando Avenue and Lee Road in Winter Park. The property is close to several popular shopping-and-dining destinations, including Winter Park Village, Ravaudage and the Whole Foods Market and Nordstrom Rack-anchored Winter Park Square. The site’s new owner will be “opportunistic” in assessing potential tenants.

 

  • Parties involved: Hill Gray Seven LLC, buyer; UP Fieldgate US Investments-Winter Park LLC, seller; CBRE Group Inc. (NYSE: CBRE), developer’s exclusive retail representative
  • Cost: $8 million
  • Why it matters: The per-acre sales price of roughly $4.39 million is noteworthy on its own. Because of the high value, the developers likely will do something of great significance at such a visible corner.

“It’s obviously generational real estate — that’s the way we view that site.”

— James Mitchell, executive vice president, CBRE


‘Wanderland’ comes to Orlando

 

On March 10, Area15 Orlando was introduced to the region as a new 300,000-square-foot immersive entertainment concept to be built on 16.57 acres adjacent Interstate 4, north of Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. The site — which the developer bought on Dec. 29, 2021 — will be developed into the brand’s second location, joining the original in Las Vegas.

  • Cost: $24.8 million sales price; $46 million in construction costs (estimated)
  • Parties involved: Area 15 Orlando LLC, buyer/developer; Kingsland Land Trust, Lake/I-4 LLC, sellers
  • Why it matters: The project likely will create dozens of temporary construction jobs. Once open, Area15 Orlando is slated to attract 3 million annual visitors and employ 1,000. It also will create leasing opportunities for several local food and retail vendors.

“One of the things in the DNA of Area15 is that it adapts to the place it’s in — we’re not prescriptive about what it will be. It will be Orlando. We have notions of what it will be, but we’re still starting to think through what the curation will be and what the right mix is.”

— Michael Beneville, chief creative officer, Area15

2022 Power Players: Meet Central Florida’s Heavy Hitters

Chuck Whittall’s Feature

To view the full article:

Orlando Business Journal’s 2022 Power Players in Central Florida recognizes business leaders and executives who are helping grow and innovate the way business is done throughout the region.

These 50 honorees — actually 51 people, since one honoree is a tag team — are winners in a nomination-based awards program highlighting key executives in the area. Some of these local leaders are well known, some have been rising in prominence and others are people you definitely need to meet. Winners were chosen in five categories: Industry Giants, Disruptors, Deal Makers, Connectors and Heavy Hitters.

Chuck Whittall  President/CEO, Unicorp National Developments Inc.

Company description: Orlando-based company that develops the places where you live, work and play, from mixed-use retail developments to office buildings to luxury apartments and branded residences to five-star luxury hotels.

Top pandemic accomplishment: Being chairman of the reopening committee and getting our Central Florida businesses back open

Pain points: The Fed raising interest rates and supply chain shortages delaying projects

What was your company’s most significant accomplishment in its history? Acquiring The Colony property on 18 acres on the beach in Longboat Key. It took me 10 years to complete the litigation and we finally are under construction. We sold out of our 69 condos at the highest price ever on the west coast of Florida, and will open the St. Regis hotel in mid-2024.

Mediterranean Restaurant To Open Daytona Location

Oliv Epicurean Grill, a Mediterranean restaurant, opened Aug. 3 at a new location on LPGA Boulevard in Daytona Beach.

Dan Moon, the owner, conceived the idea when Olive was in college when she made a deal with her roommate Sam to cook if Mr. Moon bought food. This will be the catalyst for this inventive restaurant.

“Sam was an exceptional cook, his mother taught him everything she knew, and since college I’ve eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world and I’ve never met the caliber of his food,” Mr Moon said. So he called on a longtime friend and the creation of Oliv Epicurean Grill was born. The concept is simple; fresh, healthy, high-quality food at a fast pace.

“There was nothing there and I knew a kitchen like this would be perfect in this situation,” Mr Moon said.

Born and raised in Chicago, he opened his first location in Holly Hill in 2014, and the location became so popular that it drew people from all over and helped revitalize the city.

According to Mr. Moon, the Holly Hill location will become an emergency location. Olive has always been known for its cleanliness, but they have temporarily closed Holly Hill for a good cleaning and renovation. It will reopen in early September with a limited menu.

In 2018, Mr. Moon decided to try his hat in Palm Beach and spent about a million dollars to open a healthy food concept.

“We couldn’t win that market, organic and hormone-free didn’t seem that important, and then came Covid,” he said. “Because of the prolonged Covid, we had to make a very difficult decision and we had to leave. It was very difficult, but the right decision.”

After the market stabilized with the pandemic abating, he wanted to try to expand again. It has agreed with Unicorp National Development to use the LPGA property in 2019.

“It was a forest back then, but it looks like it’s going to be a trust area,” Mr Moon said.
Olive is about the only stand-alone restaurant in the area surrounded by national chains, and it’s thriving. They don’t plan to stop there, he said, and are actively considering expansion, and some areas of interest include Port Orange, Durham Park, Ponte Verde and Jacksonville.

“The LPGA location is bright, happy and a good environment and the customers love it! We give them the option to choose a pre-made meal or pick things up for themselves,” said Jordan Hannun, a server at the restaurant. “We have fresh vegetables chopped daily, vegetarian options, falafel, grilled vegetables and fresh meat to go with it. We don’t use a lot of salt and it’s a healthy… energizing type of food.”

Mediterranean cuisine is a diet inspired by the eating habits of people living near the Mediterranean Sea. It was originally formulated in the 1960s; he used the cuisines of Greece, Italy, France and Spain and incorporated others such as Turkey, the Balkans, the Middle East, North Africa and Portugal.

“We were told about Olive by word of mouth,” said customer Stacey Finnelli. “We love this type of food for its health benefits and great flavor and spices.”

Evidence suggests that this diet reduces the risk of heart attacks and is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, cognitive impairment and depressive disorders.

Olive’s menu consists of things like Tabouli; Fattoush, Caesar and Greek salads; Lemon and red lentil soups; and Coconut, Granola, Peanut Butter and Tropical Fruit Acai Bowls. Bowls and wraps include vegetables, chicken, steak, Kefta (ground beef and lamb), Al Pastor (prime beef), chicken shawarma and lamb.

“I like that they cook the meat right in front of you instead of some stranger and the meat comes out the back,” said Tonya Logan, a new Olive customer. “We like something useful, good and fast, that’s why we’re here.”

Some of the popular original items are Baba Ganoush, Toom, Kibbe, Falafel Taboli, Falafel and they offer Dairy Free Kito and Sugar Free.

“We have a lot of resources around us, so we’re working with local farmers for meat and produce,” Mr Moon said. “This is premium food and we start with premium ingredients. We use organic and local products whenever possible, but if there are not enough local ingredients, we don’t.”

The blueberry, red velvet and carrot cake is keto, vegan, dairy-free and sugar-free, and they also offer New York cheese, sea salt cheese and baklava.

“We have two brick-and-mortar restaurants and a food truck that is our mobile restaurant,” he said. “We use it for special events. We recently had a Walmart Employee Appreciation Day and B. We’ve been to events for Brown Factories and we also provide food trucks for weddings, proms and parties. On Labor Day, we will be located on the beach behind the Hilton Oceanfront.”

Oliv Epicurean Grill is located at 2071 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach and Suite 300 at 701 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill. For more information, visit olivgrill.com.

This Popular Nightlife Group Is Opening up a Branded Hotel

Although best-known for Vegas clubs, Tao’s first hotel will open in Orlando.

rendering of new orlando Tao hotel

Courtesy of Rockwell Group

 

After more than 20 years of velvet ropes, bottle service, elevated dim sum, raucous pool parties, event planning and catering, breakfast-in-bed delivery, and rooftop revelry at more than 70 branded locations across 20 markets and five continents, Tao Group Hospitality is ready to take its over-the-top cool dining and entertaining game to the next level with its own branded hotel.

Known for popular restaurants and nightlife boîtes like Beauty & Essex, Marquee, LAVO, OMNIA, and of course, their eponymous nightclubs, the group’s first hotel property will open in Orlando in 2025, as part of O-Town West, a $1 billion, 350-acre mixed-use development moving in to southwest Orange County. “A hotel was the natural evolution for us, and we’re really excited to create a property that truly reflects the Tao lifestyle,” said Noah Tepperberg, Tao Group Hospitality co-CEO, in a release shared with TripSavvy.

“The Tao clientele has evolved with us over the years and is looking for more than just a few hours of fun at one of our locations. This hotel will be an exquisite escape and will enable us to showcase our company’s flagship concept in a whole new way.”

Though the brand is partnering with Unicorp National Developments on the project, the hotel promises to be recognizable to any traveler who has frequented infamous Tao-operated venues, as longtime affiliate Rockwell Group will design the property from top to bottom. The look will include its signature dark, upscale, and vibey spaces, with early renderings showcasing dark crimson walls and sumptuous plush chairs in the reception area.

“More than just culinary and nightlife, Tao is a lifestyle,” Tepperberg continued. “This large-scale venture provides the ultimate opportunity to bring that experience to life.”

The luxury lodgings will feature a TAO Asian Bistro, a rooftop experience, high-end suites, meeting spaces, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. As the opening is several years away, TGH hopes to tide its loyalists over with at least 10 branded locations planned to open in 2023.

O-Town West lands resort hotel as City Center Anchor

A hospitality company known for providing entertainment experiences through its worldwide portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges and day clubs is opening its first resort hotel in Orlando’s tourism district, according to a report in GrowthSpotter.

A 220-room Tao Hotel – a product of London-based Tao Group Hospitality – will anchor the City Center at O-Town West. It’s a $1 billion, 365-acre mixed-use community that Unicorp National Developments is building out near Universal theme parks. City Center is one of four districts across the sprawling O-Town West mixed-use site at the corner of Daryl Carter Parkway and Palm Parkway where three luxury apartment communities totaling 1,500 units are in the construction pipeline. While a number of retailers have already opened for business – such as a World of Beer, Portillo’s, and the nation’s largest White Castle -a high-rise hotel was always envisioned to serve as the centerpiece.

Chuck Whittall, Unicorp’s President, told GrowthSpotter that the Tao Hotel would be a five-star luxury resort rising 15 stories.

Tao Group Hospitality, part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp, announced in a news release this week that it would include a TAO Asian Bistro, rooftop bar, meeting space, and fitness facility.

“This is a giant deal,” Whittall said. “It’s bringing in a high-end themed restaurant, and generally you’d only find restaurants like this in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago or Miami. I think this takes Orlando to the next level. It’s such a great concept.”

He credited Unicorp’s director of leasing Taylor Coen for closing the deal after more than a year and a half of negotiating.

“I think people from all over Central Florida will drive a distance to come here,” Whittall added. “It’s just a very cosmopolitan type brand. It’s going to be beautiful.”

Next door to the hotel site, the nine-story corporate headquarters for Marriott Vacations Worldwide is under construction and is expected to bring 2,000 employees to the area. Unicorp also plans to move its corporate office to the hotel’s top floor. Tao Group Hospitality operates more than 40 of its branded locations inside existing hotels across the world including seven stand-alone properties for which the group handles full food and beverage operations including room service.

“A hotel was the natural evolution for us,” Tao Group Hospitality Co-CEO Noah Tepperberg said in a news release. “We’ve had the honor of working with some of the world’s top hotel developers, and we’re really excited to create a property that truly reflects the TAO lifestyle.”

The hotel is expected to open by 2025, the release says.

Unicorps O-Town West to get first Tao Hotel luxury resort

Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s $1 billion-plus O-Town West mixed-use development has landed a first-of-its-kind resort concept.

New York-based Tao Group Hospitality, a subsidiary of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: MSGE) announced Nov. 9 that O-Town West will be the site of Tao Hotel, which will be Orlando’s first Tao-branded resort.

The luxury hotel also will include a Tao Asian Bistro restaurant, which is known for drawing athletes, celebrities and businesspeople. Other Tao Asian Bistro locations include Chicago, Los Angeles and The Venetian Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Why this matters: Large projects such as Unicorp’s O-Town West and the future Tao Hotel create opportunities for contractors and subcontractors during development and construction, while also creating hundreds of jobs once complete. Such projects also can attract more investment to the region.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal his company will develop the property and the 220-room hotel could cost $150 million to build, while the combined price for the hotel and restaurant may end up closer to $175 million.

Whittall said he and his team — specifically Taylor Coan, Unicorp’s director of leasing — have been working on the deal with Tao Group for about a year-and-a-half and it represents a huge deal, not just for the O-Town West project, but also for Orlando. “To bring a specialty brand like this to Orlando, we think it’s going to change the whole face of the city.”

The Tao Hotel will rise within the City Center at O-Town West component of the larger development, at the corner of Daryl Carter Parkway and Palm Parkway, adjacent the under-construction headquarters for Marriott Vacations Worldwide. The plan is to start work in the project in 2024 and finish in 2025.

Tao Group is a luxury dining and nightlife company with high-profile restaurants, lounges and other concepts in markets such as Chicago, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Shanghai.

The brand having its own hotel is part of a “natural evolution” for the firm, said Tao Group CEO Noah Tepperberg in a prepared statement. “The Tao Group Hospitality clientele has evolved with us over the years and is looking for something that can provide them with more than just a few hours of fun at one of our locations. … More than just culinary and nightlife, Tao is a lifestyle, and this large-scale venture provides the ultimate opportunity to bring that experience to life.”

Tao Group and Unicorp will work with New York-based architecture firm Rockwell Group to design the property, which also will include other amenities such as a rooftop bar experience and a pool club.

Having a Tao-branded restaurant, in particular, could be a game-changer for the region, especially given the project’s proximity to the Orange County Convention Center, said Whittall. “You can’t find that in Orlando outside of Disney World. We haven’t had something like that and we think it’s going to be a very special addition.”

The announcement for Tao Hotel comes as metro Orlando’s tourism is seeing record amounts of people coming to the region.

For instance, a recent report from Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond showed the county’s resort tax collections — an indicator of the tourism and travel industry’s health — ended the 2021-2022 fiscal year with an all-time-high of $336.3 million, up 18.4% from $284 million in fiscal 2018-2019 before the pandemic,

Meanwhile, the Tao Hotel would be the latest luxury-focused component of the larger O-Town West project. For instance, Whittall recently told OBJ the group is planning The Luxe at Dr. Phillips as part of the development — a 200-unit “super luxury” apartment community.

Luke Wickham, a senior managing director in the Orlando office of Marcus & Millichap Inc.’s (NYSE: MMI) Institutional Property Advisors, who is not involved in the plans, previously said Whittall is a good bet on projects aspiring to that level of luxury. “He’s a world-class developer with a real eye for detail in the high-end market.”

Tao Is Opening Its First Hotel

“Tao is a lifestyle, and this large-scale venture provides the ultimate opportunity to bring that experience to life.”

Tao Group Hospitality is no stranger to hotels, delighting guests with over-the-top nightlife and culinary experiences for years. But now, the buzzy group is taking it to the next level by building their own property.

The group will look to open its first-ever Tao-branded resort in Orlando in 2025, bringing its signature dark and vibey spaces to an entire hotel, Tao Group Hospitality exclusively told Travel + Leisure. The new hotel will feature dark crimson walls and plush chairs in the reception area, according to renderings viewed by T+L.

The hotel, which is being designed by the Rockwell Group, will also include a Tao Asian Bistro, a rooftop experience, suites, a meeting space, a fitness facility, and more.

“A hotel was the natural evolution for us,” Tao Group Hospitality Co-CEO Noah Tepperberg said in a statement shared with T+L. “We’ve had the honor of working with some of the world’s top hotel developers, and we’re really excited to create a property that truly reflects the Tao lifestyle.”

“The Tao Group Hospitality clientele has evolved with us over the years and is looking for something that can provide them with more than just a few hours of fun at one of our locations… More than just culinary and nightlife,,” Tepperberg added. “Tao is a lifestyle, and this large-scale venture provides the ultimate opportunity to bring that experience to life.”

The new hotel will open in the O-Town West development, a 350-acre mixed-use community development.Beyond the new property, the Tao Group operates more than 70 branded locations in cities across the globe from Las Vegas — like the Tao Beach Dayclub at The Venetian, which reopened earlier this year — to New York, Singapore, and beyond. The group plans to open at least ten more branded locations in 2023.

Beyond the new property, the Tao Group operates more than 70 branded locations in cities across the globe from Las Vegas — like the Tao Beach Dayclub at The Venetian, which reopened earlier this year — to New York, Singapore, and beyond. The group plans to open at least ten more branded locations in 2023.

Unicorp to build new Horizon West project near Orlando

Chuck Whittall’s Unicorp National Developments Inc. remains busy in Orange County’s fast-growing Horizon West region, with a new project to build 250 apartments entering its pipeline.

Why this matters: Residential and retail growth in Horizon West continues to boom, with new developments adding to the list of potential opportunities for contractors and subcontractors. More apartments are needed in the area to help meet surging renter demand. A request to rezone 13.83 acres at 14331 Avalon Road in southwest Orange County was filed Nov. 1 with Orange County.

The request seeks to rezone the land as the Sutton Grande Planned Development and to create entitlements for up 250 apartment homes.

Sutton Grande LLC, an entity related to Whittall and Unicorp, is the owner of the land and Erika Hughes, in the Orlando office of planning firm VHB, is acting as applicant and agent on the landowner’s behalf.

Executives for Unicorp and Hughes were not available for comment in time for publication.

Preliminary plans included in the filing note the apartments to be built there would rise no higher than four stories in height. The project could cost $62.5 million to build, based on industry standards.

Unicorp bought the vacant property June 14 for $7.5 million, Orange County records show.

The developer has been active elsewhere in the Horizon West region, as well.

Unicorp’s The Mark at Horizon West retail center on Seidel Road is commanding high tenant rents and recently saw a Huey Magoo’s restaurant open its doors there.

Near that, at the corner of Seidel Road and Avalon Road, Unicorp paid $6.57 million for 16.8 acres where it has plans for a luxury apartment community.

Also nearby, but outside of Horizon West, is the developer’s $1 billion-plus O-Town West mixed-use development, which Whittall recently told OBJ will be pursuing a new “super-luxury” apartment project to be named The Luxe at Dr. Phillips.

As for the multifamily growth in Horizon West and southwest Orange County, Scott Ramey, an executive managing director for Newmark, previously said the area is attractive to residents — and therefore also is attractive to investors.

“It’s all fueled by accessibility. People are gravitating to this area because of the newness, but you also have the benefit of really strong connectivity throughout metro Orlando.”

Meanwhile, the Unicorp project in Horizon West would rise within the I-Drive Orlando multifamily submarket. According to CoStar Group, the submarket has an average monthly apartment rent of $1,945 and a 7.1% average vacancy rate — both above metro Orlando’s overall $1,810 and 5.6%, respectively — according to CoStar Group.

The I-Drive Orlando submarket is also the region’s busiest for apartments, with 1,313 units delivered in the past 12 months and another 6,654 under construction.

Wawa to build more locations near Orlando

Convenience store and gas station chain Wawa Inc. has a pair of locations in the works: one in Ocoee and one in the O-Town West development in southwest Orlando.

The Media, Pennsylvania-based, privately held company, which has one area location under construction and the other in the planning stages, is known for its fresh and built-to-order hoagie sandwiches and other hot food, as well as a large selection of hot and cold coffee drinks. Each store build is expected to create about 150 jobs in construction and 30 permanent jobs, and costs to build the stores are about $5.4 million on average, according to sister newspaper South Florida Business Journal.

Why this matters: New store locations can create construction opportunities in the short term and add jobs in the long term.

Here’s more on the local stores in the pipeline:

* O-Town West: A 6,119-square-foot Wawa is under construction at Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s O-Town West mixed-use development at 7785 Palm Parkway. According to Wawa, the location will be one of eight in Florida to debut this fall. An exact opening date was not available.

* Ocoee: A Wawa location has been proposed at 9729 W. Colonial Drive in Ocoee on 3.39 acres. The project is set to go before the city’s planning and zoning commission for an amendment to the planned unit development/land-use plan for Ocoee Town Shops to allow the gas station use on the property.

Executives with Wawa were not available for comment.

Wawa, which does not offer franchises, plans to open 100 new stores in Florida over the next five years, including in new areas like the Panhandle. Wawa opened its first store in Orlando in 2012 and has grown to 10,000 employees and 250 stores in the Sunshine State, including 50 locations in Central Florida.

As of the start of 2022, there were 148,026 convenience stores operating in the U.S., down 1.5% from 150,274 at the end of 2020, according to the Alexandria, Virginia-based National Association of Convenience Stores.

The trade association found total U.S. convenience store sales reached $705.7 billion in 2021, including both food and fuel sales, up from $ 548.2 billion in 2020.

“The sales and performance metrics show that our industry is resilient,” Charlie McIlvaine, a member of the NACS Board of Directors, said in a prepared statement. “Our rapid adjustments to product assortment and the embrace of last-mile solutions allowed our industry to hold its own over the past few years, but to grow, especially market basket, is simply remarkable. While there are numerous headwinds facing retail in 2022, I am very optimistic about our channel’s future.”

Exclusive: Orlando’s hotel market booms with sales, new projects

October has been a busy month in the Central Florida hotel sales and development world.

New luxury hotel projects are kicking off on construction, redevelopment plans on I-Drive are being revived and hotels are changing hands. In fact, at least four major hotel properties and projects have made key moves this month. Why this matters: A healthy hotel market is an indicator of the tourism market’s health. Transactions and investment in the region also lead to new business opportunities.

Here’s what you need to know about this month’s hotel activity:

* Fairmont hotel project: The project team for New York-based Development Ventures Group’s proposed 550-room Fairmont Orlando hotel applied for a state permit on Oct. 21 for the stormwater system that will accommodate the property.

* I-Drive resort project: Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s planned redevelopment of the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive resort should lead to another $1 billion-plus of investment, including rebuilding the hotel on the property as a 600-room high-rise tower with additional apartments and retail space.

* Celebration Hotel: The 115-room hotel was bought by Chattanooga, Tennessee-based Vision Hospitality Group on Oct. 20.

* Castle Hotel: This unique property on International Drive is in the hands of a new owner. Boca Raton-based Waramaug Hospitality sold the 214-room hotel, part of Marriott International Inc.’s (Nasdaq: MAR) Autograph Collection family, to Orlando Castle Owner LLC on Oct. 13.

This hotel activity is proof the region is seeing a quick recovery from the Covid shutdown, which should lead to more investment.

For example, several hotel experts have said major local projects like Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park — which is under construction and will open in 2025 — will result in a renewed interest to build and buy hotel properties in the market in time for when a new surge of tourists comes.

Also, Orlando has been the beneficiary of pent-up travel demand since Covid-19 vaccines have become more available and people have become more comfortable traveling.

Upcoming holiday trends look strong for the region, according to Visit Orlando CEO Casandra Matej. Advance hotel bookings for the final months of 2022 are pacing only slightly behind pre-pandemic levels. In addition, flight and hotel search trends for the market also are healthy indicators of incoming travel.

Data from Visit Orlando shows the local average hotel occupancy rate was 73.2% in August, up from 56.4% for the same time in 2021.

Central Florida’s tourism and travel industry, which includes hotels, is a $75 billion juggernaut that employs tens of thousands of direct and indirect workers in the region.

Exclusive: Why Unicorp will revive I-Drive resort project

Earlier this month, developer Unicorp National Developments Inc. revived its long-laid plans for the redevelopment of the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive.

Reached by phone, Unicorp President Chuck Whittall confirmed those plans to the Orlando Business Journal and explained why he felt now is the time to set this project at 8001 International Drive back in motion. Why this matters: Unicorp’s redevelopment of the I-Drive resort should lead to another $1 billion-plus of investment in one of Orlando’s most important economic corridors — and could attract more capital and projects to follow it.

Whittall’s firm is equal partners on the project with New York-based Flag Luxury Group LLC. He said Unicorp and Flag Luxury Group for some timehad wanted to move forward on the redevelopment, plans for which date back to 2014, but his firm’s slate of projects — including the $1 billion-plus O-Town West mixed-use development — has kept his team “very, very busy.”

Whittall said the progress on Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe theme park and hotel projects about a mile east of the resort are partly a motivating factor to get the redevelopment’s wheels turning once again. “With Universal moving forward as quick as it is, we just want to get going so that when it opens, we’re ready to open.”

Unicorp and Flag Luxury Groupwill rebuild the hotel on the property as a 600-room high-rise tower, said Whittall. The plans also call for 1,200-1,400 apartments and 40,000-50,000 square feet of retail space.

He said the goal is to break ground in early 2024. Unicorp’s project will rise in the heart of Orlando’s tourist corridor, which is one of the region’s most important economic drivers

Meanwhile, in September, Apopka-based contractor Finfrock Construction LLC filed a notice of commencement for Project 912, the rumored project codename for one of Epic Universe’s hotels fronting Universal Boulevard. That permit runs through 2025, giving a preliminary indication of the project’s timeline for completion.

Unicorp’s project is gearing back up as the local hotel industry continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic’s negative financial impact. For example, resort tax collections in Orange County reached $23.4 million in August 2022, up 41.1% from $16.5 million in August 2021, said county documents. Year-to-date collections show a total $311.9 million has been collected so far — an all-time record — despite one more month yet to be collected before the end of the county’s fiscal year.

August’s resort tax collections were “fueled by steady hotel demand (1% above 2019) and a strong average daily room rate ($125.60 vs. $107.01 August 2019),” according to a Visit Orlando newsletter. For August 2022, metro Orlando’s occupancy rate was 66.9%, slightly lower than 2019 and up from 52.5% in 2021.

Robust hotel tax collections show the region’s tourism health and can help provide a peek into the overall year’s performance.

As for the apartment component of Unicorp’s plans for the site, the I Drive Orlando multifamily submarket is the busiest in the region with 1,313 units delivered in the past 12 months and 6,654 units under construction, according to CoStar Group.

The submarket has an average monthly apartment rent of $1,945 and a 7.1% average vacancy rate. In comparison, the metro has an average monthly apartment rent of $1,810 and a 5.6% average vacancy rate.

Meanwhile, Orlando’s third quarter year-over-year rent growth of 10% was second-highest among U.S. metros.

“Our multifamily market is still very, very strong,” said Lisa McNatt, CoStar’s director of market analytics in Orlando.

Exclusive: Whittall plans new super luxury Orlando project

Unicorp National Developments Inc. is eyeing a “super luxury” project on the periphery of its $1 billion-plus O-Town West mixed-use development, President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal.

Why this matters: Orlando already ranks fifth among U.S. cities that built the largest share of luxury apartments over the last decade, but Unicorp’s proposed “super luxury” project goes a step further and could identify a new area of opportunity within the region’s rental marketplace.

Unicorp soon will begin working on plans for a 200-unit “super luxury apartment complex” west of South Apopka Vineland Road and Daryl Carter Parkway, adjacent the Rosen Jewish Community Center of Southwest Orlando, Whittall said.

“There’s nothing like this in Central Florida.”

The Orlando-based megadeveloper’s project — The Luxe at Dr. Phillips — will feature finishes more in line with those of a high-end condo or luxury single-family residence, like real hardwood floors and top-tier countertops, Whittall said.

“It’s almost like you’re moving into a fine luxury home.”

Further details haven’t been determined. However, based on construction industry standards, a 200-unit apartment development would cost at least $60 million to build, not including land costs, high-end finishes and other luxury touches — meaning The Luxe at Dr. Phillips likely will have a much higher price tag.

There’s a market for such a project — and Unicorp is the perfect developer for it, said local industry expert Luke Wickham, a senior managing director in the Orlando office of Marcus & Millichap Inc.’s (NYSE: MMI) Institutional Property Advisors, who is not involved with the plans. Whittall’s ongoing $800 million hotel and condo project in Longboat Key is a perfect example of why, Wickham added.

“He’s a world-class developer with a real eye for detail in the high-end market.”

Meanwhile, two other multifamily projects in O-Town West — The Bentley Orlando and Glasshouse at O-Town West — are nearing completion. The project’s retail components are fully leased and the Publix Supermarket should be ready to open next month, Whittall said.

Unicorp also recently resurrected its plans to revamp the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive in Orlando’s tourist corridor.

The I-Drive Orlando submarket, where The Luxe at Dr. Phillips will rise, is the region’s busiest for apartments with 1,313 units delivered in the past 12 months and another 6,654 under construction, CoStar Group reported.

The submarket has an average monthly apartment rent of $1,945 and a 7.1% average vacancy rate, both above metro Orlando’s overall $1,810 and a 5.6%, respectively.

White Castles new Crave and Go location opens Oct. 26

White Castle’s new pickup and delivery-only restaurant near its Orlando store has an opening date of Oct. 26, and the chain is looking to build more restaurants in Florida.

The Ohio-based company is “having some fun” searching for new sites for traditional restaurants in the state but will be patient, said White Castle vice president Jamie Richardson. “We’re continuing to look in Florida and we’ll see where it leads,” Richardson said.

Meanwhile, the new 1,800-square-foot store just yards from the White Castle near Walt Disney World will fill orders from customers placed on whitecastle .com and through the White Castle app, as well as deliveries by DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub.

It is being marketed as White Castle’s first “Crave & Go.”

The restaurant revealed plans in April for the new location within Unicorp National Developments’ O-Town West project at Palm and Daryl Carter Parkways.

Customers who still want to order in-person for dine-in or in the drive-through will need to go to the full 4,567-square-foot restaurant, which rewrote the company’s record books by selling five million sliders in its first year.

“It really hasn’t slowed down,” Richardson said.

The new restaurant will also feature a “Flippy 2” robot arm that uses cameras and artificial intelligence to take French fries, chicken rings and cheese sticks out of a freezer and put them in the fryer.

Richardson said the robot will free up White Castle staffers from working the fryer so they can do other tasks.

“It isn’t replacing people, but it is making the job easier,” Richardson said.

Unicorp makes new move on I-Drive redevelopment of Wyndham resort

Chuck Whittall’s Unicorp National Developments Inc. has put its ongoing redevelopment of the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive back in motion.

The developer filed a request with Orange County Oct. 13 to convert approved hotel rooms on the 26.8-acre resort property at 8001 International Drive to multifamily residential units through a conversion matrix.

The conversion would be to the Wyndham Orlando Resort & Shops land-use plan, approved by Orange County in 2015, which received approvals for 1,613 hotel rooms, 110,310 square feet of convention center uses and 138,000 square feet of retail uses for the larger planned development.

The application for the request outlines an updated development plan for 1,500 apartments, 800 hotel rooms, 138,000 square feet of commercial space and 110,310 square feet of convention space.

Calls to Whittall and LandDesign’s Brian Forster, who is listed as the authorized agent on behalf of the applicant, were not returned in time for publication.

However, the formal addition of hundreds of apartments to the redevelopment plans are in line with what Whittall told Orlando Business Journal in 2018, when he shared his plans to add two or three apartment towers with roughly 400 to 500 units each to the redevelopment project.

He said at the time the redevelopment could run north of $1 billion in value.

Unicorp owns roughly 42 acres in that immediate area. Plans for the redevelopment date back to 2014.

“We are the front door of south I-Drive,” Whittall said at the time. “It’s going to be unbelievable.”

Meanwhile, Unicorp also is busy with its $1 billion O-Town West mixed-use project, the individual components of which are among some of the largest construction projects in the region.

In addition, the firm recently resumed talks for another anticipated redevelopment project: that of the Orlando Fashion Square mall.

Unicorp’s multifamily component of the I-Drive redevelopment project would rise in the I Drive Orlando submarket, which is the busiest in the region with 1,313 units delivered in the past 12 months and 6,654 units under construction, according to CoStar Group.

The submarket has an average monthly apartment rent of $1,945 and a 7.1% average vacancy rate. In comparison, the metro has an average apartment rent of $1,810 and a 5.6% average vacancy rate.

Meanwhile, Orlando’s third quarter year-over-year rent growth of 10% was second-highest among U.S. metros.

“Our multifamily market is still very, very strong,” said Lisa McNatt, CoStar’s director of market analytics in Orlando.

Orlando’s 50 Most Powerful People of 2021: Chuck Whittall

7 Chuck Whittall

Founder, President & CEO, Unicorp National Developments

 

Chuck Whittall’s 2020 book, “Perseverance: Broke to Billions,” tells readers how to build a billion-dollar business. The Orlando entrepreneur who ran a lawn-care service at age 12 and opened a teen nightclub at 18 should know. President and CEO of Unicorp National Developments, Whittall juggles 30 Central Florida development projects and another 20 Midwest U.S. projects partnering with Wawa Inc.

Well-known for his development of ICON Park and bringing Trader Joe’s to Central Florida, Whittall is now immersed in multiple projects including Unicorp’s sprawling O-Town West development. The company, which just finished The Mark master-planned community in Horizon West, also will develop a 100-acre, mixed-use town center in Oviedo. “Every time I think we can’t get busier, we get busier.”

 

Read the full article in the Orlando Magazine.

Progress rolls on at Longboat Key St. Regis construction site

Residential and hotel spaces aim to open in 2024.

 

Construction work on The Residences at St. Regis Resort Longboat Key remains on schedule with masonry, electrical and roof work proceeding on the hotel side of the property and one of the condominium buildings reaching its final height.

In the September update, general contractor Moss and Associated Construction Management and developer Unicorp National Developments Inc., said masonry work continues on the five-story hotel building, along with roof construction. In the near future, progress will be made on the structure of additional sections of the hotel and the ballroom area as well.

On the southern side of the property, where condominiums are rising, building No. 3 was recently topped out, with structure work coming soon on the adjoining building No. 2.

In late August, the town of Longboat Key granted five building permits, each valued at $185,000, for the installation of electrical wiring in the property’s five planned buildings.

About 350 workers are shuttled to and from the worksite each day from a mainland staging area.

The condo complex will have 69 units arrayed in three five-story buildings on the south side of the property with parking garages on the ground level.

What the finished product was designed to look like. (Courtesy image)

The 166-room hotel is being built on the north end, featuring two restaurants, a beach grill and three bars. Additionally, a ballroom with seating for 425 is planned, along with six meeting rooms and two board rooms.

Michael Saunders & Co. is handling the sale of the residential units, though all are spoken for.

Town leaders approved the construction of the St. Regis, which will no longer have a 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive address, in October 2021. A formal groundbreaking ceremony took place days later, not long after the first site work building permit was issued. The grand opening is scheduled for 2024.

The Longboat Observer publishes periodic updates on progress of the island’s largest construction project.  

Dutch Bros. targets new location for Orlando site

Dutch Bros. Inc. has confirmed its first Florida store in Orlando, but in a different location from where it first looked.

The Grants Pass, Oregon-based coffee chain (NYSE: BROS) will open a location in Orlando developer Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s O-Town West at the southeast corner of Daryl Carter Parkway and Apopka Vineland Road, spokeswoman Rilynn Davis told Orlando Business Journal.

The chain plans to open in late 2023 or early 2024 at that site, and more details will be revealed at a later date. Unicorp Senior Associate Christian Nacorda represented Unicorp, while Robert Holihan and Jason Kaiser with SRS represented Dutch Bros.

Dutch Bros. previously considered a drive-thru and patio in Seminole County at 3340 E. Semoran Blvd. in Apopka, but is no longer considering that site. Portland-based Cole Valley Partners was the development partner for that proposal.

Each store usually has 40-50 employees, with four to eight working at any given time, per the Seminole County application from Cole Valley Partners.

Dutch Bros., which had $498 million in 2021 revenue, opened 65 new stores in the first half of 2022 and expects to reach 130 by the end of the year, sister paper Portland Business Journal reported. The company operates 603 locations in 11 states. Currently, the closest location to Orlando is in Tennessee, more than 500 miles away.

The menu for Dutch Bros. includes hot or cold coffee — flavored cold brews, freezes and breves — as well as tea, chai, smoothies, shakes, lemonade, cocoa, soda, energy drinks and snacks like chocolate chip muffin tops, orange cranberry muffin tops, lemon poppyseed muffin tops and granola bars. Featured flavors include caramel pumpkin brulee coffee, sweater weather chai and more.

Other coffee shops that plan to enter Central Florida include:

California-based Vitality Bowls to open third Orlando location

California-based franchise Vitality Bowls will open a third Orlando eatery in O-Town West in September.

That’s in addition to a fourth local store planned in Maitland at 360 E. Horatio Ave. Opening details on the next Orlando-area location have not been released yet. The 1,200-square-foot O-Town West location at 11810 Glasshouse Lane has a target opening date of Sept. 2, O-Town West franchise owner Sergio Lopez said. That date might be pushed back, he said, based on when the shop’s health inspection is completed and when he’s able to secure a business operating license from the state.

Vitality Bowls will join other brands congregating in the Village, one of four master-planned commercial complexes in the 350-acre, $1 billion O-Town West mixed-use project, owned by Unicorp National Developments. The Village is anchored by two large chains, Lopez said: White Castle and Portillo’s.

Two additional Vitality Bowls restaurants in the Orlando area, in Ocoee and Dr. Phillips, are operated by a different franchisee.

Lopez signed the lease for O-Town West in 2019. The onset of Covid-19 delayed construction on the complex, as well as the buildout for Vitality Bowls itself, he said.

The area is desirable for its blend of local and tourist traffic, said Lopez. The site sits in proximity to SeaWorld, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, while still being close to residential areas.

Lopez also owns a jewelry kiosk at the Florida Mall and three NYS Collection shops at Orlando-area malls. As he and his wife considered which franchise to approach next, Vitality Bowls intrigued them because of its emphasis on superfood-stuffed, low-sugar acai bowls, he said. “We’ve always had a big interest in nutrition and wanted to fulfill that dream of combining two passions: nutrition and retail.”

The O-Town West location will seat 25 indoors and around 16 outdoors, Lopez said. He contracted with Clermont-based Burton Construction Management for a buildout in the $220,000-$250,000 range.

Overall expenses for opening the cafe totaled almost $400,000, Lopez said. That includes higher-than-expected costs associated with hiring employees, including advertisements on Indeed, CareerPlug and ZipRecruiter. Assembling the team of 10 the restaurant needs to open has been the biggest pre-opening challenge so far, but the shop is finally approaching the mark, he said.

The restaurant industry added 74,100 new jobs in July, the most since February, according to Bureau of Labor and Statistics data compiled by the National Restaurant Association. While job opportunities have surged, ongoing labor shortages have stymied growth: 50% of restaurant operators surveyed by the association reported recruiting and retaining employees as their biggest challenge.

Accommodation and food services had the highest quit rate at 5.7% across 16 industries surveyed by BLS in June 2022. The average quit rate among all industries was 2.8%, in comparison.

Now that he’s addressed the hiring shortage, Lopez said he needs to source products and other materials needed to open the new location. The franchise uses a combination of national distributors like Sysco and local food vendors for its fresh produce.

Soaring produce prices will make some ingredients harder to come by, said Lopez. Raspberries and goat cheese are particularly in short supply and may require substitutes, he said. “That’s a huge challenge for the franchise overall: to be able to source ingredients at a viable price, without customer prices going through the roof or margins being cut.”

Vitality Bowls specializes in customizable acai bowls, which range from $11 to $15, as well as smoothies, wraps and salads. The company has 74 locations open in 19 states across the country, including four existing locations in Florida. Seven more locations are slated to come online soon.

Unicorp plans luxury apartments in Horizon West, Elysian

With 10,000 multifamily units in the construction pipeline for Orange County, Unicorp National Developments continues to take an “innovative” approach to make sure none of its ongoing projects look the same.

Take what the company is planning in Horizon West as an example: A 212-unit luxury apartment community with a wine tasting lounge and an indoor basketball court.

After purchasing the 16-acre property between S.R. 429 and Avalon Road roughly a year ago for $6.5 million, Unicorp is pursuing a multifamily project called Elysian that’s set to go before the county’s development review committee on Wednesday.

The project team consists of Michigan-based architectural firm Kreiger Klatt Architects and engineering firm Kimley Horn.

In addition to four, 4-story garden apartment buildings throughout the gated property, the site will also include four smaller carriage house buildings with four units apiece.

Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall told GrowthSpotter that these two-to-three story carriage homes would be akin to smaller houses totaling around 1,200 square feet with two bedrooms and an enclosed garage per unit.

The amenity package includes a wine lounge, the indoor basketball court, and clubhouse with pool tables, a 24-hour fitness center, a yoga studio, a theater room, a business center with private offices and printing stations, a swimming pool with a jacuzzi, a sauna, an outdoor fire pit and an outdoor gaming area.

“We are just trying to be innovative in our projects,” Whittall said. “Yes, there will be wine tastings on site and we found the carriage houses to be very interesting as if they were almost a small home.”

Across from the Lakeshore Preserve subdivision, the triangular property sits within the Hickory Nut Village of Horizon West, one of the hottest real estate submarkets in the Orlando area. Located at the northeast corner of Avalon and Seidel Roads, the land is a few miles west of Disney theme parks.

Before Unicorp snagged the property, it was owned by an entity led by real estate manager Cole Clayton. He filed an application to Orange County in May of 2021 to rezone the land from A-1 to PD in order to allow as many as 332 apartment units.

That land-use plan was approved by the county commission on April 20.

For Elysian, site plans included in agenda materials show residential buildings of various sizes. Buildings 1 and 2 on the north side of the property would hold 56 units and 44 units respectively.

Buildings 3 and 4 — extending along the east side of the pool and clubhouse, facing a large pond — would hold 48 and 56 units respectively.

The community will include 18 studio apartments, 74 one-bedroom units, 104 two-bedroom units, and 16 three-bedroom units. Site plans drafted by engineering firm Kimley-Horn show 1.8 acres of open space for parks and recreational activities along with two out-parcels along Seidel Road for future development.

“This is an excellent area with great schools,” Whittall said. “We have a few other apartment parcels in the immediate area we are moving forward with as well. In general in Orange County. we have 10,000 multifamily units in development.”

Just south of the Horizon West boundary, Unicorp National Developments is seeking approval for a mixed-use project called Sutton Lakes on 139 acres on Avalon Road that’ll include as many as 300 apartments and as many as 250 single-family homes.

For the single-family housing piece of the concept, Unicorp will prepare the lots and then sell them off to homebuilders.

“The area is in need of more housing,” he told GrowthSpotter in an earlier interview, “and we think this a great opportunity to bring more housing to that area. That whole sector is growing.”

Unicorp is also filling out its nearly 350-acre O-Town West project near Universal theme parks.

The massive mixed-use site is approved for more than 1,500 residential units with retail, dining and office space divided among four sub-districts: Village at O-Town West, The Crossings at O-Town West, the Town Center at O-Town West and the City Center at O-Town West.

Construction is currently underway on two luxury apartment communities here.

The Glass House will total 900 units once all phases are complete within the Village district. Unicorp received a $77 million loan in December of 2020 from Goldman Sachs to finance Phase 1 of the project. It’ll feature a lagoon amenity and a restaurant serving three meals a day. Once open, tenants can order cocktails to sip by the pool.

Work is also underway on The Bentley, a 396-unit midrise apartment community in the town center district. Unicorp received a construction loan totaling $68 million in April 2021 for this project.

The Bentley’s on-site amenity programming will include a resort-style swimming pool with jacuzzi, resident lounge with a coffee bar, a social area featuring billiards and arcade games, a theater room, entertainment lanai with HDTV, ZEN garden with hanging moon chairs and water features, outdoor walking trail, a firepit, 24-hour fitness center with TRX and yoga studio, a conference room, bike rentals, outdoor gaming areas offering cornhole, Jenga and putting green, and electric car charging stations.

Whittall told GrowthSpotter in July that these resort-style residential assets may become a growing part of Unicorp’s portfolio.

In O-Town West, the developer has plans to build another 200-unit community called Eden where rent rates will start in the 3,000 range. Here, residents will feel like they’re living in million-plus dollar homes, Whittall said.

Podiums key to St. Regis buildings vertical construction

Work crews build key structural elements, begin pouring roofs.

In case you were ever planning to build a nearly $1 billion beachfront condominium and hotel resort, here’s something you’ll need to know about.

Podiums.

No, not for your formal announcement to the media. (Actually, that would be a lectern, but we’ll let the elements of proper word usage slide for now). In this case, a podium is a critical structural piece essential to construction.

At the site of the Residences at St. Regis Resort Longboat Key Resort, crews from Moss and Associates Construction Management have been building podiums for months as new structures begin reaching upward across the property.

In construction parlance, a podium is a “table top” on which projects are built upon, said Natalie Farnella, marketing manager for project developer Unicorp National Developments.

Formed of  20-inch thick reinforced concrete, a podium forms a surface from which further vertical construction can proceed. Below the podium deck, eventually, will be parking areas in the garage level of the condominium buildings on the south side of the property and the hotel and support areas on the north end of the property, she said.

In the most recent update to construction progress, work crews have begun building roof forms for eventual concrete pours on the hotel building closest to the beach and concrete pouring of the roof of the hotel amenities building is underway.

Work crews are nearing the end of foundation work for the hotel and completing the pouring of a hotel building podium east of the beachfront segment.

Condominium foundations, too, are nearly complete. Masonry work is beginning in both the hotel and condominium segments, framers are expected to begin working toward the end of August and underground utilities work has begun.

About 350 workers are shuttled to and from the worksite each day from a mainland staging area.

The condo complex will have 66 units arrayed in three five-story buildings on the south side of the property. The 166-room hotel will be built on the north end, featuring two restaurants, a beach grill and three bars. Additionally, a ballroom with seating for 425 is planned, along with six meeting rooms and two board rooms.

Michael Saunders & Co. is handling the sale of the residential units, though all 66 are spoken for.

Orlando Fashion Square mall redevelopment talks resume

Talks have resumed in the complicated road to redevelopment for the Orlando Fashion Square shopping mall, Orlando Business Journal has learned.

In addition, a joint venture between the two main stakeholders may be near. Unicorp President Chuck Whittall told OBJ that discussions are ongoing between his firm, which owns the dirt the Fashion Square mall sits upon, and building owner TBB Orlando LLC — an entity related to Wilmington, Delaware-based The Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq: TBBK) — which is the tenant of a ground lease with Unicorp National Development Inc. through 2071.

“We’ve been in very productive conversations with the bank which owns the improvements on top of the real estate,” Whittall said. “We believe we’re going to possibly do a joint venture together and are discussing that. We’re in the process of developing plans.”

This represents a significant change in tenor between the two sides, which previously sparred over Unicorp’s planned $1 billion redevelopment of the mall at 3201 E. Colonial Drive — with Bancorp going so far as to submit its own plan for the redevelopment of the property to the city of Orlando.

Bancorp’s plans were submitted last September and signed off on by the city’s municipal planning board in November. City officials confirmed that Bancorp has not taken the next step of submitting a final site plan since that approval.

In addition to owning the dirt beneath the mall, Unicorp had been trying for years to buy the buildings atop it, which Bancorp took control of in 2017 after a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

Because it owns the buildings, Bancorp could have redeveloped the site itself, but would have to do so with the understanding that everything on the land would become Unicorp’s once the ground lease expires in 2071.

Negotiations between the two sides stalled in 2021 and the matter quieted down after Bancorp’s surprise redevelopment submittal — but now it appears they are working together.

Bancorp executives and Hal Kantor, a Lowndes shareholder and the land-use attorney for Bancorp, couldn’t be reached for comment.

Whittall said the project being discussed would be a “complete redevelopment” of the Fashion Square property, with apartments, bars and restaurants and other uses — with one possible exception. The Macy’s department store may stay, Whittall said, as the store continues to do well and its representatives would like to remain.

Otherwise, Whittall said the redevelopment will involve a pivot from one end of the retail to spectrum to another. “It’s not going to be centered on soft-goods retail — it’s going to be more lifestyle retail focused.”

The talks, which are still in early stages, also involve Orlando-based Baker Barrios Architects Inc. and Raleigh, North Carolina-based civil engineer Kimley-Horn & Associates Inc.

Though the discussions represent a positive indication that the mall’s long-awaited redevelopment may yet happen, Whittall anticipates no movement until next year, at the earliest, due to some of the economic uncertainty that is plaguing the commercial real estate and construction industries.

“We’re waiting to see what the market does,” Whittall said. “Prices are just crazy right now for construction costs.”

The redevelopment of the mall may be a massive economic driver for the city of Orlando and could benefit from favorable demographics in its immediate vicinity, thanks to high population density and affluent residents.

John Crossman, a retail expert and the president of Winter Park-based CrossMarc Services, previously told OBJ that Fashion Square is “one of the greatest potential sites in Central Florida.

OBJs 2022 Fast 50 Orlandos fastest-growing private companies

Today, we unveil the penultimate group of Orlando Business Journal’s 2022 Fast 50, the fastest-growing companies headquartered in Central Florida.

The annual list recognizes 50 of fastest-growing private companies headquartered Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties. The firms are ranked based on their percentage of consistent three-year revenue growth, between 2019 and 2021. Information for the fastest-growing companies list was supplied by individual companies through surveys, and not all local companies responded to our inquiries. No third-party submissions are accepted for the Fast 50 List. To participate, companies must be at least 51% privately held and headquartered in Central Florida with all corporate functions originating at this location. Companies cannot be a subsidiary of another company or have private equity investors with more than 51% of the ownership located outside of Central Florida.

See below for the fourth group of 10 companies that made this year’s Fast 50, listed in a random order:

* DynaFire LLC

* RB Marks Construction Inc.

* Advanced IT Concepts Inc.

* KBI Staffing Solutions LLC

* Wharton-Smith Inc.

* R.C. Stevens Construction Co.

* CrossleyShear Wealth Management

* CPH Inc.

* Unicorp National Developments Inc.

* V 3 Capital Group LLC

The first group of winners were announced on July 18, the second group on July 19 and the third group on July 20. We’ll releasing the final listmakers tomorrow, in a random order.

The companies’ rankings and more on this year’s Fast 50 will be published in OBJ’s Sept. 9-15, 2022, weekly edition, as well as online.

Sold-out St. Regis project rises higher on Longboat Key

Vertical progress on the Residences at St. Regis Resort Longboat Key continues, with the hotel portion of the project gaining height and the condominium buildings not far behind.

Information supplied by Unicorp National Developments Inc. indicates the hotel structure, on the northern side of the property once home to the iconic Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, could be topped out by mid-August. The third floor of five has been poured and workers are now forming the fourth floor in preparation for concrete.

June 20, 2022: Construction views from about a month ago show vertical progress on construction. (Photo by Harry Sayer)

Work on elevated parking continues and the concrete podium for the amenities building, which will be situated in between the condominiums and the hotel, is now complete in preparation for vertical construction.

About 24,000 cubic yards of concrete have been poured (the equivalent of about 2,700 cement trucks), and the project is averaging about 2,500 cubic yards a week. About 60,000 cement blocks have been pre-stocked by Moss and Associates, the general contractor, in preparation for masonry work.

Early 2019: Following the late 2018 demolition of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort’s mid-rise building, the 17.6 acres stood empty for about three years. (File photo)

About three-quarters of the concrete footings that tie into foundations have been poured for the condominium buildings and the hotel structure.

About 350 workers are shuttled to and from the worksite each day from a mainland staging area.

The condo complex will have 66 units arrayed in three five-story buildings on the south side of the property. The 166-room hotel will be built on the north end, featuring two restaurants, a beach grill and three bars. Additionally, a ballroom with seating for 425 is planned, along with six meeting rooms and two board rooms.

2024: An artist rendering of what the finished resort will look like. (Courtesy rendering)

Town leaders approved the construction of the St. Regis, which will no longer have a 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive address, in October 2021. A formal groundbreaking ceremony took place days later, not long after the first site work building permit was issued. The grand opening is scheduled for 2024.

Michael Saunders & Co. is handling the condominium sales, which are now complete with a sellout of the available units.

 

The Longboat Observer publishes periodic updates on progress of the island’s largest construction project. 

Unicorp preps to add more resort-style apartments to O-Town West

Unicorp National Developments is set to start work soon on a third luxury apartment community within its nearly 350-acre O-Town West mixed-use site near Universal theme parks.

CEO Chuck Whittall told GrowthSpotter that he expects to submit application materials to Orange County in the coming weeks for a “super high-end” multifamily community at the end of Daryl Carter Parkway, on the opposite side of Apopka Vineland Road. Rent for the 200 units will start in the $3,000 range, he said.

“We are going to build the quality you’d find in a million-plus dollar home here,” he said. ” It’s going to be called Eden. There will be a grand entrance coming in here; just really, really high-end apartments.”

Unicorp plans to add a Vegas touch to this apartment community. Whittall said the company that has been tabbed to design this product also designed Wynn Las Vegas, a five-star, $2.7 billion resort.

“It’s a company that’s really, really sharp,” he said.

The vision for O-Town West goes back more than a decade when Unicorp brokered a deal with Maury L. Carter & Associates to acquire a nearly 200-acre assemblage. Unicorp closed on the last chunk, totaling 76 acres, in 2019 for $49 million.

The massive mixed-use site is approved for more than 1,500 residential units with retail, dining and office space divided among four sub-districts: Village at O-Town West, The Crossings at O-Town West, Town Center at O-Town West and City Center at O-Town West.

Today, the site’s retail space is 100-percent leased, Whittall said.

Unicorp expects to file plans in the near future for a 13-story hotel within O-Town West’s city center. The company plans to move its headquarters into the top floor.

In June of 2021, a news release submitted by Unicorp stated the plans for the hotel were upgraded in size— going from 166 rooms to 200.

“We can’t announce the brand just yet, but it’s a big name,” Whittall said last week “It’ll definitely make a little bit of movement here. This is going to draw a ton of people from all over.”

The city center got a big boost in 2020 when Marriott Vacations Worldwide announced it would be moving its corporate headquarters to O-Town West. Once construction of the nine-story, nearly 300,000 square foot space is complete this year, it will bring 2,000 Marriott employees to the area. A parking garage is also under construction next door.

When Marriott signed the contract with Unicorp in January of 2020, Whittall said it would be the largest anchor tenant in the city center.

“We are proud and excited to have Marriott Vacations Worldwide as our largest anchor tenant in this magnificent project,” he said in a statement at the time “Like all of our projects, it will be a stunning addition to the City Center at O-Town West landscape. We are committed to build the best places where people live, work and play, and this will be no exception to our continued effort to make Central Florida the place to be in America.”

Several retailers and restaurants are already open at O-Town West— including the world’s largest White Castle and Orlando’s first Portillo’s.

“The eateries here are doing well,” Whittall said.

When he stopped by the newly opened World of Beer recently, he was pleasantly surprised by what he found inside.

“It was jam packed,” he said. “I was nervous when I came out here originally (before development began) that it was a little bit green, but the area has accepted all of this growth. We’ve built a lot of square-footage out here. This whole area has just come alive.”

Whittall expects the restaurants on site to do even better once three luxury apartments totaling 1,500 units start welcoming tenants.

Two of them are currently under construction and are expected to finish by year’s end.

The Glass House will total 900 units once all phases are complete within the Village district. Unicorp received a $77 million loan in December of 2020 from Goldman Sachs to finance Phase 1 of the Glass House project, which includes the first five-story tower, a lagoon amenity and a clubhouse that Whittall says is unlike any other.

“I think we have the nicest clubhouse literally in the nation,” he told GrowthSpotter. “It’s a $12 million clubhouse. It’s got kind of a Frank Lloyd Wright style to it with it’s slanted roof, and it’s big and open inside.”

The clubhouse, once open, will have a virtual reality game room and a restaurant serving three meals a day.

Tenants can order cocktails to sip by the pool. On weekends, a DJ will play music.

Work is also underway on The Bentley, a 396-unit midrise apartment community in the town center district across from the proposed Eden site. Unicorp received a construction loan totaling $68 million in April 2021 for this project.

The Bentley’s on-site amenity programming will include a resort-style swimming pool with jacuzzi, resident lounge with a coffee bar, a social area featuring billiards and arcade games, a theater room, entertainment lanai with HDTV, ZEN garden with hanging moon chairs and water features, outdoor walking trail, a firepit, 24-hour fitness center with TRX and yoga studio, a conference room, bike rentals, outdoor gaming areas offering cornhole, Jenga and putting green, and electric car charging stations.

These resort-style residential assets may become a growing part of Unicorp’s portfolio, Whittall said.

“This is just super exciting,” he said. “We are looking at doing this somewhere else. I think this resort-style apartment living is going to really go over well. It’ll be like you’re on vacation.”

Meet OBJs 2022 Golden 100 Central FLs top private companies

Today, we reveal to you the first 25 of Orlando Business Journal’s 2022 Golden 100, Central Florida’s largest privately held companies.

As Central Florida rebuilds its economy during this recovery period from the Covid-19 pandemic, these companies — many of which are legacy businesses — have proven their ability to withstand economic crises time and time again. Additionally, newer companies are proving they have what it takes to compete in this new, sometimes uncertain business environment. This year’s list of top local privately held companies — ranked by most recent year-end revenue — represents a variety of industries, including automotive, construction, real estate, restaurants, technology, hospitality and manufacturing. These rankings also include family-, minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses.

Information for the Golden 100 list was supplied by individual companies through surveys, and not all local companies responded to our inquiries.

To qualify, companies must be physically headquartered in Orange, Seminole, Osceola or Lake counties; be willing to allow OBJ to publish their annual revenue; be at least 51% privately-owned and operated; cannot be a subsidiary of another company; and majority owners must reside in one of the four Central Florida counties. Companies with private equity partners owing more than 49% are not eligible.

Here are the first 25 companies that made this year’s Golden 100, listed in random order:

* Engineering & Computer Simulations Inc.

* P&A Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc.

* Walker & Co. Inc.

* D&A Building Services Inc.

* Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers Inc.

* Sonny’s Franchise Co.

* Concepta Technologies LLC

* Roger B. Kennedy Construction

* Tri-City Electrical Contractors Inc.

* Rosen Hotels & Resorts

* Charlan • Brock • Architects

* IMG Enterprises Inc.

* Knight Federal Solutions Inc.

* Quick Response Fire Protection

* Comprehensive Energy Services Inc.

* Wiginton Corp.

* The Gainsborough Group Inc.

* Bishop Beale Duncan Realty LLC

* Unicorp National Developments Inc.

* Albu & Associates Inc.

* FBC Mortgage LLC

* Worswick Group Holdings LLC

* Air Flow Designs Inc.

* I-Tech Support Inc.

* South Milhausen PA

We’ll continue releasing the names of the listmakers, in a random order, next week.

See inside new Huey Magoo’s eatery in Winter Garden

A new 2,507-square-foot Huey Magoo’s restaurant is now open in Winter Garden’s The Mark at Horizon West.

The eatery, the 28th in the system across six states, is the 12th Central Florida location that’s either open or set to open soon. The restaurant at 9250 Miley Drive will offer dine-in/out, take out, curbside pickup and third-party delivery service. “Central Florida is where the first Huey Magoo’s opened, and so it’s very exciting to expand our footprint here even more with over 10 stores open now in Orlando,” said President and CEO Andy Howard in a prepared statement.

The chain is famous for its chicken tenders and includes a menu with sandwiches, wraps, salads, fries, cole slaw, cookies and more.

The location will be operated by franchisees Chris and Mckenzie Cohen, who oversee other local Huey Magoo’s sites.

Huey Magoo’s was started in 2004 by local residents Matt “Huey” Armstrong and Thad “Magoo” Hudgens, who sold the concept to the Huey Magoo’s entity for an undisclosed price in 2016, as previously reported by OBJ. Armstrong and Hudgens retained a portion of the company ownership and remain with the concept as franchisees.

New restaurants bring more employment opportunities to the region, including hospitality jobs, as well as temporary construction jobs for new buildings or interior buildout. They also help landlords lease up shopping centers and provide an amenity for existing residents and workers in the area, helping make developing areas more desirable.

Population growth in the Winter Garden area is fueling a need for more dining spots, Colliers Executive Managing Director of Retail Services Jorge Rodriguez, previously told Orlando Business Journal. Growing epicenters such as Walt Disney World’s Flamingo Crossings mixed-use development and Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s The Mark at Horizon West are commanding new tenant activity.

The Mark at Horizon West is a 112,000-square-foot retail neighborhood center developed by Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. The development’s brochure shows many tenants there, including Starbucks, 7-Eleven, Papa John’s, Walgreens, AdventHealth Centra Care and more.

List extra: Here are the 5 priciest local projects

Central Florida’s largest construction companies are involved in some pretty huge projects.

The region’s popularity, diverse landscape, economic opportunities and growing population have resulted in demand for more apartments, shops, restaurants, hotels, warehouses and factories. That demand has created fertile ground for developers seeking to capitalize on all Central Florida has to offer — which creates more opportunities for the local offices of general contractors.

Construction is one of Central Florida’s key industries, as it creates jobs as well as subcontractor and vendor opportunities for local businesses. In fact, nearly $2.8 billion worth of construction permits, both residential and commercial, were pulled in this year’s first quarter for projects in the area, up from $2.1 billion the year prior, per Dodge Construction Network data.

Below is a closer look at the five most expensive construction projects underway by some of the area’s largest construction companies and general contractors, based on Orlando Business Journal research:


Glasshouse at O-Town: $261.36 million

  • What it is: Apartments
  • Size:1.94 million SF
  • Estimated completion: Nov. 10, 2022
  • General contractor: Roger B. Kennedy Construction
  • Developer: Unicorp National Developments Inc.
  • Architect: Kreiger Klatt Architecture

Evermore Resort Orlando Conrad Hotel: $174.51 million

  • What it is: Resort hotel
  • Size: 530,000 SF
  • Estimated completion: Feb. 22, 2023
  • General contractor: PCL Construction Services Inc.
  • Developer: Dart Interests
  • Architect: HKS Architects Inc.

City Center O-Town: $125 million

  • What it is: Mixed-use
  • Size: 300,000 SF
  • Estimated completion: October 13, 2022
  • General contractor/architect: Finfrock
  • Developer: Unicorp

Innovation Tower: $105 million

  • What it is: Medical office
  • Size: 350,000 SF
  • Estimated completion: June 29, 2022
  • General contractor: Batson-Cook Construction Co.
  • Architect: Hunton Brady Architects

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital: $104 million

  • What it is: Bed tower expansion and renovation
  • Size: 165,000
  • Estimated completion: Dec. 15, 2023
  • General contractor: Robins & Morton
  • Architect: HKS Architects Inc.

Source: Orlando Business Journal research 


Construction values

Values of commercial construction projects in Central Florida — Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties — nearly tripled in March 2022 when compared to a year ago, and this year’s first quarter saw a 77% jump when compared to the year-earlier period. Here’s a look and both residential and commercial values:

Period Commercial value Residential value

March 2021 $164.4M $600.3M

March 2022 $439.2M $594.3M

Q1 2021 $552.7M $1.5B

Q1 2022 $975.7M $1.8B

Source: Dodge Construction Network

Unicorp meets Tuesday tax deadline on 244 former Colony parcels

Longboat Key properties were listed by Tax Collector as delinquent last week.

The developer of Longboat Key’s Residences at the St. Regis Resort Longboat Key delivered a check Tuesday for more than $500,000 to satisfy 2021 financial responsibilities on 244 parcels listed last week by the Sarasota County Tax Collector as delinquent.

Zack Justice, a project coordinator for Unicorp National Developments Inc., said in an email to the Longboat Observer that the accounts were paid in full. The tax collector’s office confirmed receipt, adding the properties should show the updated status on its webpage of accounts heading to tax-certificate auction.

“We delivered a check to Sarasota County this morning to come current on all delinquent taxes,’’ he wrote.

The delinquent properties, published last week, were all former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort parcels, all were listed at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive and all listed Unicorp Acquisitions II LLC as the owner.

A majority of the levies ranged from around $1,300 to $3,300, though one parcel listed a tax responsibility of $50,215. According to the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office, the 2021 taxable value, as determined on Jan. 1, for the 244 parcels was $36.3 million. The total amount of taxes owed on the parcels, when added together, totaled $551,827.32.

When contacted last week, Justice said the company had recently learned about the tax-delinquency issue and had “every intention of paying all taxes owed.’’

Property records with the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office show the 244 former Colony properties have been swept away for the 2022 tax year, which began Jan. 1. The land is now broken into five parcels by future residential or resort uses, each under the ownership of SR LBK LLC, a Florida limited liability corporation that lists Unicorp Acquisitions LLC as its manager.

Together, those five parcels’ taxable value was set at about $5.2 million according to the Tax Appraiser records, before construction on the land began in earnest. Builders of the St. Regis project this month received permits for vertical construction, advancing from previous foundation work. Tall gantry cranes are now at work on the property.

Brian Loughrey, the chief deputy tax appraiser with Sarasota County, said the current valuations of the parcels that make up the St. Regis property had no bearing on the past year’s valuations. In October, the 2021 tax roll for that year was certified for collection, ending his office’s involvement for the year, he said.

Rana Moye, a deputy tax collector with Sarasota, said that because the former Colony condominium association was disbanded after the 2021 tax year started, the properties remained officially on that year’s tax roll. She said her office was obligated by state statue to list the properties as delinquent for non-payment.

She confirmed receipt of the taxes, which were due by the end of business on Tuesday.

Celebration Brewing Co. location in the works for Osceola County

A fast-growing Osceola County master-planned community is set to get its first brewery.

Celebration Brewing Co. plans to open in a 4,818-square-foot space at 1601 Future Way in Orlando-based Unicorp National Development’s Celebration Pointe shopping center. The brewery is led by Frank Lozito, who is a 24-year resident of the community. Lozito was motivated to open the brewery locally because there was not one like it nearby and he had been home brewing for several years.

A leased space in Celebration Pointe provided an opportunity because there wasn’t really space downtown for the concept, plus there’s potential for more customers coming in Mattamy Homes’ Celebration Island Village development, which will have 1,000 single-family homes over multiple phases.

“The location next to World Drive and Interstate 4, we plan to serve both locals and tourists,” he said.

Demand already has showed up for the brewery, as it sold out all 175 of its Celebration Craftsman Society Founders Club memberships, which includes a free 64-ounce growler, monthly fill-ups for it over a year, plus other apparel, glassware and perks.

The brewery will have outdoor seating, up to 24 beers on tap, along with house-made cider and third-party wines. Lozito said the food offerings will be reminiscent of an “elevated gastropub” concept, with both handheld and shareable dishes.

Lozito expects to get the space handed over in August or September, and hopes to open by December. He is in the process of selecting a contractor for buildout.

In total, the brewery — which will have a 10-barrel production system — plans to hire a few people to bartend and serve, but that won’t come until closer to opening.

Meanwhile, there are 368 craft breweries in Florida, the seventh-most in the country, according to the most recent data available. That total has grown steadily from 45 in 2011. There are more than 30 in Central Florida.

Other local breweries in the works include:

* Wolf Branch Brewing Co. plans to open a new location at 707 W. Main St. in downtown Leesburg.

* Longwood-based Connor Brewing LLC, which does business as Little Wekiva Brewery, plans to open a 1,200-square-foot location in the Springs Plaza shopping center at 145 Wekiva Springs Road near Longwood by the second quarter of 2022.

* Twelve Talons Beerworks LLC plans to open a brewery at 2807 E. South St. in the former South Street Coin Laundry in Orlando’s Milk District.

There were 9,247 U.S. craft breweries in 2021, up from 9,025 in the prior year, according to Colorado-based Brewers Association. That included 646 new brewery openings and 178 closings last year.

The rate of breweries closing has slowed down, due to the combination of better sales and federal government funds through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Further, “while the boom in breweries of a few years before certainly has slowed, the continued growth in small breweries shows the solid foundation of demand for their businesses and beers,” said Brewers Association Chief Economist Bart Watson.

Osceola County proposes new road near fast-growing community

Osceola County plans to extend the road near one of its fast-growing communities.

The county is in early planning for an extension of Celebration Boulevard from County Road 532 to the southern boundary of Celebration. The two-lane extension will be south of Island Village at Celebration, a new Mattamy Homes community now under construction that will have 1,000 single-family houses over multiple phases. The road will be from 1 mile to 1.8 miles long, depending on the path the extension takes, Christopher Brumbaugh, director of communications for Osceola County, told Orlando Business Journal. There are currently three alignments under consideration which all go over mostly undeveloped land. The project could cost an estimated $2.5 million-$5 million, according to industry standards.

This roadway also will provide an extra entrance for residents of the planned Mattamy development, which has been included in Celebration’s build-out plan for several decades, Brumbaugh said. The road project is being planned concurrently with the fourth phase of that housing project.

The feasibility study for the road project is set to wrap up by June, and there is not yet a timetable for design or construction.

Meanwhile, in the southern portion of the new Mattamy community, Celebration Pointe retail center is also under construction. Unicorp National Developments is building Celebration Pointe with 127,277 square feet of restaurant and retail space near Interstate 4 and World Drive.

U.S. highway and street construction dropped 0.4% in March from February, but was up 7.5% compared to March 2021, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. The Arlington, Virginia-based trade organization has called for efforts to decrease supply and labor shortages.

“Now that Congress has funded a substantial increase in infrastructure construction, it is imperative that the supply of materials and workers be increased as well,” Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO, said in a prepared statement. “Congress and the administration need to act promptly on several fronts.”

Top of the List: Family- and married couple-owned businesses

This week, Orlando Business Journal features family- and married couple-owned businesses, ranked by 2021 Central Florida revenue.

One of the top five businesses on the list has been passed down through five generations, employing more 1,702 workers locally, with $906.7 million in Central Florida revenue.

Each company on this year’s list has a unique story and a legacy that will impact Central Florida for generations to come.

The five largest family-owned and married couple businesses are:

Ranked by 2021 C. Fla. revenue

The full lists are available to subscribers only. Don’t subscribe? Sign up today. In addition to the weekly print edition, our subscribers can view the entire List online.

Are you on The List? Each week we bring you our popular Lists. If you would like to be added to my database for any List surveys, please send me an email: dhicks@bizjournals.com.

White Castle is expanding in Orlando

White Castle is expected to open a takeout-only location and expand its full restaurant’s hours this summer after its first location in Florida since the 1960s rewrote the company’s record books with nearly 5 million sliders sold so far.

The Orlando White Castle set a single-day sales record for the Ohio-based company when it opened near Walt Disney World on May 3 last year, and it’s expected to post a yearly sales record too. The 4,567-square-foot eatery has become the top performer of more than 350 White Castle locations, and it’s on pace to sell 5 million sliders by its anniversary, according to a news release.

Now, the company plans to open an 1,800-square-foot pickup- and delivery-only restaurant just steps away in Unicorp National Developments’ O-Town West project at Palm and Daryl Carter Parkways.

The new space, in a building between Portillo’s Hot Dogs and the existing White Castle, will offer pickup for customers who order online. The space also will cook food delivered through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub and Postmates.

“The investment in this new space allows us to offer a delivery and pick-up option for customers on the go who are craving convenience,” said Jamie Richardson, White Castle vice president, in an email. “It also allows the existing restaurant to focus on taking care of drive-thru and dine-in customers, as we begin looking to being open 24 hours each day.”

Customers who want to eat inside a dining room or go through the drive-thru still must go to the nearby full restaurant, billed as the world’s largest freestanding White Castle. It is expected this summer to expand to operating 24 hours a day from its current schedule of 7 a.m. to 4 a.m.

It’s been a year of success for the restaurant that opened with drive-thru customers waiting hours in a line that backed up onto Daryl Carter Parkway despite double drive-thru lanes.

Fans aren’t just buying up the burger sliders. White Castle went through 40,000 eggs for its breakfast sliders at the Orlando restaurant, setting another record for the chain.

“Opening a restaurant of this magnitude in any business climate is a challenge – but to do it in an ongoing pandemic, and to succeed, truly illustrates the devotion of the team that has made success possible,” Richardson said. “Most of all, we are thankful for the thousands and thousands of craving fans – whether they’ve been customers for their entire life or are new to White Castle.”

The new takeout and delivery space at O-Town West joins another White Castle ghost kitchen already operating near downtown Orlando.

The downtown restaurant is at 18 N. Dollins Ave. in a ghost kitchen food hall with several restaurants but no dining room.

The Dollins Avenue White Castle briefly opened before the full restaurant in February of last year, but had to temporarily close due to overwhelming demand. It reopened following the restaurant near Walt Disney World.

How Unicorp is prepping for the future

Orlando Business Journal talked with several of this year’s largest family- and married couple-owned businesses to learn more about what goes into running such a business. Read more about it in OBJ’s April 15-21, 2022, weekly edition.

Here’s more from Chuck Whittall, founder and president of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc.: Years with company: 24

Has the company’s primary business or services changed through the years? We originally started as a retail developer, and have grown to do mixed-use, multifamily, hotels and office. It was a natural progression of business.

How has the pandemic affected your company? We were determined at the start of the pandemic to do business as usual and not let it ruin our lives and/or our business.

Does everyone in the family have a say in the firm’s finances and future direction? I have the final say.

Will you pass the business along to the next generation? As company continues to grow, my daughter Riley will become involved. We will grow our pool of talent, and Unicorp will thrive long beyond my years.

* Owners: Chuck and Ronna Whittall (married couple)

* Website: unicorp.com

* No. of generational ownerships since founding: One

World of Beer is set to open May 17 near Orlando White Castle

Diners in the O-Town West development will soon be able to grab a brew from World of Beer Bar & Kitchen before getting their sliders at the nearby record-setting White Castle.

World of Beer, which offers more than 300 beers and 40 rotating taps, is set to open May 17 in a 6,118-square-foot space at 7750 Palm Parkway near Walt Disney World, according to a news release. Unicorp National Developments’ O-Town West project is home to White Castle, which set a single-day sales record for the Ohio-based burger chain when it opened last May. As of December, it was on pace to set a single-year sales record. It is the first White Castle in Florida since the 1960s.

World of Beer also offers customers a bite to eat beyond all its brews, with a menu that includes burgers, a German pretzel and mac and cheese bites.

The chain, founded in Tampa, has other restaurants in downtown Orlando, Clermont and near the University of Central Florida.

St. Regis resort, condo construction is moving on up

Work goes vertical on Longboat Key site of resort and condominiums.

Cranes, cement mixers, workers by the dozens and vertical progress are common sights now on the land soon to be home to the Residences at St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.

The 17.6 beachfront acres have undergone a rapid metamorphosis since permits to begin foundation work were finalized in February. Pilings have been formed on the north building, which will house the five-star hotel. At one point on Monday, six cement mixers were on the site at the same time, with more coming and going.

At the peak of construction, 850 workers are expected on site, most bused in from an off-site staging area. Meals are also provided on site.

Unicorp National Development Inc. plans to develop 69 condo units and 166 hotel units along with restaurants and other public facilities, many of them open to the public. It’s been nearly three years since the buildings and other structures of the Colony resort were torn down on the land. Moss Construction Management is shepherding the project.

The company has set a tentative opening date of June 6, 2024, for the $800 million project. The roof is expected to go on the first building late this year.

Fruitville project set New housing and retail development coming

Benderson Development Co., the Manatee County-based company behind Sarasota’s University Town Center development, is building new retail and housing near the Fruitville Public Library.

Building permit applications filed with Sarasota County throughout the past few months show plans for development along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard south of Apex Road. The Benderson-owned parcel is on either side of the intersection and part of it reaches up to Fruitville Road, across Lakewood Ranch Boulevard from the Fruitville library. Permit applications show plans for a grocery store and multifamily housing, however, at this point, no development applications or building permits have been approved for the site, Sarasota County spokeswoman Brianne Grant said. Site work appears to be underway on the parcel on the east side of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

Julie Fanning, director of marketing at Benderson, said the project is still in the planning phase, and the company is not ready to share more details at this time.

The new site is the latest development in the corridor east of I-75 on Fruitville Road. Fruitville Commons, which is in the northeast corner of the intersection, is the furthest along, with a luxury apartment enclave called Citria as well as restaurants and retail stores.

Next to Fruitville Commons, Orlando-based Unicorp National Development is planning a mixed-use project called Southwood Village. The most recent site plan includes more than 100,000 square feet of retail, including Wawa and Crunch Fitness and 364 luxury apartments.

And in the southeast corner of Fruitville and I-75, two separately-owned parcels recently came under new ownership. Sarasota Business Plaza LLLP sold 581,772 square feet of land to the Collier Companies, a Gainesville-based apartment developer, for $5.4 million last summer. The same entity also sold 654,890 square feet to the Sarasota-based Starling Group for $5 million in February, according to county records.

Redevelopment of the part of Fruitville Road east of I-75 is being encouraged by Sarasota County through the Fruitville Initiative, a critical area plan approved by county commissioners in 2014.

The goal of the initiative is to encourage economic development on 420 acres along both sides of Fruitville Road east of I-75 and create a gateway into the Sarasota community.

Unicorp plans mixed-use development near Winter Garden

The prominent Central Florida developer behind attractions such as Orlando’s Icon Park and the not-yet-complete mixed-use site The Village at O-Town West in Orlando has staked itself to another project — this one focused on housing for renters and homebuyers.

Unicorp National Developments is planning to build 300 apartment units across five parcels of land totaling 139 acres on Avalon Road near Winter Garden. The developer will also make lots shovel-ready for as many as 250 single family homes.

The project, titled “Sutton Lakes PD,” also includes a 20,000 square-foot space for commercial use.

A permit application for the project was submitted to Orange County on April 5. A zoning change must be approved by the county in order for multi-family homes to be permitted on the vacant land.

 

For the single-family housing piece of the concept, Unicorp will prepare the lots and then sell them off to homebuilders.

While design details are not yet known, Chuck Whittall, Unicorp’s president, said the finished product, if approved, will address a need for more residential options in the growing area.

“The area is in need of more housing,” he told GrowthSpotter in a phone call, “and we think this a great opportunity to bring more housing to that area. That whole sector is growing.”

Whittall’s workload is also growing. He said Unicorp has more than 20 development projects currently in the works across Florida. Locally, these include the following:

 

  • The Villages at O-Town West in Orlando, a mixed-use development that is already home to restaurants, including the world’s largest White Castle, retailers, hotels, apartments and more.

This location will also include the new headquarters for the Orlando-based public timeshare company Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp, a nine-story, 300,000-square-foot building that broke ground in August. Expected to accommodate 1,500 employees, the project is the largest single office space currently under construction in Orlando, and is expected to be finished by 2023, according to the developer’s website.

 

  • Celebration Pointe, a planned 127,277-square-foot, $100 million-plus mixed-use development near Interstate 4 and World Drive in Celebration that began construction in August and will be anchored by a Publix shopping center.
  • Carmel community, an 11-lot upscale residential community in Dr. Phillips where Whittall is building his own 20,000-square-foot mansion.
  • The luxury-branded Ritz Carlton Residences in Orlando, a high-end gated residential community within the Orlando Grande Lakes Resort that includes 37-lots, an owners’ clubhouse and nine homes that sold for an average of $2.3 million in 2021.

“We are staying super busy,” Whittall said.

The Sutton Lakes project in Winter Garden is planned for property owned by Westgate Resorts, an Orando-based timeshare company with 29 locations nationwide.

Westgate’s acquisitions of some of the parcels along Avalon Road date back to 1997. Others were purchased in 2019, property records show.

“We’ve just been sitting on (the land) waiting for the market,” said Mark Waltrip, the chief operating officer of Westgate Resorts, “and the market is definitely here.”

Trez Capital Provides $42.2M Loan for Ritz Residences in Orlando

Prominent Central Florida developer Unicorp to utilize funds to deliver much-needed branded luxury residential product 

Trez Capital, a private real estate lender helping to build better communities across North America, funded a $42,216,473 construction loan for Unicorp National Developments, Inc.’s The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Orlando, Grande Lakes luxury project. The transaction closed March 18.

The Chuck Whittall-led Unicorp, one of Central Florida’s largest developers, is addressing market demand for high-end, branded residences with resort-style amenities. The Ritz-Carlton Residences offers 37 spacious three and four-bedroom residences with pools in a gated community. The project is part of the Grande Lakes master-planned community, which includes the luxury Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes resort.

Amenities include a private, owners-only clubhouse, a full-service spa, 18-hole Greg Norman signature golf course, 11 restaurants and bars, children’s activities, water sports, hiking, nature trails and more. Located at 4012 Central Florida Parkway, the project offers easy access to downtown Orlando, Winter Park, Orlando International Airport and the area’s many theme parks and attractions.

Trez Capital Managing Director Ben Jacobson originated the loan on behalf of Unicorp. Jacobson is based in Trez Capital’s Florida office, led by Executive Managing Director, Eastern U.S. Brett Forman.

This is the second significant transaction between Trez Capital and Unicorp since last summer. Jacobson originated a $75.2 million loan for the developer’s 354-unit SOTA 75 rental project in Sarasota in June 2021.

“It is exciting to work with a repeat borrower that has an unparalleled track record for delivering luxury housing in Central Florida and beyond,” Jacobson said. “Orlando’s high-end residential market is underserved. With a world-class brand like The Ritz-Carlton, premier developer and general contractor in Unicorp and Jones Clayton Construction, respectively, and an array of amenities, this project should experience brisk sales activity.”

Orlando is one of the nation’s fastest-growing housing markets, benefitting from domestic migration and nearly 70 million annual visitors. It was one of at least five major U.S. metro areas that saw an annual listing price increase of 18% or more over the past year, according to USA Today. Orlando’s listing prices rose by 20%.

“We are actively targeting opportunities in Orlando and the broader Central Florida region,” Forman said. “Orlando is no longer just about theme parks. It has evolved into a diverse and sustainable real estate market and economy.”

Trez Capital provides short-term debt and equity financing typically between six and 36 months in term, up to $100 million in loan value. In 2021, the company originated $3.9 billion in loan originations with $633 million sourced from the Eastern U.S. region that includes offices in Palm Beach, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia.

Construction on St. Regis moves forward in Longboat Key

There is a tentative opening date for the hotel, which is currently June 6, 2024.

 

Construction is just heating up at the St. Regis property, but Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments, Inc., is already looking forward to opening day. The company has set a tentative opening date of June 6, 2024.

There are now 100 workers on the property and Whittall said there will be 850 at its peak — bused in from an off-site staging area rather than driving in, much to the relief of traffic-beleaguered residents.

“There’s not going to be a lot of room for parking because we’re building on almost every inch of the job site,” Whittall said. “We have a bus service that we hired to transport them back and forth.”

Whittall visited the island’s service clubs on March 15 and 17, speaking at the Rotary Club of Longboat Key and the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key respectively.

He gave an overview of what the finished product will look like. There will be a saltwater lagoon with tropical fish and rays where guests will be able to swim with them or attend educational classes, and the pool and spa will be high-end attractions. The restaurants on the property will be open to the public, while the pool and spa will require day passes.

“We wanted to make it big enough to invite the community in,” Whittall said.

There will be a few vestiges of the Colony, including a Monkey Bar just like old times. The other amenities will take over nearly the entire property, but there will be one tennis court. It will be a wooden deck topped with a clay court and built over a retention pond.

“It’ll pay homage to what was there before,” Whittall said.

As for construction, walls will start going up next week and buildings will take shape in April, said Whittall. Marketing and events manager Natalie Farnella said the team is forming footers and installing pilings at the site, meaning that they’re preparing to get going on the foundation.

Instead of driving piles in a traditional (and noisy) way, the construction contractor is using an alternative and quieter method.

Kiwanis Club Gives Lawn Party funds to Childrens Guardian Fund

The event brought in $90,000, while direct donations from attendees brought in another $30,000.

 

There was no shortage of green at the March 17 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key.

Club members celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green and took the day to tie up the final count of the funds brought in from the Lawn Party in December. At the meeting, the club officially passed along its $90,000 check to Children’s Guardian Fund.

“We’re excited to be doing the rewarding of the green today,” club President Michael Garey said.

All told, the club brought in more than $120,000 for the organization, which helps local children in foster care and focuses on getting them tutoring. Funds from the Lawn Party, sponsorships, matches and direct donations from Lawn Party attendees made up the total. Previously, a Lawn Party had brought in about $60,000, said Kiwanis Foundation chair Bob Gault.

“It’s a proud and great day for our club,” Garey said.

To celebrate, Garey invited the event’s biggest sponsors to come for breakfast, including Cynthia Craig and Ken Schneier and Jim Brown from the Longboat Key Foundation. Chuck Whittall, CEO of Unicorp National Developments, which is building the Residences at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, was the platinum sponsor and provided a brief update on the construction project.

He hopes to make the St. Regis property a part of the community for events to come.

“We’re happy to be part of this and part of the community, and we will keep doing this,” Whittall said.

Craig is a guardian ad litem with Children’s Guardian Foundation and works with the foster children in the program. There are about 1,200 children in the local foster system and Children’s Guardian Fund works primarily with children in the care of relatives rather than in licensed foster care, as relatives receive less of a subsidy to care for the children and often struggle to do so.

“The children, when they get to school, they start out behind,” Craig said. “If you can imagine a race, and here’s the starting line, they’re not even in the parking lot. So we have come to recognize that the best thing we can do for these kids is to provide academic tutoring one-on-one, to get them up to speed as fast as we can. It has been a phenomenally successful program and until now, we always had more requests for tutoring than we could pay for. Now we can pay for everybody who wants it and needs it, and we don’t have to cut it off. If the child is participating and trying, we’ll keep going as long as the child needs it, and it’s all because of you.”

Future-focused, flexible workspace at new Orlando HQ

Lani Kane-Hanan said she gets the question often.

As Marriott Vacations Worldwide’s executive vice president and chief development and product officer, she said people ask why leadership at the third-largest public company in Orlando thinks now is a good time to build a new headquarters.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide’s (NYSE: VAC) new nine-story, 300,000-square-foot space is the anchor tenant for the City Center at O-Town West project, part of Orlando-based developer Unicorp’s $1 billion-plus, mixed-use O-Town West project located near Palm Parkway and Daryl Carter Boulevard.

On Friday, March 11, the company celebrated the topping off of its new headquarters and Kane-Hanan said the company also planted an evergreen tree on the grounds as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

But as for the matter of whether investing in office and meeting space at a time when there is uncertainty about the future of office work is wise, Kane-Hanan counters that it is a great time to do so.

“We think it’s actually the perfect time to be building a new HQ, because we can respond to these flexible needs of our associates and we can think about the collaboration spaces we’re going to need, the flexible spaces we’re going to need and the training spaces we’re going to need,” Kane-Hanan said.

“One thing we’ve learned from the pandemic is that it’s important to be flexible, to understand the needs of our associates at the time, which will continue to evolve and change — and we’re going to need to continue and evolve and change with them.”

When planning began on the new headquarters pre-pandemic — the deal originally was signed in January 2020 — leadership at Marriott Vacations Worldwide already was evaluating how the new space would fit in a landscape where how work gets done was changing, Kane-Hanan said.

The dramatic shifts created by the pandemic only heightened that introspection.

“We had the opportunity to pause and really decide what we wanted to focus on, and that allowed us to say there are two main areas we want to lead the design principles for us and for our new building,” Kane-Hanan said. “That’s a LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] design principle and a Fitwel design principle.”

The commitment to a building that not only is sustainable and environmentally friendly, but also conducive to health activity and well-being for employees — which is what the Fitwel certification reflects — should help create employee buy-in for a more pronounced return to work, even if leadership at the company isn’t ready to commit to what that will look like just yet.

Nevertheless, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the building in August 2021, CEO Steve Weiz told OBJ a physical office space is critical for the firm’s future.

Kane-Hanan echoed those sentiments. “As a hospitality company, in our roots we have socialization. We know our associates value those collaboration opportunities … and so we will make sure we create a shared space that will allow them to do that on the days it’s appropriate.”

Meanwhile, Unicorp President Chuck Whittall said he’s confident in his anchor tenant’s role in the development’s larger success. He also notes that Unicorp will move its headquarters to O-Town West and suggests that many of the upgrades the office space at O-Town West will have — whether it’s state-of-the-art filtration systems or the ability to call an elevator with your smartphone — just make sense in a competitive landscape.

“Even with our office for Unicorp, we’re expanding our office size, because as a company we continue to grow,” Whittall said. “We need that collaboration.”

Whittall said the space at O-Town West is 99% leased and construction for much of the project is nearing completion, with the exception of the phased multifamily portions. Apopka-based Finfrock is the project’s general contractor and Whittall said spaces are beginning to be turned over to tenants for their own buildout.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide’s space should be delivered in July and the company anticipates opening the new headquarters in 2023, he added.

More details of the design innovation for the new space will be shared as work progresses, said Kane-Hanan, who noted an emphasis on things oriented toward wellness such as a fitness center on par with those of the company’s resort properties, as well as ergonomically-designed furniture and a space that is very walkable.

“All the design principles we’re putting in there are to retain that talent of today — and leave the flexibility to attract talent for tomorrow.”

Amid the uncertainty regarding the outlook for office space, Rick Solik executive managing director of office services for Colliers in Orlando who is not involved with the project, previously told OBJ that new, state-of-the-art buildings will have an advantage in a disrupted landscape.

“I believe you are going to see flight to quality,” Solik said. “You are going to see people recognizing that the office has to have a purpose, and has to be a desirable place people want to come. The newer buildings provide potentially greater comfort levels, and the higher tech and touchless requirements of today’s post-pandemic expectations.”

Additionally, the wellness features Kane-Hanan said Marriott Vacations Worldwide is eyeing for its space are very in line with what firms are seeking in office space right now, said office expert Damien Madsen, senior vice president and managing director of Birmingham, Alabama-based Harbert Realty Services Inc., who is not involved with the project.

“Health and wellness is such a key component to the companies I’m showing space to right now,” Madsen said. “There are a lot of ideas out there about using outdoor spaces, spreading out.”

Meanwhile, the Tourist Corridor office submarket — which includes the new office space for Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Unicorp — features a 12.4% average vacancy rate, compared with 11.7% for metro Orlando, according to NAI Realvest’s fourth-quarter 2021 report. The office submarket has an average asking rate of $26.87 per square foot, slightly higher than the region’s $25.65 average.

Luxury Condo Market Booms

Luxury condo market booms; Hundreds of new units either sold or in development in Sarasota

Two more condominium developers have announced plans for more luxury properties in downtown Sarasota, an area that’s in the middle of a condo boom.

Sarasota’s luxury condo market saw a several towers built between 2004 to 2006 in the downtown area, amid the last real estate boom. While the recession slowed condo development, the announced projects over the past 12 months have seen brisk sales with projects selling out during development. Right now, hundreds of condos are either under construction or in various stages of the development process, many achieving sustained sales figures unprecedented for this stretch of the Gulf Coast.

The new development will add thousands of new residents to the downtown area, bolstering the demand for restaurants, retail and other entertainment options.

Georgia Salaverri and Steven Windsor, both Coldwell Banker Global Luxury specialists, represent a new condominium project in the downtown neighborhood of Gold Gate Point called the Peninsula Sarasota.

The project will include two 110-foot buildings built with eight floors of residences over three floors of parking. Peninsula One will have eight residences, each unit encompassing the entire floor, with the other tower having 15 residences.

A news release describes the development as a “boutique-style project that will feature a modern, contemporary design with meticulous interior finishes and beautiful views of Sarasota Bay and the downtown skyline.”

Salaverri said she’s been pleased with the buyer interest received so far, noting “there’s a lot of demand” for condo properties in downtown Sarasota.

Windsor said the buyers in Peninsula Sarasota aren’t just looking at the area’s many white-sand beaches, but also Sarasota’s cultural amenities.

“We have a whole lot of other things besides the beaches,” he said.

Salaverri said, increasingly, buyers from the northeast and west coast of the United States have found Sarasota a desirable place.

“It’s like they have discovered our precious gem of a city and they want to make it their home as well,” she said.

Development of residences at the Peninsula Sarasota is expected to begin this fall, according to the news release. Prices for the 2,400-square-foot to 3,000-square-foot units range from $2 million to $6 million.

Rosemary District condo plan

Tom Bradley, president and co-founder of ERES Companies, grew up in Sarasota, but had started his company in Denver, Colorado.

He decided last summer to move his family back to Sarasota and open a regional office. Since his arrival in August, Bradley has developed the beginnings of a plan to build a condominium at 1351 Fruitville Road in the Rosemary District.

ERES Capital, a division of ERES Companies, purchased the roughly half-acre property on Fruitville for $3.2 million in late December.

“We love that spot,” Bradley said. “You are really central to everything that Sarasota has to offer.”

Bradley said he’s been away from Sarasota for about 14 years and during that time “it’s been amazing what’s happened.”

The acceleration of acceptance among the business community for the hybrid office model and remote work plays a role in the increased demand for Sarasota properties, he said.

Bradley said his plans are in the early stages, but more announcements would be coming.

The Edge, a luxury condo development at 290 Cocoanut Ave. announced late last year, is also under development and located across the street from the ERES Companies planned condominium.

Dyrk Dahl, a Coldwell Banker Realtor who is marketing the property, said that building will include 27 residences ranging in size from 2,900 square feet to 3,500 square feet, with prices from $2.1 million to $3.6 million.

Dahl has been involved in the Sarasota condo market for about 20 years. He said that condo development in Sarasota has been close to what it is now around 2004 to 2006, but not quite as robust as today.

What sets apart today’s buyers from the earlier condo booms, he said, is that many of the buyers today don’t have the longtime relationship with Sarasota.

“I have not seen this many potential buyers that do not have a personal connection to Sarasota,” he said.

Echoing Salaverri, Dahl said there’s been an influx of buyers from California and the northeast, but he also said buyers from Florida’s east coast are also more common.

The Edge, Dahl said, is being developed by Sarasota-based JEBCO Ventures, that has completed several condo projects in the area. Dahl said JEBCO most recently developed The Q, a 39-unit townhome development, and the 147-unit condominium The Strand.

JEBCO Ventures is part of the development team of One Park Sarasota, which announced at the end of February that the 18-story, 149-unit project located in The Quay Waterfront District, has achieved $150 million in sales during the project’s first 30 days.

Bayso, another 18-story condo building under development by the Kolter Group in the Quay Sarasota, has sold out.

A planned luxury condominium project on Lido Beach called Rosewood Residences also announced in February that it had achieved $150 million in reservations in its 65-unit development.

On Longboat Key, St. Regis Hotel and Residences has begun work on the foundation for the eventual buildings on the waterfront resort that will see 166 hotel rooms and 67 condos on the former site of The Colony and Tennis Resort.

That property has been marketed by Michael Saunders & Co.

Simon Bacon, executive director of new homes and condominiums at Michael Saunders & Co., said the market demand for St. Regis “has been tremendous” noting the sales team is preparing “the final release for the limited remaining residences after putting $350 million worth of sales under contract since the commencement of sales.”

“We anticipate the limited remaining opportunities will be spoken for in the very near future,” he said. “Foundation work is underway at the site, and Unicorp National Developments and Michael Saunders & Company will look forward to welcoming the owners in mid 2024.”

Vlado Konatar, owner/broker with Kona Realty, may be the nearest to the finish line of the many recent condo projects. The shell of The Evolution, a 20-unit condo property in the Golden Gate Point neighborhood, has already been built and 90% of the units have been sold.

Konatar said the demand for the “maintenance-free building with concierge amenities” was strong.

There are only two units available, he said, in The Evolution, one at $4.4 million and another for $7 million.

“There’s massive demand for Sarasota,” he said. “It’s a peaceful, beautiful place.”

There are several other condo properties under development in downtown Sarasota including The Beacon, The Demarcay, 688 Residences, The Collection Condominium, Zahrada 2 and En Pointe.

Major growth ahead

David Lough, president of the Downtown Sarasota Condo Association, has been tracking the population growth of the downtown area since he moved into a downtown townhouse in 2018.

He said that at the moment there are more than 1,000 residential units under construction and another 1,000 units that are in some stage of development.

Lough’s figures do include several large apartment developments that will be for rent.

He said that with all the units under development it is likely the downtown area will experience a population increase of about 30% in just the next couple years — going from about 12,500 today to well over 15,000 once all the units are built.

“We are going to have another 3,000 people come to the area in the next five years,” he said, adding the influx could pose infrastructure, quality of life and construction logistical challenges for city officials and residents over the coming years.

“It can become just chaos during the work hours,” Lough said of building issues.

Metro Orlando to get boxer Floyd Mayweathers fitness concept

A new-to-market fitness business created by professional boxer Floyd Mayweather plans multiple new Central Florida locations, including one opening soon.

Los Angeles-based Mayweather Boxing + Fitness plans to open gyms in Melbourne, Oviedo and Celebration. These will be among the first locations for the franchisor in Central Florida; it currently has a presence in South Florida and the Tampa Bay area. The gyms eventually will employ 10 to 12 workers, including trainers and sales associates. The gyms are known for their workout programs that include a mix of non-contact boxing moves and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Three franchisee groups are opening the new Central Florida locations. Here are some details:

 

  • Melbourne: Kerry Hamilton-Gannaway and Chad Genoni are the co-franchisees for the 2,511-square-foot gym at 5555 North Wickham Road slated to open within the next few weeks, Hamilton-Gannaway said. In addition, the group is targeting a site in east Orlando’s Waterford Lakes neighborhood for late 2022, Lake Nona in spring 2023 and a future location in the Baldwin Park/downtown Orlando area. This is the first franchise ownership experience for Hamilton-Gannaway, who has more than 30 years of fitness management and training experience, including with Orangetheory Fitness. Genoni is a franchisee with homebuilder AR Homes by Arthur Rutenberg.

 

  • Oviedo: The 2,400-square-foot gym at 2871 Clayton Crossing Way is set to open in the early spring, Oviedo franchisee Lisa Brodsky told Orlando Business Journal. This is Brodsky’s first foray into franchising after working as a lawyer. “I knew I wanted to find something that would make people’s day better, but I wasn’t sure what that would be.”

 

  • Celebration: Franchisees Tariq Price and his wife ShaRease plan to open a 2,393-square-feet fitness center this summer or fall at 1687 Future Way in the under construction Celebration Pointe shopping center from Orlando-based developer Unicorp National Developments Inc. Price said he plans to begin operating soon after the space is built out. The couple also runs Steps Ahead Learning Center in Saginaw, Michigan. Price said he is considering opening more Mayweather Boxing + Fitness locations in the Orlando area, but has not finalized any other future sites.

Average startup costs range between $199,600 and $598,000 for a franchisee, per Roswell, Georgia-based franchise consultant Franchise Gator.

Mayweather Boxing + Fitness has more than 57 locations either open or debuting soon, according to its website. The company was founded in 2018.

Meanwhile, other fitness concepts also have targeted Orlando for franchise expansion. South Carolina-based ISI Elite Training plans to open up to 15 local gyms during the next three to four years.

Franchisee Mike McLaughlin opened the area’s first gym for the chain at 1985 S. Alafaya Trail in east Orlando’s Waterford Lakes area last October. The company has yet to lock down any future locations, but expects to invest $4.13 million and create up to 150 new jobs in the region. The franchisee is eyeing areas including downtown Orlando and its Park Lake and Thornton Park neighborhoods, as well as Altamonte Springs, ISI CEO Adam Rice previously told OBJ. “We love the Orlando market due to the match in demographics, huge migration of families to the area and the central location is provides in Florida.”

Franchise expansion can create job opportunities while also providing potential tenants to real estate owners. As franchises scale, they may add additional locations in a specific area.

Looking at Longboat Keys developments in 2022

Construction crews are expected to make progress on the St. Regis development, Sage condos and the Town Center stage.

It’s no secret that the population size of Longboat Key triples during snowbird season.

Although it might seem busier on the island, it’s not just the returning snowbirds who are making it a bit busier. There are several developments underway and others planned in the coming months.

Here is a look at many of Longboat Key’s major construction projects:

 

St. Regis development

Work officially began on Oct. 25 to build the five-star St. Regis Hotel and luxury condominium complex at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The project is worth about $800 million.

As many as 800 workers at once are expected to be at the 17.6-acre beachfront site to finish the project by spring 2024.

In October, the Longboat Key Town Commission provided its final approval of the site development plan and the planned-unit development application.

Orlando-based developer Unicorp National Developments Corp. plans to build 69 condo units and 166 hotel units along with restaurants and other facilities, many of them open to the public.

Advertised prices for the St. Regis’ residential units range from $2 million to $20 million.

There are expected to be about 468 total parking spaces, of which there will be 62 mechanical vehicle lifts in the hotel’s valet garage.

It’s been about three years since the demolition of the former Colony Resort’s buildings and other structures.

Sage condos

Luxury condominiums are also coming to 4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Sage occupies the site of the former Sun ‘n’ Sea Cottages & Apartments.

PMG and Sarasota-based Floridays Development Co. are the property’s developers, while the architect is Sarasota-based Hoyt Architects.

Sage is building 16 condos in a four-story building at the 3.18-acre site. Prices start at $4 million.

The four-story Sage will have units that range from 3,950 to 4,250 square feet. Each residence will have 12-foot ceilings, 8-foot entry doors, floor-to-ceiling windows, marble and wood flooring, Italian cabinetry, multiple parking spaces in their garages and a private elevator.

Sage plans to create 39 parking spots.

In the fall, Sun N Sea, Inc. sold the 3.4-acre resort for $13.25 million.

Completion of Sage is expected in 2022.

Town Center stage

The town-owned site at 600 Bay Isles Road is getting a long-anticipated, 50-foot-wide stage.

In December, Town Commissioners approved calling the to-be-built centerpiece of the Town Center Green the Karon Family Pavilion. Residents Paul and Sarah Karon are donating $500,000 to the Longboat Key Foundation to fund the structure’s construction.

Events planned at the Town Center site will operate around stage construction.

If all goes according to plan, the new stage could be ready in time for next year’s snowbird season.

Crosswalk improvements

The Florida Department of Transportation is planning to bring two new styles of crosswalks in the next two years to Gulf of Mexico Drive. The state wants to monitor before and after peak-season results by:

Adding in-roadway lighting at GMD and Longboat Club Road near the Country Club Shores IV North entrance. FDOT said it would cost about $76,800 for construction, which could start this fiscal year.

Replacing an existing rectangular rapid flashing beacon with a new pedestrian hybrid beacon at GMD at Bayfront Park. FDOT said it would cost about $352,500 for construction, which could start in fiscal year 2023.

While the proposed crosswalk near Bayfront Park would have red lights to get cars to stop for pedestrians crossing the street, the lights in front of the Country Club Shores IV North entrance would remain yellow.

In October, FDOT Senior Project Manager Walter Breuggeman explained why rectangular rapid flashing beacons can’t use red lights. Breuggeman said RRFBs are a proprietary product to serve as an advanced warning to drivers to yield to pedestrians.

A switch to a red-light system would require changing out the town’s six RRFB crosswalks to a pedestrian hybrid beacon system, which was formerly known as high-intensity activated crosswalk, or HAWK system.

The town of Longboat Key has six RRFB pedestrian crossings along GMD:

Design work is also underway for a proposed roundabout at GMD and Broadway Street.

In January, the Manatee County Commission plans to consider contributing $150,000 for the design of the Broadway roundabout project. If Manatee County commissioners vote against the measure, the town would have to pay for the entire design cost of about $300,000.

St. Regis Hotel and Residences win final approval on Longboat Key

After more than a decade and tens of millions of dollars in attorney fees, the St. Regis Hotel and Residences earned a final unanimous vote and construction will begin on Monday, Oct. 25.

The Longboat Key Town Commission took about four hours last Wednesday to render a unanimous decision to allow 69 condominium residences and a 166-room hotel to be built with a cadre of amenities on 17.6 acres that sprawl along the Gulf of Mexico on the south end of Longboat Key.

“This has been the longest approval process, and by far the most complicated and costly, but in the end it will be the crowning achievement for our company,” said Unicorp President Chuck Whittall after the vote.

Whittall told Longboat Key News before the meeting he had adjusted the plans to quell concerns raised by commissioners last month that there was not adequate parking allocated to the hotel even though there was more than enough parking to meet the requirements for the entire site. Whittall also had to face worries that a proposed Monkey Bar, which is a tiki-like bar paying homage to the former Colony Beach and Tennis Resort, was too close to the erosion control line. A couple of commissioners also worried that a proposed event pavilion needed to be relocated landward.

Whittall solved the parking issue by incorporating vehicle lifts that will allow stacking of cars and take no more than 30 seconds to raise or lower by valet staff.

Commissioners debated the minutia of the size and operation of the lifts, but in the end took staff’s recommendation that the proposal would now exceed the necessary parking required by town code. Whittall said at the meeting that in the future he may come back to add additional parking closer to Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Groundbreaking event

The official beginning of construction will take place on Monday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. when Whittall will host a groundbreaking event, marking the first positive sign of development since the former Colony Resort was closed more than 12 years ago.

The successful approval of the Outline Development Plan and Site Plan by the commission means Whittall can start site work next week when he said crews will begin removing old pipes and utilities, grade and level and prepare for construction footers.

Whittall said more than 60 percent of the project is sold with prices ranging from the high $2 million to almost $20 million for the penthouse units at the residences. Whittall announced last month to buyers under contract that he had to increase the sale price by 13 percent to help offset a steep increase in construction costs. Unicorp has contracted with Moss Construction, and Whittall said now the construction cost is more locked in.

The commission did allow for the construction of the tiki bar at its seaward location and reasoned that the amenity will be a signature asset to both the property and the town and an overall improvement of the plan. The event pavilion was not approved to be built closer to the Gulf than allowed by code.

Former Vice Mayor Ed Zunz was the only speaker who implored the commission to not approve the plan that day, but to continue the meeting for more information and discussion. That sentiment was countered by former Mayor Terry Gans who commented that, “If you go into every inch, every bolt and every grain of sand instead of the philosophy that should guide you on what is best for the town, then you will have squandered this most precious opportunity. To look deep down at the totality of what is there, that is what is significant. There always will be people who say we need more information and more time, but let’s not allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good,” said Gans.

Vice Mayor Mike Haycock said he believed that the tiki bar was part of the heritage of the site and he led the move to allow it at a more seaside location. The request by Whittall was to allow the construction of the Monkey Bar 108 feet from the erosion control line, instead of the 150-foot dictate in town code. The process Unicorp used to develop this site, allows departures from the strict confines of town code if the commission believes an overall improvement to the plan is rendered.

Mayor Ken Schneier agreed, and the tiki bar departure from code was allowed.

The commissioners with the exception of Penny Gold, were not in favor of allowing the event pavilion to encroach on the erosion control line.

In the end, the commissioners consolidated their votes to reflect a unanimous approval.

A Five-Star Halo

When Whittall came to the podium, he spoke of the halo effect, both economically and situationally in the destination marketplace that the St. Regis brand will have on Longboat Key. He told the commission that he and his company will retain ownership of the St. Regis Hotel and that a 50-year agreement is in place for the facility to be managed under the St. Regis flag. He added that he will own a penthouse in the unit, and he plans to put it in a trust for his daughter as a legacy asset not to be sold.

Mayor Ken Schneier who has witnessed the Colony decline and presided over the final votes said he was impressed and felt that “this is an incredible project that you have brought forward with an incredible amount of perseverance.”

Celebratory milestones for Longboat Key

Thanks to developer Chuck Whittall’s passion and perseverance and the Town Commission’s support, the Residences at St. Regis will mark a positive historic turning point for the town.

Oct. 20 and Oct. 25, 2021. Those two dates will be etched in the Longboat Key history books as two extraordinary, celebratory milestones. Together, those dates will stand as the final connecting links, bridging two eras of town history.

For the record, Oct. 20 was the day the Longboat Key Town Commission voted unanimously, 6-0, to give final approval to the development of the Residences at St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. And Monday, Oct. 25, marked the groundbreaking and official start of construction.

What made the latter all the more historic was the site: 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 17.6 iconic beachfront acres, for 54 years the home of famed Colony Resort and later Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

‘The magic that rests below the sand’

Katie Klauber Moulton, daughter of the late Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber and former president of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, spoke at Monday’s groundbreaking for the Residences at St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. Here are her closing remarks:

“Our ‘Beach Chic’ Colony filled a demand for its style of accommodation and service in its day. But what Sarasota and Longboat Key have been missing is a true ultra-luxury beachfront resort.

We are thrilled and proud that the next hospitality venture on this beautiful land will be just that!

Chuck [Whittall], thank you from all of our family, for tenaciously shepherding this exciting new life for an extraordinary piece of land that holds so many marvelous memories.

We know that, though the buildings and people will be new, the magic that rests below the sand will resonate within the St. Regis.

May you, your family and your extraordinary team that helped you to achieve this dream have at least half the fun that we did!

Though Dad is not here with us today, I know he is smiling from above and raising his own glass — likely filled with heaven’s greatest scotch — in celebration with us!

The commission’s vote and the roar of the earthmover together marked the final page and close of the book on two of the most illustrious characters in Longboat history — the Colony and its longtime force and visionary owner, Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber.

But the vote and groundbreaking also marked the start of a new era and new volume of Longboat history, with equally illustrious and colorful characters — the ultra-luxury St. Regis Resort and Residences and its owner, Chuck Whittall.

It must be fate. Whittall, founder and owner of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments, is a fitting successor to Klauber. He is Klauber-esque — in style and personality.

With his signature colorful sport jackets and shoes, like Klauber, he is a visionary, full of passion and seemingly boundless energy. He’s a dreamer and doer. He doesn’t give up. It took him eight-and-a-half years to get final approval for the St. Regis, fending off powerful opponents time after time. And he reaches for the stars.

Give him credit. As Katie Moulton Klauber, former president of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, said of Whittall Monday at the groundbreaking: “There are few souls on this earth who have the resolve needed to see this one through.”

Congratulations, Mr. Whittall. Congratulations to your team. Congratulations to the six Longboat commissioners who voted their approval. Congratulations to the former town commissioners, planning board members and town staff members who had a vote and a hand nudging this project to fruition.

It may be difficult for all of them to grasp the historical significance of what they did. But 10, 25, 50 years from now, assuming Whittall completes the development as envisioned, the St. Regis project is likely to rank among the three most significant turning points in town history — incorporation in 1955; Arvida Corp.’s development of the Longboat Key Club and Resort and Bay Isles in the 1970s; and now the St. Regis.

In the Colony’s heyday, its brand and reputation drew tennis buffs and others from around the world, fueling positive economic, social and philanthropic growth throughout the region. Surely, the St. Regis will continue that tradition.

At a time when strife and angst are widespread, the approval and start of construction are reasons to celebrate, be happy and feel a sense of optimism.

Thank you, Chuck Whittall. Thank you, town commissioners. Longboaters and Longboat Key needed this!

Longboat Keys St. Regis Project Has Begun

After almost nine years and $100 million dollars spent, the long-awaited St. Regis Residences and Hotel broke ground yesterday.

Roughly 100 guests huddled beneath an event tent to avoid rainy weather on the 17.6 acres where the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort once stood. After eight-and-a-half years and more than $100 million in legal wrangling, the five-star St. Regis Residences and Hotel project finally broke ground yesterday. (Check out a slideshow of what’s to come here.)

Michael Saunders of Michael Saunders & Company, Ken Schneier, the mayor of Longboat Key, and Katie Klauber, the former president and general manager of the Colony, among others, spoke to the crowd. All were happy to begin a new chapter for the sandy site where the Colony was demolished in 2018.

Charles Whittall, president of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments, stayed with the project despite numerous and costly setbacks. In fact, the groundbreaking hinged on an Oct. 20 meeting with the Town of Longboat Key Commissioners.

Whittall met with them Wednesday for what became the project’s final presentation. An over-allocation of parking for the residential portion and a deficit of 62 spaces for the hotel part of the project were addressed by adding 62 mechanical car lifts that will stack regular-sized cars above each other for a total of 298 spaces.

At a previous Longboat Key commissioners meeting on Oct. 12, commissioners voted unanimously to green light the site plan, minus the event pavilion, which was found to be too close to the erosion line, a line on the beachfront that designates private property from public land. (A 150-foot setback from the coastal erosion line is built into zoning code regulations to prevent potential damage caused by storms. Developers sought to build the pavilion roughly 79 feet from that line.)

“We’re now faced with complying with the setback code or to eliminating it altogether. We don’t know what we’ll do yet. We’ve packed in so many amenities and we don’t want to crowd that. It would have been a fixed, four-post, open air structure. But we can have a movable cabana for a single event when it’s not turtle season,” says Zack Justice, Unicorp’s Development Manager.

At the same meeting, a beachfront “Monkey Bar”—another nod to the Colony—was approved for a roughly 109-foot setback from the erosion line.

With such close proximity to the shore, Justice says the project will be include an underground vault dewatering system. “We have a retention area that will keep the water,” he says. “It’s like a huge underground box that has filters made of natural stone materials, and as water seeps through the ground, it collects it and filters it into safe drinking water that will be put into the ground.”

St. Regis Pops the cork on Longboat Key project

$800 million hotel and condo project kicks off with groundbreaking.

With the sound of pounding surf just over the dune a clattering earthmover nearby and drips of rain as a backdrop Monday, Chuck Whittall dispelled a notion that the morning groundbreaking at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive was simply a ceremonial social occasion.

The heavy machines in the background were actually on the job.  Unicorp National Developments Inc. received its first permit to begin ground preparations on the 17.6-acre beachfront site the week previous.

In short, work on the Residences at the St. Regis Longboat Key is underway, said Whittall, the CEO of Unicorp to the gathered crowd of family, friends, town officials, real estate figures and community leaders.

Speakers at the invitation-only groundbreaking event included Mayor Ken Schneier, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, Michael Saunders & Co. CEO Michael Saunders and Katie Moulton Klauber, daughter of legendary hotelier Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber, owner of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

The project, worth about $800 million, is expected to conclude in 2024. Whittall told the invited guests that about a year from now, the roof should be completed on the first building.

Town of Longboat Key Commissioners gave their final OK to the site plan and a planned-unit development application last week in a special meeting. The approval brought to a close nearly a decade of angst prompted by the closure of the Colony on the property and a string of legal and procedural slowdowns that set back the eventual groundbreaking by years.

“This is going to be the town center for Longboat Key,” Whittall said. “This is where kids are going to have weddings on the beach. This is where retirement parties, Sunday brunches, festivals, gatherings are going to happen.”

Unicorp plans to develop 69 condo units and 166 hotel units along with restaurants and other public facilities, many of them open to the public. It’s been nearly three years since the buildings and other structures of the Colony resort were torn down on the land.

“I’m a real estate guy,” Whittall said. “I just wanted to buy the land to build a hotel. And then I learned about the history of it and came to appreciate the history of it and the memories that were made here. And so this isn’t really the end. It’s the beginning of a new place. The memories are going to be made. It’s going to be a great place. We’re going to have this beach named as the number one beach in America, because we’re going to have the right hotel on the property.”

Moulton, who was on hand with her brother Michael Klauber, congratulated Whittall on his achievement.

“Thank you from all of our family, for your tenacity, as it has been said already, shepherding this exciting new life for this extraordinary property that holds so many marvelous memories, ” she said.

Unicorp lines up $40 million in financing in Celebration, FL

Centennial Bank is providing a $40 million loan for Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s 127,277-square-foot, $100 million-plus Celebration Pointe mixed-use development.

The project, which is in Celebration near Interstate 4 and World Drive, kicked off construction in August and is expected to wrap up in roughly 12 months as a single phase, Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal.

The location has helped in drawing a mix of tenants and bringing momentum to leasing. “It’s hard to beat having that address, with World Drive, Celebration Avenue and Interstate 4 right there,” Whittall said.

Currently the project has roughly 15% to 20% of its space remaining for lease, with the largest tenants by space including a roughly 50,000-square-foot Publix supermarket and a roughly 10,000-square-foot Walgreens store. Tarpon Springs-based Hawkins Construction Inc. is the general contractor.

The mix of tenants and Unicorp’s past history of working with the bank helped seal the deal, Robby Barrows, a commercial loan officer with Centennial Bank’s Winter Park office, who was involved in the deal, told OBJ. The move comes as the bank has seen a mix of ongoing retail development and paused projects.

“There are some approved projects out there that are paused,” Barrows said. “I think any issues with the supply chain [for materials] will impact when projects come back online.”

An entity tied to Unicorp purchased a 5.09-acre parcel at the site for $4.37 million and another roughly 16.45-acre parcel for $13.63 million on October 24, 2019, according to the Osceola County Property Appraiser. Both were purchased from an entity tied to Burbank, California-based The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS).

Meanwhile, CoStar Group (Nasdaq: CSGP) found that retail vacancies in Celebration are at 2.3%, compared to 4.3% for Orlando as a whole. “Low vacancies in Celebration have been aided by a three-year lull in spec retail development,” Erin Amon-Surlis, a senior market analyst with CoStar, told OBJ.

Rents in Celebration average over $30 per square foot, which is 30% higher than the average across Orlando, per CoStar. Annual rent growth in Celebration is around 4%, in line with metro Orlando’s growth.

Two unanimous approvals, Longboat gives St. Regis its final OK

Commissioners voted 6-0 on both an ordinance and a resolution on the proposed changes.

The Longboat Key Town Commission voted Wednesday to approve changes to the Residences at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort proposal.

Commissioners voted 6-0 on a planned-unit development proposal and the final site plan.

“It is going to be the nucleus of this town,” Unicorp National Developments CEO Chuck Whittall said.

Unicorp is planning to hold an invitation-only groundbreaking on Oct. 25.

“I think this is an incredible project that you’ve presented,” Mayor Ken Schneier said.

On Wednesday, commissioners approved a parking plan to add 62 mechanical vehicle lifts to the hotel’s valet garage, which increases total parking from 405 spaces to 468. Unicorp submitted the proposal to add the mechanical lifts on Oct. 12.

The reason was due to the allocation of parking between residential towers and the hotel tower.  The latest proposal calls for 299 parking spaces at the hotel and 169 spaces for the condos.

Town regulations required 107 residential spaces and 298 for the hotel. Unicorp’s original split was 169 residential spaces and 236 in the hotel.

“The hotel component meets the zoning code requirement,” Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said.

Town staff recommended approval of the revised parking plan. However, the town received additional paperwork on Wednesday morning.

Unicorp also requested for parking space size on the mechanical lifts to be smaller than what the Town Code allows. For the 62 mechanical lifts, the proposal calls for 9-foot-by-18-foot  ground-level parking spaces and a usable parking platform of not less than 7 feet by 13 feet.

Lawyer Brenda Patten said hotel employees would be the primary users of the lifts. She said the plan is to have four electrical boxes, which would operate the lifts.

On Oct. 6, the Town Commission had previously voted on a plan that called for 405 spaces, which is the minimum amount the town requires.

Unicorp plans to develop 69 condo units and 166 hotel units along with restaurants and other public facilities.

District 1 Commissioner Sherry Dominick did not participate in the Wednesday meeting because she is an employee of Michael Saunders & Co. The realty company is handling the sales of St. Regis condo units.

The Town Commission approved Unicorp’s request for a 41.7-foot waterfront setback for the proposed Monkey Bar, but denied the request for a 76.1-foot setback for the event pavilion.

The plan is for the Monkey Bar to sit 108.3 feet from the erosion control line. The town would normally require to be 150 feet.

No current commissioners were on the Town Commission in March 2018 for the initial St. Regis approval. However, Schneier, Vice Mayor Mike Haycock and At-Large Commissioner BJ Bishop previously considered the St. Regis proposal when each served on the Planning and Zoning Board.

St. Regis developers seek town approval ahead of groundbreaking

Following demolition, deals and deliberations, St. Regis project is on the verge of final approval. Here’s what to expect in the next two months.

While the property at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive has seemed downright dormant for nearly three years, activity in Town Hall is expected to pick up this month and next, with hearings related to  final consideration of Unicorp National Developments’ plans to build The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key.

The final building of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort was demolished in November 2018, and since then, developments have been limited to architectural drawing boards, courtrooms and title company closing rooms. But before concrete can pour, the town will have its say.

Even so, Unicorp is planned a formal, invitation only ground-breaking ceremony on Oct. 25, less than a week after the Town Commission could grant final OKs.

Here’s a look at whats ahead in September and October:

Town approval needed

The Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board has scheduled a special meeting for 9:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17 to hear the St. Regis application in dealing with several changes to what has already been approved.

The board will hear and make a recommendation to Town Commissioners.

The Town Commission is set to hold two quasi-judicial public hearings for the development on Oct. 6 and Oct. 20. If approvals are granted, building permits would follow.

What changed?

Specifically, Unicorp plans to reduce the number of residential units  from 78 to 69. Also, two of the 69 condominium units would  be available for occupancy for less than 30 consecutive calendar days or one calendar month, whichever is less.

Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall says he is hopeful the town will approve the changes to the St. Regis development so construction can begin on Oct. 25.

The development still plans to have 166 hotel rooms for a total of 235 units.

Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall said he didn’t realize changes were necessary until developers were well into the design process.

“Unfortunately, the town of Longboat Key makes you do your entire site plan completely before you can get an approval, so we had to do all of that,” Whittall said. “It’s kind of the cart before the horse, and once we got into the design, we realized we couldn’t fit that many units on the property building the quality project we wanted to, so that’s why we scaled it back.”

Whittall said he is “hopeful” Longboat Key approves the changes to his plan.

Unicorp’s previous plans proposed 30 of the 69 residential units be authorized for use as either a residential unit or a tourism unit at the discretion of the individual owner.

“We ended up buying out all of the Colony unit owners, but eight of them I believe, and so we didn’t need as many of them to be available for rent,” Whittall said. “We agreed as part of our buyout that we would provide them essentially what they used to have.”

Unicorp is also proposing some changes to the height around elevator shafts on the roof and some levels of public-space occupancy.

The proposed changes call for a reduction in the number of parking spaces at the St. Regis site from 475 spaces to the town-required minimum of 405 spaces. Some 342 parking spaces will be underneath the building and 63 will be outside.

Whittall was not concerned with the town’s new rules for restaurant parking. As of June 2020, the town requires one parking space for every 150 square feet of floor area.

Sales have reached a point at which Unicorp National Developments can move ahead with construction.

“We have plenty of parking,” Whittall said. “That was not an issue for us.”

Sales progress

Whittall said Unicorp has sold 84% of its residential units, which has surpassed the developer’s goal to have 50% sold by the time construction started.

“We only have nine remaining and we’ve kind of taken them off the market for the time being,” Whittall said.

Whittall said Unicorp believes the value of the remaining residences will increase once construction starts.

Michael Saunders & Co. is handling the sales of the St. Regis’ residential units. Simon Bacon, the company’s Executive Director of Developments, said condo buyers have signed purchase agreements dictating the price they are paying, provided initial deposits and will pay further deposits as construction reaches benchmarks.

“At this exact moment in time, our role is really secondary and is to provide whatever support we can to Unicorp as they go through this final approval process,” Bacon said. “Our sales team is working really diligently to continue to communicate with the purchasers and what is going on so that they are kept fully abreast.”

St. Regis buyers are not responsible for paying property taxes until they officially close on the condos, Bacon said.

Prices for residential units started at $2 million. Once the project is completed, the site could add about $1.5 million in taxes to the town’s budget.

Pending approval from the P&Z Board and Town Commission, Unicorp is scheduled to break ground Oct. 25 on the St. Regis development.

1620 GMD no longer

The St. Regis site will get five new addresses, according to Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons.

The addresses will be 1561, 1581 and 1591 Gulf of Mexico Drive for the three proposed residential buildings.

The amenity building will have an address of 1571 Gulf of Mexico Drive and the hotel will have an address of 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The address of the current site is 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive. However, odd-numbered dressed are usually west of GMD and even-numbered addressed are on the east side of the street.

Years in the making

The 17.6-acre piece of land has sat vacant since November 2018 when crews demolished the last building of the former Colony site.

In January 2020, legal proceedings finished up to terminate the condominium association of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

“I thought it was going to take us two years to get through the legal mess, the legal challenges,” Whittall said. “It took us eight years to get through.”

Whittall acknowledged how people created many great memories at the old Colony site.

“We see the same thing happening again,” Whittall said. “It’s just, moving forward in time, it’s a newer development, but we’re still seeing the same type of clientele that used to attend will be going there.

“I’m sure we’ll have presidents staying there and celebrities and locals and people taking their kids, and I think the same type of people who used to go there will go there again.”

Earlier this month, Unicorp also began construction to build Marriott’s new 300,000-square-foot world headquarters in Orlando.

Marriott will also manage the Longboat Key site under the St. Regis banner.

Like a parent choosing between a favorite child, Whittall struggled to pick which project was more special to him.

“It’s going to be one of the most special, if not the most special (project I’ve worked on),” Whittall said. “To build a five-star luxury on the Gulf of Mexico on (17.6) acres on the beach, it’s going to be a legacy type of development,” Whittall said.

Bacon credited Whittall and the Unicorp team for making the St. Regis site a reality.

“It’s so difficult to compile a piece of land like this, but then to be able to match it with the St. Regis and its services and the resort, I hate to use the word, but it’s really a unicorn,” Bacon said.

Design Revealed for The St. Regis Longboat Key

SB Architects, an international architecture firm celebrated for creating spaces that capture the history, culture, and context of each location, reveals the design for The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort and Residences, a new resort community nestled in the beautiful white sands of the Gulf of Mexico. Situated on a barrier island outside of Sarasota, Florida, The St. Regis Longboat Key is scheduled to break ground in fall 2021 and will deliver luxury seaside living with the amenities and service of a world-class, five-star resort upon opening in spring 2024. Developed by Unicorp National Developments, the elegant 166-room resort and 69 private luxury condominiums will be distinguished both for the property’s architectural expression and the level of luxury that the St. Regis brand will bring to the locale. SB Architects is working alongside Hirsch Bedner Associates Miami (HBA), Marc-Michaels Interior Design, and Enea Landscape Design to bring the vision to life.

Comprised mostly of glass, the buildings feature clean lines, fine detailing, and soaring floor-to-ceiling windows that draw in natural light and showcase stunning coastal views.

An immersive experience begins the moment guests and residents arrive, as they enter through a canopy of jacaranda trees. Inside, an entry corridor enhances the view to the ocean through an immersive, barrel-vaulted digital ceiling, where ambient lighting reflects the sky’s spectacular sunset colors daily. Projectors display graceful birds across the ceiling intermittently, capturing a sense of movement and bringing the outdoor environment inside.

In addition to drawing inspiration from dance-like moments in nature, including the skillful flight of birds along the shore, the resort interiors by HBA honor Sarasota’s culture and history by gesturing toward the intersection of circus and dance. Sarasota is renowned for its performing arts – including The Sarasota Ballet – and for its circus heritage, owing to circus impresario John Ringling, who so loved Sarasota that he chose it for the winter quarters of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey. Showcasing a clean and natural palette of colors, the contemporary interiors leverage these local insights in subtle touches, such as rope-like chandeliers suspended from the ceiling; an oval-shaped ballroom inspired by aerial rings; and in the St. Regis Bar, a center feature latticed like a circus cage rising into the ceiling.

In the guestroom corridor, carpet patterns are reminiscent of local ocean currents while flowy drapes drawn over artworks and dramatic lighting add an element of theatrical surprise. Resort guestrooms and luxury residences offer unobstructed views of the ocean, with glass railings creating seamless connections between the outdoor living spaces and natural surroundings. Guestrooms feature wood paneling in the living area and subtle touches of color. Careful layering of materials, such as ceiling paneling with wood grain on the underside of the exterior balconies, complements the natural palette in the interiors and adds a sense of warmth to the architectural expression.

The resort features a 20,000 square foot St. Regis Signature Spa, a salt-water lagoon with live fish and sea life, and an open-air Sunset Bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, in addition to a meandering drift stream, heated infinity edge pool, beachside event lawns, and business meeting facilities. The private condominiums – ranging from approximately 1,500 to nearly 6,000 square feet – comprise three six-story buildings and offer residents access to the amenities at St. Regis Resort & Spa, in addition to their own dedicated private amenities, including a waterfront pool and spa with a privacy sundeck and Resident’s Clubhouse featuring a world-class Wellness Center with meditation and yoga studios. Each residence will feature expansive terraces – some with infinity edge plunge pools – and a secured private access elevator opening directly into the residence.

OBJ’s 2021 Fast 50

Congratulations to Orlando Business Journal‘s 2021 Fast 50, the fastest-growing companies headquartered in Central Florida.

The annual list recognizes 50 of fastest-growing private companies headquartered Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties. The firms are ranked based on their percentage of consistent three-year revenue growth between 2018 and 2020. This year’s listmakers include 14 newcomers. And Covid-19 hasn’t made it easy for these firms, as so many businesses have closed, suffered declined sales and/or had to let go of workers due to the pandemic.

Information for the fastest-growing companies list was supplied by individual companies through surveys, and not all local companies responded to our inquiries. No third-party submissions are accepted for the Fast 50 list. To participate, companies must be at least 51% privately held and headquartered in Central Florida with all corporate functions originating at this location. Companies cannot be a subsidiary of another company, or have private equity investors with more than 51% of the ownership located outside of Central Florida.

Here are this year’s 50 fastest-growing companies, listed in alphabetical order:

2021 Fast 50

  • American Pools & Spas Inc.
  • Armstrong Air & Heating Inc.
  • Atrium Management Co.
  • Avex Homes
  • Bellavista Building Group Inc.
  • Blue Cord Design & Construction LLC
  • Catapult Print & Packaging
  • Charlan • Brock • Architects
  • Concepta Technologies LLC
  • Construct Two Construction Managers Inc.
  • CPH Inc.
  • D&A Window Cleaning Services Inc.
  • Design Interactive Inc.
  • Diversified Window Solutions Inc.
  • Drummond Carpenter PLLC
  • DynaFire LLC
  • Engineering & Computer Simulations Inc.
  • FBC Mortgage LLC
  • Fla-Cat | Florida Catastrophe Corp.
  • Florida Paints & Coatings
  • Foster Conant & Associates Inc.
  • The Gainsborough Group Inc.
  • HealthCare Support Staffing
  • HomeCare Connect Inc.
  • IMG Enterprises Inc.
  • Insurance Office of America Inc.
  • Integrass LLC
  • Knight Federal Solutions Inc.
  • Kolter Solutions
  • McCree General Contractors & Architects
  • Moss, Krusick & Associates LLC
  • Mullinax Ford of Central Florida
  • Quick Response Fire Protection
  • Ramski & Co.
  • Randall
  • The Realty Medics
  • Rhodes+Brito Architects Inc.
  • Roger B. Kennedy Construction
  • Scott + Cormia Architecture + Interiors
  • Seal Shield LLC
  • Sihle Insurance Group
  • SunPower by esaSolar
  • Synergy Settlement Services
  • Teeming Vacation Rentals LLC
  • Unicorp National Developments Inc.
  • V3 Capital Group
  • Walker & Co. Inc.
  • Waste Pro USA Inc.
  • Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers Inc.
  • Wharton-Smith Inc.

The Fast 50 rankings will be revealed and top honorees will be recognized in the Sept. 24-30, 2021, weekly edition of OBJ. Be sure to come back for more.

Here’s a Peek at the New Residences at St. Regis Longboat Key

Completion of the project, on the site of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, is slated for the spring of 2024.

After years of legal wrangling, the Residences at St. Regis Longboat Key is finally breaking ground on Oct. 25.

“There was tons of legal stuff in the background, and we’ve been working on this for eight-and-a-half years, so we’re excited,” says Charles Whittall, CEO of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments, the company spearheading the project.

The property will include a 166-room luxury hotel and three six-story residential buildings containing 69 luxury condominiums, with prices starting in the $2 millions. Eighteen one- to four-bedroom floor plans are available, many with sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico.

St. Regis is part of Marriott International’s portfolio of luxury brands, and residents will be able to access resort amenities at the adjacent St. Regis Resort & Spa. Other perks  for homeowners include multiple swimming pools and a spa,wellness center, butler and concierge services, daily housekeeping, on-site pet grooming and chef services, and Bentley and chauffeur service.

Since sales kicked off during the fall of last year, roughly 80 percent of the residences have sold, according to Simon Bacon, executive director of the new homes and condominium department for Michael Saunders & Company, which is representing the developer. To date, total sales amount to more than $300 million.

One unit is under contract for $20 million. It technically comprises two units in size and is a “fully customized build,” says Bacon. “The buyers came in early enough to accommodate it.”

Whittall also pointed out that since project inception, building prices have increased due to national spikes in material prices and labor shortages. Due to demand, prospective buyers may have to wait before purchasing one of the handful of units remaining. “Because of the overwhelming response, we’ve slowed sales down until groundbreaking,” Bacon says. That’s scheduled for Oct. 25, with completion in the spring of 2024.

The 17.6-acre site was the longtime home of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, which for decades was an internationally renowned vacation destination and a favorite spot for locals. The Colony closed in 2010 after a lengthy legal battle. It was demolished in 2019.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide: Breaks Ground on New Headquarters

ORLANDO, Fla. – August 10, 2021 – Today, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: VAC) broke ground at the location of their new global corporate headquarters. Marriott Vacations Worldwide was joined by Central Florida leaders from other organizations playing a part in the continued development of Southwest Orange County, including Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments, Inc., Apopka-based Finfrock, and JLL. The event was held at the proposed new City Center at O-Town West, fronting Interstate 4 and Daryl Carter Parkway. The project is being developed by Unicorp with Finfrock as the contractor, and JLL represented both Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Unicorp in the leasing agreement for the building.

‘Breaking ground here today represents our continued commitment to being a leader in the Central Florida business community,’ said Stephen P. Weisz, chief executive officer of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. ‘We are excited to provide our world-class associates with an innovative and modern office space with up-to-date technology, while putting them in the heart of an exciting new mixed-use development with stores, restaurants and entertainment.’

‘O-Town West continues to boom and Unicorp is excited to be breaking ground on Marriott Vacations Worldwide’s global headquarters. It is going to be one of the most special corporate headquarters on the East Coast incorporating many green initiatives combined with futuristic technology. We appreciate our relationship with the MVW team and look forward to having our corporate headquarters side by side with them at The City Center at O-Town West in the very near future,’ said Unicorp president Charles ‘Chuck’ Whittall.

The new headquarters will be a nearly 300,000 square foot, nine story, state-of-the-art building with the capacity to hold 1,500 associates. Projected move-in date for the new headquarters is Spring or Summer of 2023.

About Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation is a leading global vacation company that offers vacation ownership, exchange, rental and resort and property management, along with related businesses, products and services. The company has nearly 120 resorts and approximately 700,000 Owners and Members in a diverse portfolio that includes seven vacation ownership brands. It also includes exchange networks and membership programs comprised of nearly 3,200 resorts in over 90 nations, as well as management of more than 160 other resorts and lodging properties. As a leader and innovator in the vacation industry, the Company upholds the highest standards of excellence in serving its customers, investors and associates while maintaining exclusive, long-term relationships with Marriott International, Inc. and Hyatt Hotels Corporation for the development, sales and marketing of vacation ownership products and services. For more information, please visit marriottvacationsworldwide.com.

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OBJ’s 2021 Golden 100, Central Florida’s top private companies

Orlando Business Journal continues its long-standing tradition of honoring Central Florida’s best as we congratulate the 2021 Golden 100 Listmakers.

Although businesses throughout the region have faced financial hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s important to celebrate Central Florida’s economic growth.

This year’s list of top local privately held companies — ranked by most recent year-end revenue — represent a variety of industries, including construction, real estate, restaurants, technology and manufacturing. Additionally, several are local minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses.

Information for the Golden 100 list was supplied by individual companies through surveys, and not all local companies responded to our inquiries.

To qualify, companies must be physically headquartered in Orange, Seminole, Osceola or Lake counties; be willing to allow OBJ to publish annual revenue; be at least 51% privately-owned and operated; cannot be a subsidiary of another company; and majority owners must reside in one of the four Central Florida counties. Companies with private equity partners owing more than 49% are not eligible.

See below for this year’s Golden 100, in alphabetical order:

  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse
  • A. Duda & Sons Inc.
  • Aagaard-Juergensen LLC
  • Air Flow Designs Inc.
  • Amazon Hose & Rubber Co.
  • American Pools & Spas Inc.
  • Armstrong Air & Heating Inc.
  • Avex Homes
  • Axios Construction Services
  • Baker Barrios Architects Inc.
  • Bellavista Building Group Inc.
  • Birchmier Construction Inc.
  • Blue Cord Design & Construction LLC
  • Boston Lobster Feast Inc.
  • Carroll Bradford Inc.
  • Catapult Print & Packaging
  • Charlan • Brock • Architects
  • Collis Roofing Inc.
  • Comprehensive Energy Services Inc.
  • Consolidated Minerals Inc.
  • Construct Two Construction Managers Inc.
  • CPH Inc.
  • Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers and Planners
  • DACG Inc.
  • Data Graphics Inc.
  • Design Interactive Inc.
  • DiPasqua Enterprises Inc.
  • Diversified Window Solutions Inc.
  • DRMP Inc.
  • DynaFire LLC
  • Energy Air Inc.
  • Engineering & Computer Simulations Inc.
  • Engineering Support Personnel Inc.
  • FBC Mortgage LLC
  • Ferran Services & Contracting Inc.
  • Finfrock
  • Florida Paints & Coatings
  • The Gainsborough Group Inc.
  • HealthCare Support Staffing
  • Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock/Architects Inc. (HHCP)
  • HGR Construction Inc.
  • HomeCare Connect Inc.
  • HuntonBrady Architects
  • Imagine Believe Realize LLC
  • IMG Enterprises Inc.
  • Insurance Office of America Inc.
  • Integrass LLC
  • J. Raymond Construction Corp.
  • Jack Jennings & Sons Inc.
  • Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
  • JK2 Construction
  • Johnson-Laux Construction LLC
  • Kavaliro
  • Keator Construction LLC
  • Knight Federal Solutions Inc.
  • Kolter Solutions
  • Lawton Connect
  • MacroBaby
  • Mader Southeast
  • Massey Services Inc.
  • Mateer & Harbert PA
  • McCree General Contractors & Architects
  • Moss, Krusick & Associates LLC
  • Mullinax Ford of Central Florida
  • Multicom Inc.
  • Paramount Hospitality Management/Manzie Hospitality Group
  • Park Square Enterprises LLC
  • Parkway Property Investments
  • Quality First Builders LLC
  • Quick Response Fire Protection
  • R.C. Stevens Construction Co.
  • Randall
  • RB Marks Construction Inc.
  • Rhodes+Brito Architects Inc.
  • RLH Construction LLC
  • Roger B. Kennedy Construction
  • Rosen Hotels & Resorts
  • S.A. Casey Construction Inc.
  • SchenkelShultz Architecture
  • Scott + Cormia Architecture + Interiors
  • Seal Shield LLC
  • Seretta Construction Inc.
  • Sihle Insurance Group
  • Software Resources
  • Sonny’s Franchise Co.
  • Southeastern Realty Group Inc.
  • SunPower by esaSolar
  • Synergy Settlement Services
  • Teeming Vacation Rentals LLC
  • Tri-City Electrical Contractors Inc.
  • Unicorp National Developments Inc.
  • Walker & Co. Inc.
  • Waste Pro USA Inc.
  • Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers Inc.
  • WeCare tlc
  • Welbro Building Corp.
  • Westgate Resorts Inc.
  • Wharton-Smith Inc.
  • Wiginton Corp.
  • Worswick Group Holdings LLC

The Golden 100 companies’ rankings will be revealed and the top honorees will be recognized in the Sept. 24-30, 2021, weekly edition of OBJ. Be sure to come back for more.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. breaks ground near Disney

Steve Weisz thought today would have happened a year ago.

However, after delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the CEO of of Orlando-based public timeshare company Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. (NYSE: VAC) broke ground on the company’s nine-story, 300,000-square-foot future headquarters on Aug. 10 near Palm Parkway and Daryl Carter Boulevard.

The headquarters will bring together 1,500 employees of the third-largest public company based in Orlando at a time when firms are rethinking their physical office space after nearly two years of working from home during the pandemic. The company is also the anchor tenant in the $1 billion-plus, mixed-use O-Town West project.

The project is the largest single office space currently under construction in Orlando, a positive sign for the real estate market that’s showing signs of recovery from the pandemic. The construction work is expected to wrap up in 2023.

Weisz told OBJ a physical office space is critical for his firm’s future. “The whole sense of collaboration is lost when you do things virtually. You miss the sidebar conversations and the learning transfer when you’re in a physical presence.”

Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. is the project’s developer. President Chuck Whittall told OBJ he secured a $100 million loan this morning to start construction on the site. The project also will be the future headquarters to Unicorp.

Apopka-based Finfrock is the project’s general contractor, Orlando-based HuntonBrady Architects is the architect and Conway, Arkansas-based Centennial Bank is the lender.

Still, the deal to build Marriott Vacations Worldwide’s headquarters faced uncertainty during the pandemic, which resulted in millions of people across the nation and world working from home. Some companies downsized while others have abandoned the office altogether.

The office deal to relocate Marriott Vacations Worldwide was signed in January 2020 just months before Covid-19 caused offices to shutter.

However, things are looking up for Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and the company’s stock hit an all-time high in March 2021 as travel rebounded. In addition, the company’s two largest markets, Orlando and Hawaii, saw occupancy in line or exceeding June 2019 levels, Weisz said on a second-quarter earnings call on July 29.

“This should be our grand opening ceremony,” said John Geller, president and chief financial officer of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. “Obviously Covid had different plans.”

New O-Town West destination causing lots of buzz in Dr. Phillips

A new shopping, dining, and entertainment destination called O-Town West is causing lots of excitement in the Dr. Phillips area of Southwest Orlando.

The openings of White Castle and Portillo’s are just the beginning said developer Chuck Whittall, president Unicorp National Developments, Inc. He explained that the 350 acres that surround those two restaurants will be the next big destination, featuring restaurants, retail and luxury living.

“We’re gonna have a hotel there. We’ve got 1,300-1,400 apartments. We’re building high-end apartments,” Whittall added. “Lots of restaurants, retail  businesses.”

Places like Wawa, Flippers, Jersey Mikes, Cold Stone Ice Cream, and Publix will be built. Even Marriott Vacations Corp. will be opening its headquarters here.

“I think it’s going to be a new destination for the SW side of town. That’s why we branded it O-Town,” Whittal said.

“It’s interesting because every time we come here there’s all new stuff that’s being built,” said Ocala resident Joan Kohl.

The land off Daryl Carter Parkway and Palm Parkway is located by a new high school and middle school. It’s one mile away from the upcoming Interstate 4 interchange to be built in 2022.

“The market’s growing. The I-4 expansion was in process. They’re putting in a new interchange in – we believe it’s going to be successful from locals because Daryl Carter Parkway goes into the neighborhoods. We feel it’s the exit before Disney so it’s going to do well with tourists.”  Whittall said, adding that it will also create thousands of jobs, at all levels.

 

Full Video: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/building-of-new-o-town-west-destination-causing-lots-of-excitement

 

Watch FOX 35 News for the latest Central Florida headlines.

Trez Capital Supplies $75M Loan for Florida Luxury Apartments

Unicorp National Developments has inked $75.2 million of construction financing to build a luxury apartment complex in Sarasota, Fla., Commercial Observer can first report.

Trez Capital provided the loan, which will fund the 354-unit SOTA 75 project in Sarasota’s Lakewood Ranch community. Ben Jacobson, vice president at Orlando-based Trez, originated the loan from the company’s Palm Beach office.

“Like most cities in Florida, Sarasota is seeing strong demand for quality housing, especially in Lakewood Ranch that has been booming for the last decade-plus,” Jacobson said in a statement. “Our borrower has a very strong record delivering award-winning apartments throughout the state.”

Located at 2301 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, SOTA 75 will feature two- and four-story buildings with detached garages consisting of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Planned amenities include a resort-style pool, outdoor fitness center, resident lounge and detached garages. It will be located within the 31,000-acre Lakewood Ranch planned community, which has a population of around 42,000 residents.

Officials for Unicorp did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The SOTA 75 development adds to the growing number of multifamily projects that Trez has financed throughout Florida. It supplied a $65.7 million construction loan for a 293-unit, mid-rise rental project in Dania Beach, Fla., last month called Elevate Apartments; and, in February, Trez lent $70 million for Block 40, a 273-unit rental building in Hollywood, Fla.

“We are focused on areas that are growth-oriented with a strong business focus,” Brett Forman, Trez’s executive managing director, Eastern U.S., said in a statement. “It is important that we look at the needs of the whole community when we evaluate opportunities and Southwest Florida continues to be strong in all development areas.”

Sector Surge

Continued population in-migration and strong metrics are pushing apartment development and investment to new heights along the Gulf Coast.

Despite continued COVID-19-related uncertainties and questions about economic sustainability, apartment developers and investors along the Gulf Coast are surging ahead with new projects and purchases.

As the pandemic continues to be brought under control in Florida, multifamily rental developers are proceeding with a slew of new offerings throughout the region — projects that will result in thousands of new units.

“The market along the Gulf Coast of Florida is very strong right now, and multifamily rentals in general have been the beneficiary of COVID-19-influenced in-migration into the state,” says Keith Gelder, president of Stock Luxury Apartment Living, which has built upscale apartment complexes in Naples and Fort Myers.

The division of Naples-based Stock Development has projects either under construction or planned in Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Naples, Estero and Wesley Chapel, which will deliver roughly 1,600 units.

“That in-migration has increased rents and lowered vacancies, which then has a ripple effect on new product,” Gelder adds.

The company’s 300-unit Citria complex in Sarasota, part of a 50-acre mixed-use development under construction, illustrates the trend.

Typically, Stock will sign 20 or 25 leases per month on a new project when marketing begins, Gelder says. At Citria, the company signed more than 100 leases in its first month of marketing.

“It shows the level of demand and the lack of availability,” Gelder says.

At the same time, investors are collectively pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into apartment acquisitions, property records show.

Irvine, California-based Passco Cos. is one such active investor. Last month, the company spent $92.9 million to buy the 338-unit Altis Promenade complex in Lutz.

The community, which features a series of four-story buildings developed by Boca Raton-based Altman Cos., was completed last year.

“The property is as elegant as it gets,” says Colin Gillis, vice president of acquisitions at Passco. “It’s over-amenitized and it has something for everyone: an unbelievable swimming pool, game rooms, gardens, over-the-top fitness center and a killer playground.

“It’s in a suburban area with good schools, and its access to Westshore is unrivaled,” Gillis adds. “Altis Promenade is, I’d have to say, the crown jewel of our Tampa-area portfolio.”

In all, Passco owns a handful of projects from Tampa to Sarasota. Statewide, its portfolio contains 15 apartment properties.

The Gulf Coast developments and the buying spree come in response to ongoing stellar in-migration and job growth data through Central and Southwest Florida, and to single-family home price hikes that have outpaced inflation and wage growth.

The influx of new residents and the widening home affordability gap, in turn, have pushed apartment vacancies down to historically low numbers in the Tampa Bay area, especially, and rental growth rates to record highs.

At Altis Promenade, for instance, occupancy is at 98%, Gillis says.

Additionally, apartment projects are increasingly attractive to buyers because they tend to be better hedges against inflation than many other investments or real estate classes, experts say.

In the first half of this year, for instance, the average multifamily rental vacancy in Tampa fell below 5% for the first time ever, pushed along by the absorption of more than 5,000 units in the first six months of 2021, according to data collected by commercial real estate research firm CoStar Group.

At the same time, buoyed by that first-half performance and demand outpacing supply, rental rates in Tampa rose by 15% during the second quarter ended June 30, CoStar notes — the highest amount in the U.S. and a percentage that far outpaces the national average.

“Rents have been moving like crazy in Tampa,” Gillis says.

Those fundamentals, in turn, have drawn developers eager to capitalize on the trendlines.

Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. has nine multifamily rental projects underway, including a 354-unit complex in Lakewood Ranch.

Sota 75, which is being financed with a $75.2 million construction loan from Trez Capital, like Citria is part of a larger, mixed-use development, Southwood Village.

Unicorp expects to complete the complex around the end of next year.

“The state of Florida is very strong right now from a multifamily rental demand perspective,” says Chuck Whittall, Unicorp’s president and CEO. “Apartments are a very big part of our business and they’re very good investments.”

Passco is one of many companies that have either entered the Gulf Coast market or added to their portfolios regionally of late.

The Praedium Group, of New York, last month purchased the Crest at Bonita Springs complex in Lee County with a $69.95 million investment. The 264-unit project, completed late last year two miles north of Naples, contains seven garden-style buildings.

“What used to be considered ‘snowbird’ cities have now proven themselves to be year-round destinations that have attracted residents because of the higher quality of life and lower cost of living,” says Chris Hughes, a Praedium Group principal and its co-chief investment officer.

Elsewhere in Bonita Springs, Naples-based TerraCap Management recently acquired the Versol Apartments, a 240-unit complex completed in 2019, for $70.35 million, and in Naples, an affiliate of New York’s Blackstone Group spent $80.5 million to buy the Milano Lakes apartments. That 296-unit community was completed in 2018, records show.

Gelder says much of the development and investment interest derives from a continued and growing number of “renters by choice” — primarily empty-nesters and seasonal residents who favor the amenities and carefree lifestyle apartments offer.

“As a result, the pool of renters is expanding,” says Gelder. “Multifamily has proven to be a very resilient asset class, and COVID-19 only accentuated that. It’s why we believe in apartments as a sector for the long term.”

Stock Luxury’s current pipeline of projects will keep the firm in development through at least the end of 2023, he says.

Passco’s Gillis also believes in the long-term sustainability of the multifamily rental market along the Gulf Coast.

“The greater Tampa area is my favorite place in the state to look for apartment projects,” Gillis says. “Everything is firing on all cylinders there right now, all the metrics. And best of all, I think it’s got a long way left to run.”

NYBP expanding to Southtowns — and way further south, to Orlando

The New York Beer Project is expanding again with plans for two more locations, including one in Orchard Park and another a bit further south.

A location in Winter Park, Fla., an Orlando suburb, has been under development since early 2020 and is projected to open in March. It’s part of a $49 million retail center called the Mark at Horizon West, a project by Florida developer Unicorp National Developments Inc. That will be followed in 2023 with the Orchard Park site — NYBP-OP — at Sterling Park on a nine-acre wooded parcel off Windward Road off Route 219, about a mile away from Highmark Stadium. Other companies in the park include Mentholatum, Bryant & Stratton College and several medical offices.

Kelly Krupski, who co-owns NYBP with husband Kevin, said the Florida site is one of 10 concepts planned for the development, which will serve a community of about 40,000 people who have few dining options outside of tourist spots surrounding Walt Disney World.

“We feel like just like with Lockport and Victor, there were a lot of people that kind of needed us, a place to gather after work for a beer,” she said. “We’re there not as much for the tourists as we’re there for the hard-working people who live there.”

Plans in Winter Park call for a buildout costing $2 million to $3 million for the 24,000-square-foot restaurant with a brewery, taproom, gastropub and three second-floor private events space.

That’s even bigger than the company’s flagship site at 6933 S. Transit Road in Lockport, where the Krupskis opened their 17,000-square-foot, 120-seat gastropub/microbrewery in 2015. A second beer hall in the Rochester suburb of Victor followed in 2019 near the Eastview Mall.

Krupski said the banquet rooms at the new spot will be themed to reflect New York City, including a botanical garden room, a room replicating the Rainbow Room; and the third with a décor reminiscent of a barn on the Hudson River, offering a more rustic space.

What makes the upstairs banquet space even more unique is the view: The space overlooks the nightly fireworks at Disney. Krupski, who leases a condo nearby, says she’s a big fan of founder Walt Disney, and has chronicled his life and success that led to the growth of the City of Orlando.

“I’m a fanatic of his,” she said.

She’s also a fan of the workforce that makes all that magic happen, and that’s the customer base she hopes to target at the new space.

“We just came back yesterday, and so many people were excited when you walk around with a New York Beer Project T-shirt, so the buzz is there,” she said.

St. Regis developer hopes to start construction by October

Construction was initially supposed to start in July.

Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall wishes construction could start sooner on The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.

The Orlando-based developer’s initial plans had called for a July groundbreaking.

“It’s extremely disappointing,” Whittall said. “We’ve been working on this project for eight and a half years and I would love to have gotten it in this session.”

Whittall said he hopes construction can start in October. On Monday, Whittall said crews would be ready to start work in four weeks if the town had already approved the proposed changes.

The Longboat Key Town Commission is set to take its annual summer recess following the July 2 regular meeting. Commissioners are not set to meet again until Sept. 13.

“We are finally at the point where we’re ready to start this and the changes that we’re making are very, very, very minor, but they still have to go to the commission,” Whittall said.

First, the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board has set a special meeting date for Sept. 17 to hear the St. Regis amendment application. If the P&Z Board approves the proposal, it will then appear before the Town Commission.

Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said the Town Commission would likely schedule its own special meetings for October.

“The staff sense is that this probably ought to be on its own agenda,” Town Manager Tom Harmer told commissioners on June 21. “It’s a big enough project, and in the past, it’s been held as a single item.”

In May, Unicorp and engineering consultants Kimley-Horn finalized a 552-page application about the proposed changes.

Specifically, Unicorp plans to reduce the number of residential units at the facility from 78 to 69 units. Also, two of the 69 units in the condominium portion of the property would be available for occupancy for less than 30 consecutive calendar days or one calendar month, whichever is less.

The development still plans to have 166 hotel rooms for a total of 235 units.

Unicorp is also proposing some changes to height around elevator shafts on the roof and some levels of public-space occupancy.

“What we’re doing is non-controversial,” Whittall said. “They’re minor changes.”

In April, town commissioners approved Town Attorney Maggie Mooney’s request to have special legal counsel serve town staff as it deals with the proposed changes to the St. Regis development. Jennifer Cowan with the Tampa-based law firm of Bryant Miller Olive is set to fill in for Mooney as it pertains to the St. Regis public hearings.

Retaining Cowan allows Mooney to avoid any potential conflict of interest. Harmer said the town had also hired outside counsel when commissioners approved Unicorp’s initial plan in March 2018.

Unicorp will own the 17.6-acre property at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, and the Marriott & Co. will manage it under the St. Regis banner.

Whittall said Unicorp has sold 80% of its residential units, which has surpassed the developer’s goal to have 50% sold by the time construction started.

Units range from about 1,500 square feet to nearly 6,000 and from one bedroom, one-and-one-half baths to four bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths.

“I would hope the town is excited to see this project underway,” Whittall said.

Construction continues at The Mark in Horizon West

Horizon West’s newest shopping center is well underway, with many tenants scheduled to receive their keys within the next few months.

Just a mile from the brand-new Horizon High School, a new shopping center in Horizon West’s Village F is well underway — and developer Unicorp will soon start handing over the reins to its tenants.

Located at the corner of Seidel Road and Seton Creek Boulevard, The Mark at Horizon West shopping center has been in the works for a couple of years now. It’s one of many projects that Unicorp has developed in the area over the years. Unicorp also developed the Westside Shoppes in Horizon West’s Lakeside Village, the ICON Park Orlando complex and O-Town West in Southwest Orange County.

“The Mark offers a versatile retail neighborhood center encompassing 21 acres in Winter Garden,” according to Unicorp staff. “This ideal property is situated just 5 miles from Disney’s Magic Kingdom and experiences traffic from the 10,000 residential units within 1 mile and 40,000 residential units within 3 miles.”

The Mark comprises more than 112,000 square feet of retail and restaurants on property that once belonged to the Walt Disney World Company, according to Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp.

The Mark includes 10 buildings or pads ranging in size from the smallest at 2,525 square feet to the largest — a multi-story restaurant building with 14,200 square feet on the first floor, 6,200 square feet on the second floor and a 5,000-square-foot enclosed rooftop.

That building will be home to one of the highlights for the shopping center — New York Beer Project — a destination brewery that currently operates locations in Lockport and Victor, New York. The brewery took over the building that once was supposed to house organic grocer Earth Fare. Unicorp was scheduled to turn over the shell of the building to New York Beer Project on June 15. It’s estimated the brewery will be completed in mid-March 2022.

Along with New York Beer Project, there are several other new businesses filling out the shopping center. Most tenant turnover is scheduled to take place throughout the summer and into fall, although tenants will still need time to complete buildout before they can open.

Those businesses include 7-Eleven, AT&T, AdventHealth Centra Care, Heartland Dental, Horizon West Barber Shop, Huey Magoo’s, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Kenpo Karate Chophouse, Papa John’s Pizza, PCG Artisanal Burgers, Piccolinos Haircuts, Starbucks, The Learning Experience, Top Star Surfaces, Urban Cocoon Nail Salon, Walgreens and Winter Garden Liquors.

Although much of the retail and restaurant space has been leased, there still are five vacancies, according to The Mark’s most recent leasing information.

For more on leasing opportunities, contact Leasing Director Taylor Coan at (407) 405-2936.

New office and commercial construction in the works near downtown Winter Garden

Winter Garden land along Colonial Drive may soon transform into commercial space as the fast-growing city continues to expand west.

Applicant RCE Consultants LLC discussed with the city of Winter Garden on June 9 a plan to transform 4.3 acres at 14909 W. Colonial Drive into roughly 41,900 square feet of office and other commercial space, according to Winter Garden records obtained by Orlando Business Journal through a records request. A project cost estimate wasn’t known.

Representatives with RCE Consultants weren’t available for comment.

Albert and Debra Bori bought the property for $960,000 in April 2004, Orange County records show. Reliable Development Corp Inc. was the seller. The property’s current market value is $1.2 million, according to the Orange County Property Appraiser.

Why new development

The city of Winter Garden has seen new construction of homes as Central Florida’s population grows — and that growth is moving westward toward Oakland and Clermont.

For example, Orlando-based developer Unicorp National Developments Inc. is building its 342-unit Avenue at Oakland project northeast of Oakland Avenue and Florida’s Turnpike west of RCE Consultants’ proposed Winter Garden development.

These new residential projects feed demand for more commercial space, said Sharon Williams, principal of Winter Garden-based real estate firm Exchange Place Inc., who is not involved with the proposed office and commercial project at 14909 W. Colonial Drive.

That said, land prices are high in the area as development pushes out west. “That’s pretty much been untouched,” Williams said. “Now it’s really starting to get developed.”

Meanwhile, less than four miles west of RCE Consultants’ proposed Winter Garden project, another major retail development is rising. Seattle-based Costco Wholesale Corp. (Nasdaq: COST) is seeking approvals and permits from the city of Clermont for a future warehouse on State Road 50 north of Magnolia Pointe Boulevard on 19.2 acres. The store will be 151,000 square feet, which is a typical size for a Costco location.

The Millenia/MetroWest office submarket, which includes Winter Garden, features a 9.9% average vacancy rate, which is lower than the Orlando-area average of 11.7%, Cushman & Wakefield reported.

In addition, the submarket’s Class A average office asking rent is $28.69 per square foot, which is higher than the Orlando-area average of $26.96 per square foot.

Both metrics point to demand for office space in the submarket.

O-Town West development well underway

With White Castle now open, Portillo’s scheduled to welcome guests later this month and Lake Buena Vista High opening across the street in August, the O-Town West development is taking shape.

When the world’s largest White Castle opened in the O-Town West development, there was a feeling it would do well — although no one knew just how well.

On its opening day, the fast-food chain — located at 11595 Daryl Carter Parkway — saw long lines formed down the road, and the wait was as long as four hours for people trying to get some of White Castle’s famous sliders.

A video that went viral on Twitter showed the mass of cars sitting still in the road. For Chuck Whittall — the founder, CEO and president of Unicorp National Developments, which is developing O-Town West — it was a welcome sight.

“We thought it would be a big deal — because it has a cult-like following to it — but they still have couple hours-a-day lines,” Whittall said. “It’s becoming more normalized, but still they’re very long lines and they’re very, very successful. We’re glad to see that, and … it’s just proving now that this location will certainly draw people and was ready for development.”

The success of the new White Castle has been a tremendous boost for the new development, but it’s just one of a few changes that have happened since Whittall announced the coming of O-Town West a few years back.

THE CITY CENTER

The $1 billion mixed-use community development located in Southwest Orange County spans nearly 350 acres across four different commercial centers: The City Center, The Village, The Crossings and the Town Center. The City Center has seen some of the most changes recently.

Last June, Orange County commissioners approved an amendment to the future land-use map to allow for the 350,000-square-foot office building — which will have more than 1,600 employees on the premises daily — to house the corporate headquarters for the division of Marriott that oversees its vacation properties. That plan was put on hold last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Whittall said that will be back on track sooner than later.

“We still plan on putting a high-end hotel there — we are starting up plans to do that as we speak — and we’re going to put our new headquarters there … we’re actually going to double the size, we just need more space, and we’re going to have some really high-end restaurants that we’re not ready to announce yet,” Whittall said.

Whittall said the headquarters will jump from 15,000 to 30,000 square feet, while the Zen Hotel also will be getting an upgrade in size — going from 166 rooms to 200.

Meanwhile, video mapping will be added on the buildings, and more entertainment will be utilized — especially on the weekends, when a DJ is brought in. There’s also a plan to create a pool club at the pool.

THE VILLAGE

Located on the northwest corner of Palm and Daryl Carter parkways, The Village is the home of many fast-food spots — including White Castle and Portillo’s, which will open on June 15 — and the Glasshouse Apartments.

Currently, many of the buildings — including the apartments — are well underway in the construction phase, and all but one or two spots remain available. Some buildings will be completed within the next two months, Whittall said.

Among the most important items to finish construction is the Daryl Carter Parkway, the road that runs east-west through the project. Right across the street — adjacent to The Village — is the new Lake Buena Vista High School, which Whittall is excited to have close by to the community he is helping to build.

“Every day when you have moms, dads and kids there on a daily basis, people will naturally use the different services and businesses that are there,” Whittall said. “It does make it more a part of the community and ensures success for everybody.”

THE CROSSINGS

Not much has changed in The Crossings — located on the northeast corner of Palm Parkway and Daryl Carter Parkway — but the opening of the new AdventHealth Palm Parkway ER adjacent to the development has helped add to the bustling new community.

The Crossings itself — which is 25,888 square feet in size — features  restaurants like World of Beer, Bella Tuscany and Burger Fi.

TOWN CENTER

The 133,000-square-foot Town Center will be home to a brand new Publix, as well as The Bentley Luxury Apartments.

“We’re building The Bentley which, just like the car, is going to be very high end,” Whittall said. “They’re just incredibly nice — waterfall countertops, quartz countertops, high-end appliances (and) all of the fixtures you’d expect to find in a million-dollar home.”

In April, Unicorp received a $68 million construction loan for The Bentley from Centennial Bank, which will go toward helping get the 396-unit apartment tower up off the ground. While most of O-Town West will be finished this year, Whittall said the completion date for The Bentley will be toward the end of next year.

“We’re just hoping we bring a great experience to everybody and that everybody will enjoy all the new businesses that we’ve brought there, and we think that they will,” Whittall said. “There is a lot of residential around there, and everybody has to go to Sand Lake now, and this will slowly decongest Sand Lake a little bit, and it will fill the needs of the people who live in that community.”

Wawa will be built near White Castle, Portillo’s in Orlando

First came White Castle, and soon there will be a Portillo’s. Next year, the same part of Orlando will get a Wawa, another mainstay business from the North.

Construction is estimated to begin in the first quarter of next year at 7785 Palm Parkway on the new Wawa store, according to spokesman Lori Bruce. Wawa stores are usually 4,600 to 5,200 square feet and employ 30 to 40 people.

 

The first White Castle in Florida since the 1960s set a single-day sales record for the chain when it opened earlier this month in Unicorp National Developments’ Village at O-Town West near Walt Disney World.

Portillo’s is expected to start serving its Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches in its first Orlando restaurant in the same development on June 15.

 

A brochure from Unicorp shows the Wawa store at Palm Parkway and Daryl Carter Parkway, close to both the White Castle and Portillo’s.

 

afuller@orlandosentinel.com

The Wait is Over, Cravers! World’s Largest Free-Standing White Castle® is Now Open

White Castle opens restaurant in Orlando, the first in Florida and the largest in the world.

Located in southwest Orlando at Unicorp’s $1 billion The Village at O-Town West mixed-use development, White Castle has been long-anticipated by “Cravers” throughout the Central Florida region and beyond. This newest Castle has hired 140 team members and managers.

The family-owned business, founded in 1921, has been satisfying cravings for 100 years. VIPs joining the grand opening festivities included White Castle President and CEO Lisa Ingram – a fourth-generation family member – along with other third- and fourth-generation family members and company leaders, White Castle Hall of Famers, local elected officials, development partners, invited guests, and notably, craving fans hungry for a taste of their beloved White Castle.

“You could say our Orlando Castle has been 100 years in the making,” remarked Ingram. “We have been humbled and honored by the warm welcome we have received to date from the Central Florida community. Our vision at White Castle is to ‘feed the souls of craver generations everywhere’ and our mission is to ‘create memorable moments every day’. We can’t wait to meet our new neighbors, whether long-time Cravers or new to the Castle.”

To ensure a tasty, fun and memorable experience for all during its Orlando Castle grand opening and every day, White Castle has implemented health and safety measures consistent with Orange County’s COVID-19 guidelines, including mask requirements for all team members and guests, social distancing, ongoing cleaning, and hand sanitizers and wipes. The Orlando Castle is open for take-out, dine-in and drive-through service today until 1 a.m. Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, the Orlando Castle begins regular operating hours, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days per week. At some point in the future, White Castle will operate 24 hours per day. Guests can “crave on” with a maximum order of 60 sliders per visit. White Castle expects to increase that maximum order as well as launch online ordering in the months ahead.

Since its beginning 100 years ago, White Castle has held fast to its founder’s belief that families everywhere should be able to enjoy an evening at a restaurant with tasty food at a great value. Based in Columbus, Ohio, White Castle is excited to venture south to become part of the Central Florida community, providing a place where morning, noon and night, fans can satisfy their cravings and create memorable moments.

About White Castle®
White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders as a family-owned business for 100 years. Based in Columbus, Ohio, White Castle started serving The Original Slider® in 1921. Today White Castle owns and operates more than 360 restaurants dedicated to satisfying customers’ cravings morning, noon and night and sells its famous fare in retail stores nationwide. The Original Slider, named in 2014 as Time Magazine’s most influential burger of all time, is served alongside a menu of creatively crafted sliders and other mouthwatering food options, including White Castle’s Impossible Slider, named by Thrillist in 2019 as the “Best Plant-Based Fast Food Burger.” White Castle’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality products extends to the company owning and operating its own meat processing plants, bakeries and frozen-food processing plants. White Castle is known for its faithful fans, affectionately referred to as Cravers, many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. For more information on White Castle, visit whitecastle.com.

About Unicorp
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Unicorp is the passionate developer creating unique destinations that transcend time. From luxury resorts and communities, comprehensive mixed-use village centers, the finest apartments, unparalleled retail centers to grand scale master-planned communities, Unicorp National Developments, Inc., continues to be a trusted leader in selecting, securing, and developing exceptional properties that not only endure but build stronger and more beautiful communities.

Centennial Bank Provides $68M Construction Loan for Bentley Apartments in Orlando

ORLANDO, FLA. — Centennial Bank has provided a $68 million loan to Unicorp National Developments Inc. for the construction of The Bentley, a 396-unit apartment tower in Orlando. The high-rise is part of Unicorp’s $1 billion mixed-use development O-Town West. Robby Barrows of Centennial Bank led the loan transaction for developer Unicorp.

O-Town West will be a multi-phase, live-work epicenter delivering single-family homes, apartments, a Publix-anchored retail package and office space. Confirmed tenants for The Town Center at O-Town West include Publix, AT&T, Heartland Dental, McDonalds and Planet Smoothie. The Bentley is one of the first phases of the development, in addition to Town Center, both of which are slated to break ground soon. The Bentley is slated for completion at the end of next year.

The Bentley’s amenities will include a resort-style swimming pool with a Jacuzzi, resident lounge with a coffee bar, social area featuring billiards and arcade games, theater room, entertainment lanai with a TV, Zen garden with hanging moon chairs and water features, outdoor walking trail, a firepit, 24-hour fitness center with TRX and yoga studio, conference room, bike rentals, outdoor gaming areas and electric car charging stations.

Centennial Bank has financed more than $149 million for Unicorp’s commercial real estate projects over the past six years.

Ava MediterrAegean, Gordon Ramsay among 11 new restaurants to reveal Orlando opening plans

The calls haven’t slowed down for Taylor Coan since January.

During the past four months, the director of leasing at Orlando-based developer Unicorp National Developments Inc. has heard more from out-of-town restaurants wanting to be here than at any point she’s worked in Central Florida. “My phone has not stopped ringing.” Indeed, at least 11 new-to-Orlando restaurants or restaurant concepts have revealed plans to open in Central Florida already this year, as the region’s rapid growth is attracting these companies. In fact, the region added 60,000 residents in 2020, making the Orlando area one of the top growth markets in the U.S.

Click through the slideshow below to learn more about new eateries headed to town.

Many of the new concepts are looking for space in Orlando’s tourism corridor where they’re betting conventioneers and vacationers will be hungry for their business.

Unicorp itself is developing its $1 billion mixed-use project O-Town West near Daryl Carter Parkway and Interstate 4 near Walt Disney World. That’s where several out-of-town restaurants have already planted their flag, including Portillo’s and White Castle.

Meanwhile, across the interstate, high-end bowling and eatery concept Pinstripes plans to open at the Vineland Pointe shopping center in a roughly 28,000-square-foot space.

That said, new restaurants also are flocking to Orlando’s desirable residential neighborhoods, including Hamlin, Winter Park and Lake Nona.

Orlando’s retail market features a 4.6% average vacancy rate and an average rental rate of $23.25 per square foot, CoStar Group reported. “The metropolitan area entered the pandemic on solid footing and was one of the strongest retail markets in the nation, which appears to have allowed Orlando retail a sense of resiliency,” according to the report.

Many developers press pause as lumber prices skyrocket — but not Unicorp. Here’s why.

Many Central Florida developers have pressed pause on new apartment construction as lumber prices continue to soar. However, Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. is stomaching the short-term pain for what may be a future windfall.

Unicorp has more than 2,000 apartments either under construction or in the works in Central Florida, making it one of the most active apartment developers locally.

Meanwhile, lumber futures reached a record $1,326.70 per 1,000 board feet on April 19, according to Bloomberg. Wood costs have spiked during the Covid-19 pandemic due to more demand from residential builders and a reduction in supply.

As a result, the price of lumber has increased construction costs by an average of $3 million per project, President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal.

“It’s going to be a little bit of a ding to the bottom line,” Whittall said. “But there’s going to be a supply shortage of apartments in two years, and we feel we’ll be in a good spot.”

Indeed, Unicorp and other active apartment developers hope to be among the few companies debuting new projects during the next few years, which may capture higher rents. In addition, demand to buy these projects may be higher as there are fewer options available, which may drive up the price for these properties.

Apartment experts say that’s a good strategy for developers who can absorb the high lumber costs. “He’s going to have pretty good timing out of the ground because building has slowed and supply in general has slowed since Covid,” said apartment expert Luke Wickham, senior managing director in the Orlando office of Institutional Property Advisors, who is not involved with Unicorp’s projects.

Meanwhile, Unicorp expects to build more apartments locally in the coming months. Whittall told OBJ on April 19 he is under contract to buy 16.8 acres northeast of Avalon and Seidel roads for a new luxury project that may break ground in January 2022.

Apartment stats

Apartment construction is important, as it provides new homes, as well as temporary construction jobs and permanent full-time jobs to Orlando’s growing population.

The Orlando-area apartment market has fully recovered from the pandemic, and rents now exceed pre-Covid levels. The region’s average monthly apartment rent is $1,335 while its average apartment complex vacancy rate is 8.8%, CoStar Group reported.

Unicorp under contract to buy land near Walt Disney World

One of Orlando’s most active apartment developers is planning yet another luxury project.

Unicorp National Developments Inc. is under contract to buy 16.8 acres northeast of Avalon and Seidel roads, President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal. Unicorp aims to buy the land by October 2021 and break ground on the project in January 2022. In March, Whittall told OBJ he was in talks to buy roughly 20 acres near Walt Disney Co.’s (NYSE: DIS) Flamingo Crossings Town Center. The unnamed high-end apartment complex is expected to feature more than 200 units, and may cost more than $100 million to build, Whittall said. The apartment project may open by mid-2023.

Currently, Winter Park-based Seidel West I LLC owns the property, which has a market value of $1.1 million, Orange County records showed. Meanwhile, Unicorp’s project team includes Royal Oak, Michigan-based Krieger Klatt Architects Inc. as architect; Orlando-based civil engineer Kimley-Horn & Associates Inc. as engineer; and Altamonte Springs-based Roger B. Kennedy Construction Inc. as contractor. No representatives with the project team were available for comment.

Unicorp currently has more than 2,000 apartment units either under construction or in the works in Central Florida, making them one of the most active apartment developers locally. Apartment construction is important as it creates temporary and full-time jobs and results in new homes for Orlando’s growing population.

The apartment development is in an attractive location due to its proximity to Walt Disney World, the largest single-site employer in the U.S., along with other businesses supporting west Orange County’s growth such as Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital. Those employers create jobs which, in turn, create a need for housing. “There’s a lot of growth in the area,” said apartment expert Luke Wickham, senior managing director in the Orlando office of Institutional Property Advisors.

The I-Drive Orlando apartment submarket, which includes the proposed Unicorp development, has an average monthly rent of $1,423, CoStar Group reported, which is above the Orlando-area average of $1,325, showing demand for new apartments. In addition, the submarket’s average apartment complex vacancy rate of 13.9% is above the Orlando-area 9.3% average.

Developer adds contractors to bolster its bid at Tropicana Field

Contracting firms Power Design and Moss and Kast Construction — typically competitors — will combine forces on behalf of St. Petersburg proposal.

Unicorp National Developments has added a trio of high-profile contractors to its potential Tropicana Field redevelopment team in an effort to bolster its chances to land the coveted 86-acre project in St. Petersburg.

The Orlando-based Unicorp added Power Design, Moss and Kast Construction to provide local insight to its bid to revamp the city-owned property, which is now anchored by the domed stadium that is home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays.

Though Moss and Kast typically compete against each other, they intend to combine forces as the general contractor for Petersburg Park, which is Unicorp’s nature- and arts-centric plan for the property.

To that end, Unicorp also has added a trio of “local experts” to its team: Educator Dr. Craig Huegel, former Roser Park Homeowners Association President Ronald Motyka and Jay Adams, a former DeBartolo Development executive who also founded Structure Development.

Power Design of St. Petersburg is among the area’s largest employers, specializing in mechanical, electrical and plumbing work.

Moss has constructed in excess of five million square feet in Tampa Bay since 2013. Its projects include the Icon Central apartments in St. Petersburg; Water Street Tampa in downtown Tampa; and the Ritz-Carlton Residences, in Sarasota.

Kast Construction, previously a subsidiary of developer The Kolter Group, has built the 41-story One St. Petersburg and is now constructing the Saltaire condominium tower, both in St. Petersburg.

Unicorp’s team also includes Feldman Equities LLC, Pinnacle Communities, Kimley-Horn, Zyscovich Architects, commercial real estate brokerage Colliers and Sarasota-based design firm Imerza.

In all, Unicorp has led the development of over $2.5 billion in projects in 11 states.

Future of the Trop

ST. PETERSBURG — The public will have an opportunity to see and weigh in on the four proposals for the redevelopment of the 86-acre Tropicana Field site during sessions this week.

All of the proposals address the requirements the city laid out in its solicitation for bids last year. All imagine homes, offices, tourism, education and retail coexisting. All leave space for a ballpark should the Tampa Bay Rays ultimately want to develop another stadium on the site, while making accommodations for parkland, revitalizing Booker Creek, incorporating the site’s racial history and providing for sustainability and arts and culture. The differences are in the details, broken down below by each proposal. Mayor Rick Kriseman could make his final selection as soon as May.

Petersburg Park: ‘The soul of the city’

Developer: Unicorp National Developments, Orlando

Cost: $643 million; potentially $1 billion more with a stadium. Unicorp would ask the city for $100 million in tax increment financing — a municipal funding option relying on future property tax increases — mostly for parks and public spaces.

Residences/affordable housing: 2,995 with a stadium, 3,448 without. Affordable housing was not specified but will be “integrated seamlessly … rendering it indistinguishable from other products in the plan.”

Office square feet: 155,000, plus up to 186,000 of flex space

Retail square feet: 235,000 with a stadium, 312,000 without

Parks and greenspace: Thirty-six acres of greenspace would stem outward from an expanded Booker Creek; features could include a bandshell, skating rink and putting green. A pedestrian bridge would link Petersburg Park to Campbell Park just south of Interstate 175.

Stadium: Unicorp proposes a smaller, 25,000-seat park with greenspace beyond the centerfield wall, so the stadium could “act more like an amphitheater for outdoor concerts and special events.”

Hotels and conference space: A 400-room hotel with 66,000 to 70,000 square feet of conference space.

Research and higher education: The plan calls for a 288,000-square-foot “innovation district” and states several colleges and universities have shown interest in satellite campuses.

Inclusiveness, equality and racial history: The plan aims to “begin healing the scars of the past by bringing back a community fabric.” Developers would host meetings “to have direct and meaningful involvement with the surrounding population.”

Arts and culture: Public art and a bandshell

•••

The detail Unicorp’s Chuck Whittall likes to point out: A roller skating rink.

“A lot of northern cities have great ice skating rinks, and obviously, with our climate, we can’t,” Whittall said. “But back in the day when I was a kid, roller skating was real big. We thought to have an outdoor roller skating rink would be really cool. What a great place to go on a nice Saturday, take your kids, go skating around out there, and be able to get a smoothie. You can start to feel it just with me saying it.”

Unicorp’s 206-page proposal, dubbed Petersburg Park, includes 36 acres of park and open space. That isn’t much more than the others. But of the four bids, Unicorp’s has the least amount of dedicated office and retail space. Even if the city asks for more business opportunities, he believes the public will rally behind a greenspace-forward approach.

“Look at New York’s Central Park,” Whittall said. “It’s not the highest and best use for that piece of land, but it’s the highest and best use for the entire community, because it gives the community a park, which uplifts home values in general, and it gives everybody a place to go.”

Unicorp’s portfolio of past and future projects reflects its experiential approach: A $1 billion mixed-use project called O-Town West near Walt Disney World; a $1 billion renovation of Orlando’s Fashion Square Mall; Orlando’s ICON Park and its 400-foot Ferris wheel; and a $600-million hotel-condo project on Longboat Key.

Whittall called Unicorp a “full-service turnkey developer,” capable of leading most aspects on its own, rather than relying on investors or farming tasks out to other teams.

“We’re not trying to leverage it for the highest return on investment,” he said. “Yes, we’ll make a profit off it, of course, but we’re not hostage to an investment committee or anybody who says what type of return they’ve got to make. … That gives us the flexibility to deliver something a little bit more special.”

Creating a space built with the public in mind, he said, is the best way to bridge the site’s fraught history with the city’s vision of unity.

“We really want to make something that’s for everyone, something that benefits the entire community, not just a sector,” he said. “Parks don’t discriminate. Anybody can go there, anybody can play.”

Portman/Third Lake: ‘A new central core for St. Petersburg

Developers: Portman Holdings and Portman Residential, Atlanta; Third Lake Partners, St. Petersburg

Cost: $2.6 billion without a stadium, $2.3 billion with one — with a catch. The non-ballpark estimate excluded the cost of stadium demolition or construction due to “uncertainty surrounding the ownership and financing.” Developers would request at least $75 million in tax increment financing, largely for stadium demolition and environmental remediation. A stadium and convention center also may require public funding.

Residences/affordable housing: 3,540 with a stadium; 3,910 without. Affordable housing was not specified but will be “based on a variety of income levels” and “interspersed throughout the site.”

Office square feet: 1.95 million with a stadium; 2.4 million without

Retail square feet: 305,000, plus 13,000 of cultural space

Parks and greenspace: Nearly 36 acres of open or greenspace stemming from a network of trails around Booker Creek, with “enhanced connections” to Campbell Park and Roser Park.

Stadium: Developers estimate a 30,000-seat stadium could cost $825 million but encourage the city to explore relocating to the Al Lang Stadium site and are “prepared to discuss this possibility further.”

Hotels and conference space: One 400-room hotel with 50,000 square feet of meeting space.

Research and higher education: 348,000 square feet of institutional space for a research, educational or healthcare campus.

Inclusiveness, equality and racial history: Historical murals and markers would note the history of the former Gas Plant district, “once a thriving community of black-owned businesses, churches and equitable housing.” The plan also promises to support “generational job creation” with “cradle-to-career programs” aimed at “disenfranchised populations,” with an emphasis on the Black community.

Arts and culture: Third Avenue S would become an “arts corridor” linking downtown and the Warehouse Arts District. If a new stadium is not needed, that space would be turned into a “creative arts hub” with a focus on “small businesses, creative industries and specialized manufacturing.”

•••

Ken Jones remembers watching Billy Joel play the first concert held at what is now Tropicana Field. That was three decades ago. If it takes another decade or two to raze the Trop and start over, he’s willing to wait.

“If you’re an out-of-town developer, or someone that’s not living and working in this community every day, you don’t have the same vested interest,” said Jones. “If this thing takes 20 years, or however long it takes, that’s fine with us, because we’re going to be here for that long.”

Jones is the CEO of Third Lake Partners, which along with Atlanta’s Portman Holdings and Portman Real Estate is backing a site proposal costing between $2.3 billion and $2.6 billion.

While the Portman-Third Lake plan isn’t the only one with local partners, it might be the one most intertwined with local politics.

Third Lake Partners — whose primary investors are the Wanek family, owners of Ashley Furniture — recently won another high-profile city bid to redevelop St. Petersburg’s Municipal Services Center and build a new one a few blocks away. Another partner in the proposal, Darryl LeClair, spent years lobbying the city to let the Rays explore a stadium site at his Echelon City Center in the Carillon area.

And Jones has been a major player in local, state and national politics. After years in Washington, D.C., he served as CEO of the host committee for the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa. He was recently appointed to the state’s Board of Governors, which oversees Florida’s universities.

Jones also served on the executive committee of the Rays 100, a team-supported group of civic leaders tapped to explore a move from St. Petersburg to Ybor City. The team has stayed mum on the future of the Trop site, but Jones said his Rays 100 experience factored into his group’s bid.

“Understanding how many seats should a stadium have, should it be a dome, should it be open-air, should it be publicly accessible when the Rays aren’t playing baseball — that was a big part of the discussion,” he said. “All those things were discussed in great detail about the Ybor City site.”

If the Rays choose not to stay on the site, Portman-Third Lake proposed reigniting discussions about a new stadium on the site of Al Lang Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. It also proposed creating an arts hub where the stadium sits now.

Jones said his team’s plan will evolve as the city and its residents decide what they like, don’t like and want to see more of.

“I think our plan is comprehensive, and it’s thoughtfully comprehensive, in that we’re not trying to create a concrete jungle,” he said. “You want to have some imagination in the proposal, like, ‘This is the art of the possible,’ and then you want to fill it in based on feedback you get along the way.”

Creekside: ‘The future of St. Petersburg’

Developer: Midtown Development, Miami

Cost: $2.7 billion to $3.8 billion, depending on density. Midtown would buy the property from the city for $60 million, which will come in installments. The first will be $10 million at closing. Midtown also committed to spending at least $94 million on public improvements. It requests no more than $75 million in tax-increment financing from the city for infrastructure. Stadium costs did not factor into Midtown’s estimates.

Residences/affordable housing: 6,000 to 8,000 residential units, with conflicting references to those in “affordable and workplace” price ranges. At one point, it says at least 20 percent of those totals would be affordable; elsewhere, it says 1,000 units would be.

Office square feet: Between 3.3 million and 3.95 million square feet, depending on density.

Retail square feet: From 300,000 to 400,000 square feet of “small-box artisan spaces and galleries.”

Parks and greenspace: Thirty-six acres of “public realm” space, including 24 acres dedicated to parks, a piazza and Booker Creek, plus terraces, boardwalks and a dog park. Midtown promised to devote $30 million to public parks.

Stadium: Midtown’s development timeline reserves the land between Booker Creek and 16th Street for the Rays, should they choose to stay.

Hotels and conference space: One 510-room hotel and 50,000-square-foot conference center.

Research and higher education: An “Innovation Campus” and “Grow Smarter Corporate complex.”

Inclusiveness, equality and racial history: Midtown plans a 1.5-mile “Heritage Trail” and has pledged $1 million to seed an education, jobs and equal justice nonprofit. The 16th Street corridor will be enhanced to a “main street” to make a more appealing connection with the neighborhood to the south, and a park

bridge, called the Greenway, will connect the property to Campbell Park.

Arts and culture: The plan pitches a partnership with Studio@620 and promises to “exceed all funding and initiatives in this realm,” plus an arts park under Interstate 275.

•••

When designing the Midtown Development proposal, lead architect Randy Morton started with Booker Creek, flowing diagonally along the city’s street grid, like Broadway angles through Manhattan.

“The geometry of the creek means when you’re on this site, you’re in an environment that won’t be found anywhere else in St Petersburg, because the funny angle of the creek means that our streets are going to bend,” said Morton, founder of Pinstripe Design and Advisory Group, noting that makes the entire nature of the development more pedestrian friendly.

The creek, with its grade below street level allowing for a sunken river scene, will be expanded into several basins up to 150 feet wide, to create islands connected by walkways and to collect its own runoff. It’ll swoop south toward the Greenway — another central feature of the design — a grassy pedestrian bridge over Interstate 175 that will connect with Campbell Park.

“Moving from up to down is where all the fun is,” Morton said, adding that there could be winding staircases, slopes from the creek up to the city street, and a boardwalk on the street level that overhangs the water. The elevation change would be more dramatic than the San Antonio River Walk, he said.

Midtown has experience developing sizable master-planned projects: it built the 18-square block, 62-acre Midtown Miami city-within-a-city atop the former Buena Vista Rail Yard. It also owns the 22-acre Orlando Sentinel site, which will be a master-planned project.

Midtown hired Morton, who was one of the designers on the city’s original 2016 master plan for the site, created by HKS Architects.

Morton said another key piece to the project will be the 1.5 mile history trail, an “outdoor museum” featuring about 200 places to commemorate people, places and events in history. To help with the historical and equity portions of the project, Midtown partnered with the Rev. Watson Haynes, leader of the Pinellas County Urban League.

Construction would begin on roughly 20 acres east of Booker Creek between First and Third Avenues S. A site where a new baseball stadium could go, between Booker Creek and 16th Street S — roughly where the Trop is now — would be the last to be developed.

Morton said that leaves the team ample time to determine its future, and the proposal acknowledges the uniqueness of the situation: “It is an unusual move to hold the center of a project as the final phase, but this is where the uncertain impact of the Rays is reflected.”

Sugar Hill Commons/Sugar Hill Parks: ‘A once-in-a-generation opportunity’

Developer: Sugar Hill Community Partners, led by San Francisco developer JMA Ventures

Cost: Approximately $3.1 billion in construction costs with a stadium; $2.6 billion without. The proposal calls for $837 million in public funding.

Residences/affordable housing: 2,000-3,200 residential units, with 50 percent designated affordable or workforce housing, and some units reserved for an “artist-in-residence” program.

Office square feet: Two million square feet with a ballpark, 3.1 million without.

Retail square feet: 280,000 square feet with a ballpark; 325,000 square feet without.

Parks and greenspace: With a stadium, it would have 24.3 acres of greenspace, including parks, plazas and some portion of the ballpark’s roof. Its no-ballpark plan has 25.7 acres of green space.

Stadium: If the Rays stay, Sugar Hill proposed a 25,000-seat stadium on the northeast corner of the property, closest to downtown and Central Avenue, with views from nearby buildings akin to Wrigley Field in Chicago. Because that part of the parcel is slightly elevated, the stadium could be dug into ground, which makes access easier for fans.

Hotels and conference space: One 500-room hotel, a 150-room “lifestyle” hotel and a 1.1 million-square-foot convention center.

Research and higher education: Includes a 500,000-square-foot marine science center inspired by AltaSea in Los Angeles, plus 675,000 to 870,000 square feet for a technology campus.

Inclusiveness, equality and racial history: A history walk will run along a pedestrian promenade and connect to existing and planned history trails. A farmers’ market with produce grown at an on-site urban farm targeted specifically toward South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area residents, with learning opportunities for John Hopkins Middle School, Melrose Elementary and Campbell Park Elementary students. Plus a workforce development program through St. Petersburg College.

Arts and culture: Sugar Hill will partner with the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance to create a project-wide art plan and explore the possibility of building a cultural arts center. The proposal also includes partnering with 3 Daughters Brewing to launch a Black-owned brewery. There will be an artist-in-residence program with housing available.

•••

When those behind Sugar Hill Community Partners’ proposal looked at the Trop site, all they saw was a hole.

The Trop site, they said, was a void. While neighborhoods around it — downtown to the east, the Edge District to the north and the Warehouse Arts District to the west — have all blossomed, the 86-acre Trop site remained stagnant. It was within that context, at the nexus of the city’s most rapidly growing and historic communities, that Sugar Hill began its design.

“So first we looked at it as a way to reconnect the community,” said Jordan Behar of St. Petersburg-based Behar Peteranecz Architecture, one of the architects on the project. “Tie together the disparate neighborhoods.”

That starts with enhancing the connection points that exist, like 16th Street and First Avenue S. There will be urban parks underneath those underpasses. And a new pedestrian footbridge doubling as a sculpture garden, with inspiration from Manhattan’s High Line, would swoop over Interstate 175 to connect with Campbell Park.

“You want to make something that was initially a weakness look intentional,” David Carlock, whose firm, Machete Group, is managing the development, said of the highway underpasses.

Among the ways the Sugar Hill proposal stands out is for its enormous, 1.1 million-square-foot convention center. It also proposes an “urban beach” around its expanded Booker Creek design.

The Sugar Hill team includes developers and real estate investors whose projects include Atlanta’s Ponce City Market, San Francisco’s Chase Center, the St. Pete Pier and Water Street Tampa.

Sugar Hill proposes a history walk that would stretch the length of a pedestrian walkway, from the southwest to northeast along the property, creating an X shape with Booker Creek.

The name itself, Sugar Hill, comes from a neighborhood destroyed to make way for the Interstate 175 spur. And the company’s proposal includes working with the African American Heritage Association of St. Petersburg and the Carter G. Woodson African American Museum to come up with historically relevant names for buildings and spaces.

Contact Jay Cridlin at cridlin@tampabay.com or 727-893-8336. Follow @JayCridlin. Contact Josh Solomon at jsolomon@tampabay.com or 813-909-4613. Follow @ByJoshSolomon

Attend a listening session on plans to redevelop Tropicana Field site

St. Petersburg is hosting three listening sessions this week, one virtual and two in person. Visit stpete.org/trop for more information and to register.

• Monday, April 5, 6-8:30 p.m., virtual

• Wednesday, April 7, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N

• Thursday, April 8, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N

Unicorp proposes further changes to St. Regis

The new proposal would allow two of the 69 units in the condominium towers to be tourism units.

Unicorp has revised its application for proposed changes to The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.

Brenda Patten of the real estate law firm Berlin Patten Ebling submitted the revisions on March 12 to the town on behalf of the Orlando-based developer.

Among the new changes proposed, two of the 69 units in the condominium portion of the property would be available for occupancy for less than 30 consecutive calendar days or one calendar month, whichever is less. The number of hotel units remains at 166.

Other changes from the previously approved applications include a reduction in number of condo units, some changes to height around elevator shafts on the roof and some levels of public-space occupancy.

“We’re not really talking about much, but because the staff can’t approve these minor changes, they all have to go to public hearings, so it makes it sound like we’re really making drastic changes when really we’re not,” Patten said.

The proposed changes are subject to public hearings and need approvals from the Town Commission and Planning Zoning Board. It’s still unclear how soon the hearings could happen.

“These changes that we’re proposing in the revision are so minor and will greatly enhance the development, so I really don’t anticipate them giving a lot of pushback,” Patten said.

While Unicorp will own the property at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, the Marriott & Co. will manage it under the St. Regis banner.

Previous plans submitted by Unicorp originally proposed 30 of the 69 residential units be authorized for use as either a residential unit or a tourism unit at the discretion of the owner.

Patten wrote in an email that the two units are not yet designated on the floor plans, but will be before Unicorp applies for building permits.

“Allowing two tourism units in the condominium towers to replace two residential units came about as a request from former owners of The Colony units,” Unicorp wrote in a document submitted to the town. “In the agreements to purchase units from The Colony owners, Unicorp agreed to request this as a feature of the St. Regis Residences.

“These owners had enjoyed rights to occupy units at The Colony at various times during the year for periods of less than 30-days. They would like to continue this privilege at the St. Regis.”

The Marriott also requested two units in the condo towers have availability for short-term rental. The company found more people vacationing bring their families for longer stays and to celebrate special events.

“If larger groups are allowed to rent a unit in the condominium towers for short terms (less than 30 days), then the hotel can arrange for these guests to a rent residential unit a short walk away from the hotel,” Unicorp wrote.

Earlier this month, the town of Longboat Key received applications for proposed changes to the St. Regis development. Unicorp is proposing to reduce the number of residential units in the facility from 78 to 69 units. The plan also calls to increase the size of the remaining units.

Other changes propose reducing the maximum seating capacity by four in the development’s restaurant, bar, ballroom and meeting spaces. Those areas will now have a max capacity of 1,057 compared to the initial plan of 1,061. While some of the proposed restaurant and bar areas lowered their capacities, other meeting rooms in the development actually increased.

In February, Unicorp closed on a settlement to dissolve the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort’s condominium association. A special warranty deed shows Unicorp agreed to pay $18,745,321 for the units.

“I think it will certainly be such a welcome addition to the quality of life out on Longboat that people are going to want to approve it, and it’ll be something they’ll look forward to,” Patten said.

Unicorp’s plan is to have the resort open by Thanksgiving 2023.

Watch: Tropicana Field bidders share visions on video

The four redevelopment teams hoping to reimagine St. Petersburg’s 86-acre Tropicana Field site are starting to sharpen their pitches to the public.

The city has collected sleek video pitches from each developer that will be used during the public comment phase of Mayor Rick Kriseman’s decision process, which starts April 5. The five-minute videos were not part of the city’s original bid request when they asked developers to submit their visions for an expansive, multi-use city-within-city on the property by mid January; the four developers were only asked to provide them within the last two weeks, after the shortlist of proposals was trimmed from seven to four.

But they offer fresh perspectives on each project, from aerial flyover renderings and snapshots of the city to testimonials from local leaders, business owners and architects.

A video created by a group called Sugar Hill Community Partners, led by San Francisco developer JMA Ventures, features testimonials from the owners of local businesses like O’Berry Succulents and the Body Electric Yoga Company, and groups like the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and NAACP.

The video leans into the concepts of connectivity, both in terms of transportation mobility and reconnecting the site to its past as a hub of Black life in St. Petersburg.

“Sugar Hill was able to connect the dots, and not just connect the dots, but connect the history behind the dots that truly made up the full spectrum of what that project was,” Esther Eugene, president of the NAACP’s St. Petersburg branch, said in the Sugar Hill video.

Miami’s Midtown Development had the Rev. Watson Haynes, president and CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League CEO, narrate its video. Haynes grew up on the Tropicana Field site and praised Midtown for bringing his group in as a partner on the project, which features interconnected greenways linking disparate parts of the city.

“I have a vested interest in terms of what’s going to happen at Tropicana Field,” Haynes said in the video.

“To be involved in this project is more than just me. It’s an entire family. It’s an entire community that I lived with and had to give up in order for Tropicana to happen. Midtown proved to have commitment and genuine concern for the project.”

A video submitted by local investment group Third Lake Partners and Atlanta developers Portman Holdings and Portman Residential laid out part of the timeline and phasing for its vision, but also touched on the city’s complex racial history and present as an arts destination.

“I think we offer the best of both worlds,” Hunter Richardson, Portman Holdings’s executive vice president of development, said in the video.

“Because we do office, hotels and residential, we have the ability to address all the product types, as opposed to having to bring in third-party partners to do any of that. So we offer one-stop shopping … and a very, very strong local presence.”

A video from Orlando’s Unicorp National Developments compared its proposed “Petersburg Park” to parks in London, New York and Chicago.

Its expansive greenspaces would include one designed to replace a partially torn-down Interstate 175, which developer Chuck Whittall said continues to divide the city.

“It’ll look like it was always planned to be part of the community,” Whittall said in the video. “And that’s really what our goal is. It’s not that we just dropped something there. (It’s) that it was something that was planed to be a nucleus for the community all along.”

The city will host a virtual public meeting on the four proposals on April 5, with in-person meetings scheduled for April 7 and 8. According to the city’s timeline, Kriseman could select a developer as early as May or June.

Contact Jay Cridlin at cridlin@tampabay.com or 727-893-8336. Follow @JayCridlin Contact Josh Solomon at jsolomon@tampabay.com or 813-909-4613. Follow @ByJoshSolomon

Tropicana pitches available online

To see the video presentations from the firms vying to redevelop the Tropicana site, go to bit.ly/TropVideos

Prospective Trop site developer adds local firm to team

Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. has added Power Design, a prominent St. Petersburg-based subcontractor, to the team that would redevelop the 86-acre Tropicana Field site if Unicorp’s proposal, dubbed “Petersburg Park,” is chosen by the city as the best of the four remaining options for the massive project.

Lauren Permuy, Power Design’s vice president of business development, said the company has a longstanding relationship with Unicorp that, along with the company’s local presence, made the arrangement a national fit.

“We’ve been based in St. Pete since 1989,” Permuy told the Catalyst. “It’s my family’s business. I grew up here. My parents grew up here. We’re very entrenched in the city and very passionate about the direction that it’s going.”

Power Design specializes in mechanical, electrical and plumbing projects and is the third-largest employer in the Tampa Bay region. The firm has expertise in everything from large-scale multi-use projects to affordable housing, with 1,200 projects completed and more than 20 underway at present.

“Because we have a relationship and where they’re located, it was a natural fit,” Unicorp President Chuck Whittall said. “Power Design is a great addition and it shows the strength of who we will work with, along with the many other great vendors that are going to bring a lot to the table.”

Also joining the Petersburg Park lineup are construction firms Moss and KAST Construction Co. Moss, according to a news release, has built more than five million square feet of real estate projects across Tampa Bay since 2013. In St. Pete, its portfolio includes Icon Central. KAST, meanwhile, built One St. Pete, Saltaire, Hyatt Place, Snell Isle Condominium, Vantage Lofts, Waterview at Echelon City and Sunset Point Condominium.

Unicorp has also enlisted the help of experts in ecology, historical preservation and urban revitalization — Craig Huegel, Ronald Motyka and Jay Adams, respectively. Huegel will help plan for the implementation of native flora and fauna at the site, while Motyka, the former president of the Roser Park Homeowners Association, has experience with the installation of educational historic plaques in the area. Adams, the release states, has 30 years of experience in large-scale urban development and redevelopment projects across a wide variety of real estate classes.

Whittall said it’s important to assemble a highly skilled team as soon as possible because of the uncertainty surrounding the site — namely, whether the Tampa Bay Rays will work with the city and its chosen developer on a new stadium, or vacate the site when their lease expires in 2027.

“The [baseball] team is the elephant in the room,” he said, “and they won’t have discussions with anybody until someone’s awarded the contract.”

Much like St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman has done on several occasions, Whittall went on to say that the Rays need to decide sooner than later what they want to do.

“If they want a new stadium, it’s five to six years to plan out and build,” he said. “So even though it seems like their lease is up in seven years, six years, it’s really something they have to make a decision on now. So we’re going to know very quickly if they’re going to figure in or whether they’re going to go. Those decisions have to be made now.”

Whittall also called for a more collaborative process, overall, when it comes to negotiations with the Rays.

“Mayors don’t typically build stadiums and negotiate with teams,” he said. “They run cities and let developers do these types of things … bring in developers who can really sit down and figure out what it’s going to cost, where the capital will come from; that’s what we do as developers.”

Whittall said Unicorp has had no communication with the Rays, official or otherwise, and doesn’t expect to until the city chooses to move forward with one of the four proposals for the Trop site.

“It doesn’t make sense for them,” he said. “They’re not gonna want to have four different conversations with four developers. They’re gonna want one chosen and then sit down and figure out what is a good direction.”

St. Pete narrows list of Tropicana Field developers

The city of St. Petersburg says they’ve narrowed it down to four design proposals for the future of the 86 acres that Tropicana Field sits on.

St. Pete officials say the four shortlisted developers best represent what the community wants.

Those four respondents on the shortlist are:

The city is holding a series of public meetings to get input on the designs from the public:

St. Pete is also asking people for input online.

Mayor Rick Kriseman is pushing to redevelop the 86-acre site in a way that connects the Edge District to South St. Pete, which lost many black-owned businesses when the Trop was built.

PREVIOUS: First glimpse: Options with and without Tropicana Field included in redevelopment pitches

Kriseman says they have had serious conversations with the team about building a new stadium at their current location, but he is rejecting the Tampa Bay Rays’ request for owning and controlling most of the property, he says — especially considering when their lease is up in 2028, they plan to split the season between Tampa Bay and Montreal, Canada.

The team has said they are continuing to work with the city and community in good faith but don’t negotiate in the press.

Watch Full Video here:  https://www.fox13news.com/news/st-pete-narrows-field-of-tropicana-field-developers

St. Pete narrows down Tropicana Field site proposal list

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla (WFLA) – The City of St. Petersburg has narrowed down the potential proposals for the Tropicana Field redevelopment site.

Mayor Rick Kriseman announced back in January the city was considering seven proposals for the 86-acre site. Now, the city has four proposals that have made a shortlist and will be moving forward.

The four respondents on the shortlist are:

According to the City of St. Pete, the four proposals best represented the criteria contained within the RFP (request for proposals.)

Mayor Rick Kriseman tells 8 On Your Side that community feedback is a big part of this project and it will be collected until the final ribbon cutting of the new Tropicana Field Development.

There are different ways for residents to provide input and feedback on the proposals. There will be three public meetings held in April: a virtual meeting on April 5 and two in-person meetings – one on April 7 and the second one on April 8.

View video here: https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/st-pete-narrows-down-tropicana-field-site-proposal-list/

 

You can also leave a comment online.

Unicorp proposes changes to St. Regis development

In February, Unicorp closed on a settlement to dissolve the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort’s condominium association.

The town of Longboat Key received applications last week for proposed changes to The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.

The Orlando-based developer of the property, Unicorp National Developments Inc. submitted a 584-page preliminary application to amend a site plan and planned unit development.

“We’re actually reducing the density of the project, and I think we’ve enhanced the project, but they’re very minor changes,” Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall said.

The new proposal calls for Unicorp to reduce the number of residential units in the facility from 78 to 69 units. The plan also calls to increase the size of the remaining units.

“Since 2018, Unicorp has learned through its association with Marriott and luxury property marketers that size does matter,” Unicorp’s preliminary application reads. “After deciding on location, the size of a unit is a top priority for many luxury buyers. Since high-end buyers are looking for larger units, Unicorp would like to meet the demand.”

Also, Unicorp is requesting that 30 of the 69 residential units be authorized for use as either a residential unit or a tourism unit at the discretion of the owner.

The town had already approved previous versions of Unicorp’s plan in March 2018.

“The St. Regis Hotel approved in 2018 cannot accommodate groups of more than 6 members in a large suite or adjoining suites,” the application states. “Instead, some family members would be required to split up into different rooms and ‘walk the halls’ to join other family members.”

Other proposed changes include:

  • Allowing up to 30 residential units be rented out at the option of the owner for periods of fewer than 30 days, which was an exception allowed under the Colony ownership
  • Add a rooftop bar to the beach grill
  • Add an event pavilion for hosting dinners and small group celebrations
  • Relocate the Tiki bar closer to the beach (to be named the “Monkey Bar” in recognition of former Colony owner Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber)
  • Add beach shade shelters and two fire pits to the beach

The development still plans to have 166 hotel rooms for a total of 235 units.

“The list looks long and intimidating because the Town staff does not have the authority to approve the most minuscule changes, even if they are consistent with the Town Codes,” the application states. “Instead, even small change (e.g., moving the parking podium by .53°) requires a public hearing.

“Hopefully, when the reviews and discussions begin, we can focus on the important changes that will ensure the long-term success of the St. Regis Hotel and Residences.”

Town Manager Tom Harmer met with Whittall on March 5 to discuss the proposed changes. Harmer also wrote in an email to town commissioners that Unicorp’s new proposals will require public hearings with the Town Commission and the Planning and Zoning Board.

It’s unclear how soon those hearings could happen because Unicorp is still in the process of revising its application for the town’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department to review.

Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said Unicorp is working with Brenda Patten of the real estate law firm Berlin Patten Ebling.

Patten is expected to submit an updated version of the applications to the town, so plans could change yet again before either the Town Commission or Planning and Zoning Board can hear the new proposals at public hearings.

While Unicorp will own the property at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, the Marriott & Co. will manage it under the St. Regis banner.

The proposed changes also include a special exception request to address the addition of certain rooftop features above the previously approved height.

Specifically, Whittall said the height exception is for an elevator shaft and decorative parapets to hide air conditioning equipment.

Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall was on the property when workers began tearing down buildings in 2018.

“As a matter of fact, I know there is nothing controversial,” Whittall said. “Unfortunately, the development process in Longboat Key, they make you get a site plan approval completely before you draw your buildings. Well, what happens a lot of times when you draw your buildings, it changes the site plan a little bit, and so there’s just a little site plan changes.”

Whittall said it took Unicorp two years to complete the $5 million drawings. He said if the Town Commission and P&Z Board approve the proposed changes, he expects construction to start by July.

“Everything we’ve done is to enhance the building and make it prettier,” Whittall said. “Like I said, we’ve reduced our density from what we were approved, and we did all that to make it more architecturally pleasing, so I’m hoping they support it.”

The new proposal also would reduce parking from 457 spaces to 432 spaces. It still exceeds the minimum requirement of 406 spaces.

Agreement finalized

On Feb. 26, Unicorp closed on the settlement agreement to dissolve the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort. A special warranty deed shows Unicorp agreed to pay $18,745,321 for the units.

“It’s a big milestone,” Whittall said. “We own 100% of the property now, which was a requirement for us to get building permits.”

The termination of the condominium association brings to a close years of litigation as Unicorp worked to consolidate its ownership of the once-tony resort popular with tennis stars, celebrities and Longboat Key residents.

The 17.6-acre site has been empty since the last building was demolished in November 2018 following a determination from the town the abandoned buildings posed a hazard.

So far, Unicorp has sold 52% of its residential units. Whittall said it was Unicorp’s goal was to have 50% sold by the time construction started.

Units range from about 1,500 square feet to nearly 6,000 and from one bedroom, one-and-one-half baths to four bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths.

Unicorp continues to have conversations with buyers, and Whittall said he expects to sell out the project in the coming months.

“We have really two steps left [before construction starts],” Whittall said. “We need to get a building permit and we need to close our financing, and we have several lenders interested in doing the debt, and so we’re trying to choose which lender we’re going to go with.”

Unicorp’s plan is to have the resort open by Thanksgiving 2023.

Whittall said the hotel is designed to elicit a five-star ranking with amenities including:

 

  • An homage to the Colony’s famous Monkey Bar
  • A seafood and steak restaurant
  • The St. Regis grille
  • A beachside cafe
  • A saltwater lagoon with rays swimming freely
  • A daily sabering of Champagne in the lobby, a St. Regis hotel tradition

Three Trop site proposals out of the running as city narrows list

Unicorp National Development’s “Petersburg Park” is on the shortlist of proposals for the Tropicana Field site.

 

The City of St. Petersburg has shortlisted four proposals for the redevelopment of the 86-acre Tropicana Field site, eliminating plans submitted by Wendover Housing Partners and TRS Development Services, as well as a joint bid by Storage Rentals of America and Holabird & Root.

The remaining firms will be asked to submit additional details about their visions for the site, the city announced in a news release on Monday. They will also be required to participate in “robust public engagement,” the release stated.

“We received many quality submissions to redevelop the Tropicana Field site, and I am thankful for the time, money and energy that each team expended,” St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman stated in the release. “Four submissions clearly stood out as truly exceptional and I am excited for our residents to learn more about each one. The future of that site, with or without baseball, has never been brighter. As I’ve said time and again, this is our chance to get it right, and to right wrongs. I encourage everyone to remain engaged in this process as we move forward.”

Proposals by JMA Ventures/Sugar Hill Community PartnersMidtown DevelopmentPortman Holdings/Third Lake Partners and Unicorp National Development remain in the running. The city did not specify why the other plans were eliminated but stated, in the release, “The four shortlisted firms best represented the criteria contained within the RFP, which represented years of community feedback, ideas, and input. The four firms have a proven track record of executing large, mixed-use developments and will have an opportunity to showcase their vision for the site in the months ahead.”

Unicorp National Developments CEO Chuck Whittall, in an email to the Catalyst, said his company is “very excited” to be shortlisted but has higher aspirations. “We don’t want to be runner-up; we want to win the project,” he wrote. “We are looking forward to sharing our vision for the property with the public, and getting their input and feedback.”

JMA Ventures/Sugar Hill Community Partners Development Manager David Carlock also weighed in on the news in a statement emailed to the Catalyst.

“We are pleased that the City of St. Petersburg has included our team on the Tropicana Field redevelopment shortlist,” Carlock wrote. “Our team has deep ties to St. Petersburg and brings extensive local and international experience to the project. Our team is highly focused on understanding the community’s hopes and needs for a redeveloped Tropicana Field. Input is critical to developing a plan that fully realizes the site’s potential as a catalyst for economic growth, equity, and inclusion.

Kriseman, who will leave office in early 2022 after serving two consecutive terms as mayor, has vowed to choose a finalist for the development instead of handing over the process to his successor. However, the city remains at an impasse with the Tampa Bay Rays, who are contractually, though unhappily, bound to play at the Trop through 2027. The team has made no secret of its dissatisfaction with the stadium over the years and has been looking for a new home across the bay in Tampa, and even across the U.S. border in Montreal.

Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg, though, has expressed a willingness to reconsider the Trop site as the team’s home. The Rays recently submitted to the city an informal, very high-level offer that would see the team control about 36 acres of the site. Kriseman quickly rebuffed the proposal, stating, “The city would receive no financial interest from transferring ownership of the land to the Rays, nor would the city receive development right proceeds on this land as it was developed. The Rays would retain 100 percent of those proceeds.”

Then, in his final State of the City address as mayor, Kriseman continued to point the finger at the Rays, accusing the team of standing in the way of the site’s redevelopment.

“The Rays,” he said, “have spent more than half their existence trying to figure out where they’d like to play baseball for the long term. We love our Rays, but it’s time for them to pick a partner and get married.”

Political bickering aside, the time has come for the public to weigh in on what the future holds for the Trop site. The city has scheduled a series of public meetings, two in person and one virtual, to gather feedback about the four remaining proposals.

The virtual meeting takes place first, on April 5, followed by in-person meetings on the 7th and 8th. Time and location details are to come. Social distancing guidelines will be in place and masks will be required for in-person meetings.

For more information, or if you’re unable to attend the meetings and would like to submit feedback about the proposals, visit stpete.org/trop.

Four proposals make St. Petersburg’s shortlist for Tropicana Field site project

Weeks after unveiling the seven developers vying to reimagine the sprawling, 86-acre Trop site, the city has trimmed its shortlist to four.

“We received many quality submissions to redevelop the Tropicana Field site, and I am thankful for the time, money and energy that each team expended,” Mayor Rick Kriseman said in a statement. “Four submissions clearly stood out as truly exceptional, and I am excited for our residents to learn more about each one. The future of that site, with or without baseball, has never been brighter.”

The four developers still in contention are:

  • A group called Sugar Hill Community Partners, led by San Francisco’s JMA Ventures along with other local and national investors, whose sprawling proposal for “an urban anchor and model of inclusive development” would include an urban beach, 650,000-square-foot convention center and numerous local partnerships, including a potential research campus for a California marine technology center developed with the University of South Florida. Their plan would cost $3 billion, including $836.8 million in public funding.
  • Midtown Development out of Miami, which proposed a community called Creekside built around an expanded Booker Creek, with at least 1,000 units of affordable housing. The company proposed purchasing the site for $60 million and investing more than $90 million, including $30 million for parks, but would require $75 million in tax-increment financing.
  • Atlanta’s Portman Holdings and St. Petersburg investment firm Third Lake Partners, which teamed on a proposal that would cost between $2.3 billion and $2.6 billion. It would include expanded recreational areas, including a “garden bridge” linking Brooker Creek to Campbell Park and millions of feet of commercial, retail, residential and hotel space.
  • Unicorp National Development, an Orlando-area firm with several billion-dollar projects in the works, which would build a district dubbed “Petersburg Park,” an array of homes, offices and retail around Booker Creek. About 20 percent of the land would be made up of linked parks and greenspaces surrounding an expanded Booker Creek. The project would cost at least $643 million and potentially more than $1 billion, depending on whether a stadium is part of the mix.

These four proposals best met the city’s request for proposal criteria, said Alan DeLisle, the city’s development administrator, due to their track records and the thoroughness of each proposal. The city also reviewed hundreds of online comments and emails from the public about the project.

“Some people like the way they dealt the way with greenspace, some people like the way they dealt with office development, some people liked the way they dealt with residential, some people liked the way they dealt with convention concepts,” DeLisle said. “(There were) a lot of comments about, ‘Does it fit with St. Pete? Can we see this fitting or not fitting in St. Pete?’”

The three proposals trimmed from the shortlist had slightly different focuses. One from Altamonte Springs developer Wendover Housing Partners made affordable housing a centerpiece of its plan. A coalition of firms led by local group TRS Development Services submitted a $475 million plan that did not include potential pricing for a new baseball stadium. Another group that included West Palm Beach storage company Storage Rentals of America (SROA) had pitched a plan without a price tag; its primary points of reference were storage and campus-style developments, including billion-dollar facilities built for the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Two other proposals were previously nixed from consideration because they did not meet the submission criteria. DeLisle said he couldn’t rule out the shortlist of four narrowing further, saying that would be Kriseman’s call.

RELATED: St. Petersburg tossed these two Tropicana Field site proposals. Why?

Redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site has been a contentious topic for years. The Tampa Bay Rays’ lease of the stadium land runs through the 2027 season. The city and team have engaged in discussions about what might happen on the land, but so far, the team has declined to participate in this site proposal process.

RELATED: Rick Kriseman calls out Tampa Bay Rays in final St. Pete address

The city said Monday that the public will soon have an opportunity to weigh in on the shortlisted finalists beyond the hundreds of emails and online comments they’ve already received. There will be a virtual meeting to discuss the plans on April 5, along with in-person meetings on April 7 and 8.

“This is a level of interaction and conversation that quite honestly we’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” DeLisle said. “We’re right on the timeline right now, and the goal would be for the mayor to hopefully be in a position to make a decision in early May.”

The City of St. Petersburg Announces Tropicana Field Shortlist

St. Petersburg, FL (March 8, 2021) – The City of St. Petersburg received seven responses to the request for proposals (RFP) issued last summer for development of 86 acres in the heart of St.Pete, FL. From the diverse mix of experienced local and national developers who responded, the City has created a shortlist of prospective partners who have been invited to submit further details and participate in a robust public engagement phase of application, with final selection of a partner to be made later this year.

The four respondents on the shortlist are:

The four shortlisted firms best represented the criteria contained within the RFP, which represented years of community feedback, ideas, and input. The four firms have a proven track record of executing large, mixed-use developments and will have an opportunity to showcase their vision for the site in the months ahead.

Said Mayor Rick Kriseman: “We received many quality submissions to redevelop the Tropicana Field site, and I am thankful for the time, money, and energy that each team expended. Four submissions clearly stood out as truly exceptional and I am excited for our residents to learn more about each one. The future of that site, with or without baseball, has never been brighter. As I’ve said time and again, this is our chance to get it right, and to right wrongs. I encourage everyone to remain engaged in this process as we move forward.”

There are three ways for residents to provide input regarding the proposals leading up to the final development partner being selected:

  • Virtual Meeting: April 5, 2021
  • In-person Meeting #1: April 7, 2021
  • In-person Meeting #2: April 8, 2021

Community feedback will be collected until the final ribbon is cut on the Tropicana Field redevelopment. Input collected during this shortlist period will be provided to Mayor Rick Kriseman to inform a final development partner selection later this year.

For public meeting dates and project updates, visit stpete.org/trop.

O-Towns White Castle to reopen popular virtual kitchen Feb. 25

Orlando’s White Castle plans to reopen its virtual kitchen this week, after having to close it temporarily on the day it debuted due to high demand. However, its delivery service will remain paused for now.

On Feb. 23, the restaurant, which officially opens later this spring, launched a virtual kitchen and delivery service. However, demand was so high that the restaurant had to pause orders that same day, according to several reports. Now, the restaurant is regrouping and preparing for another go starting Thursday, Feb. 25, this time for pick-up orders only.

“We never want to disappoint any fans of the Castle ever. With that in mind, our Orlando White Castle virtual kitchen will remain closed on Wednesday as we invest some time to prepare,” said Jaime T. Richardson, vice president for White Castle Management Co. “We will re-open the Orlando White Castle virtual kitchen on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. for on-line pick-up orders only. Order through the app or at order.whitecastle.com. We will not be taking delivery orders through Uber Eats for now, but do look forward to offering that service soon.”

Columbus, Ohio-based White Castle’s future 4,567-square-foot restaurant will offer both indoor and outdoor seating and two drive-thru lanes.

The restaurant will create 120 new jobs at its location in Orlando-based developer Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s $1 billion O-Town West near Palm Parkway and Daryl Carter Boulevard.

New apartments to rise near Walt Disney World

An Atlanta developer wants to build apartments in Orlando’s tourist corridor.

Stockbridge, Georgia-based Davis Development seeks approvals for 400 apartment units on Wildwood Avenue southeast of International Drive, according to Orange County records. The project, called Davis Vistana Apartments, may cost $76 million to build, based on industry standards. A Davis Development representative wasn’t available for comment. Davis Development’s Dd Intl Drive 26.9 LLC bought the 26.9-acre property in September for $9.8 million, or roughly $364,312 an acre, records showed. Orlando-based Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.’s (NYSE: VAC) Svo Vistana Villages Inc. was the seller. The property’s market value was $4.7 million, according to the Orange County Property Appraiser.

The project may feature a 4-story building with one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom units, according to county documents. Sarasota-based Stantec Consulting Services Inc. is the project applicant. A representative wasn’t available for comment.

It’s the latest project to seek approvals in the area. Nearby landowner PRN Real Estate and Investments Ltd. — an entity related to Orlando business owner Nancy Rossman — wants approvals for 380,000 square feet of retail, 2,120 hotel rooms and 532 apartment units for a roughly 35.4-acre site north of Cumberland Park Drive, east of International Drive and west of Wildwood Avenue.

Meanwhile, Orlando-based developer Unicorp National Developments is under construction on its $1 billion mixed-use O-Town West project northwest of the Davis Development site.

February has been a busy month for new Orlando apartment projects with nearly 3,000 units in the works including the Davis Development site.

Roughly 7,517 apartment units have been built in the Orlando area the past year, according to CoStar Group research. That’s well above the region’s historical average of 4,049 units, showing the demand for apartments locally.

The I-Drive Orlando apartment submarket, which includes the Davis Development project, featured an average asking rent of $1,423, CoStar Group reported, which is above the Orlando-area average of $1,325, showing demand for new apartments. In addition, the submarket’s average vacancy rate of 13.9% is above the Orlando-area 9.3% average.

Take the Field

Potential Tropicana Field site redevelopers outline what they contend gives their proposal an advantage over the competition.

Each of the potential redevelopers of the 85-acre Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg believes that their proposal has an element or concept that will separate it from the competition in the eyes of St. Petersburg’s mayor and city council.

The city last month received seven proposals to revamp the municipally owned property with retail and office space, hotel rooms and a conference center, open space and parks, condominiums and apartments and social programs aimed at lifting the community’s residents.

For the winning developer, the site could represent a two decade-long project valued at billions of dollars and millions of square feet and one that generates tens of thousands of jobs.

“This project is so important to the city, and the development team that’s selected will be a partner with St. Petersburg,” says Alan DeLisle, the city’s development administrator.

“This will be a public-private partnership in the truest sense.”

For the team comprising Atlanta’s Portman Holdings, local developers Third Lake Partners and Echelon LLC and designer HKS Architects, its potential $2.6 billion redevelopment will lean heavily on its principals’ local ties and history in the community.

“I think our local perspective in moving forward will be very important,” says Ken Jones, Third Lake’s chairman and CEO. “And I firmly believe that our collective financial strength and longevity in the community is second to none. We have proven staying power, and we intend to be around for decades to come.

“We understand that this is complicated and it has a lot of moving parts and constituencies, but we also know that our plan can have a transformative impact on the city,” adds Jones. “Just as importantly, all the residents of St. Petersburg have been taken into consideration in crafting our proposal.”

Sugar Hill Community Partners, a team made up of JMA Ventures, the Machete Group, local offices of design and engineering giant Stantec, St. Petersburg-based Backstreets Capital and J Square Development and master-planning architect Henning Larsen, contends its vast experience sets it apart.

“The companies on our team have built careers embracing larger, complex projects,” says David Carlock, the founder and principal of Machete Group, which has two decades of experience with sports venues and related development.

COURTESY RENDERING — Sugar Hill Community Partners believes its team’s experience gives it an edge.

“We appreciate them and the transformative effect they can have on a community at large, and that’s the case here,” he adds. “We’re familiar with what it takes to execute and be successful and we’ve pulled together a team that can deliver that. There’s really no substitute for having rolled up one’s sleeves and done the homework and completed projects such as this.”

Unicorp National Developments Inc., an Orlando-based company with developments throughout Florida, believes its team’s focus on open space and the arts will give it the edge.

Like the Portman/Third Lake team, Unicorp’s team has a local flavor, with Tampa-based Feldman Equities LLC, the Tampa office of commercial real estate brokerage Colliers International and an offshoot of Sarasota’s Hoyt Architects, among others, on board.

“I’ve looked at all the proposals, and some are more dense than ours in terms of square footage and some generate more tax revenue to the city than ours, but no one provides more open space and leverages the natural environment the ways ours does,” says Chuck Whittall, Unicorp National’s president and founder.

“We understand that density and physical improvements to the site are important, but our proposal is centered on what’s best for the community,” he adds. “Just as Central Park in New York City enriches the community far beyond it, we’ve tried to do that with the Tropicana Field site.

“We plan on building something that will appeal to all income levels and be beneficial to everybody.”

COURTESY RENDERING — Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s proposal focuses on ample open space and arts offerings.

SROA Capital, meanwhile, developed a proposal that would accentuate the site’s baseball heritage by incorporating the sport into the property with a new baseball-themed museum and other attractions.

Benjamin MacFarland III, SROA Capital’s founder and whose ancestor Ben Shibe owned the then-Philadelphia Athletics for two decades in the early 20th Century, says the West Palm Beach company’s baseball-centric development differentiates it from the other half-dozen proposals submitted.

“We have a passion to build something in St. Petersburg that will access and highlight Florida’s pastime, baseball, which has been such a huge part of the state’s history and my family’s history,” he says.

For its part, TRS Development Services’ plan says its proposal will save the public the most money.

COURTESY RENDERING — SROA Capital’s plan accentuates the site’s ties to professional baseball.

Paula Barca, CEO of Restoration Design Worldwide, a Tampa-based firm that specializes in reclamation of properties damaged through fire or natural disaster, notes TRS Development’s plan is the only one that envisions retrofitting — not replacing — Tropicana Field for professional baseball.

Its plan includes a new 28,000-seat stadium that would feature an open-roof design, work on which would be spearheaded by Restoration Design. To pay for the refurbishment, TRS Development would construct a trio of high-rise, luxury condominium towers rising as high as 50 stories.

“From a financial perspective, our project would take less money out of taxpayers’ pockets,” Barca says. “The luxury towers we’re proposing would pay for the majority of the stadium’s renovation.”

Two other potential Tropicana Field site developers — Wendover Housing Partners of Altamonte Springs and Midtown Development LLC, of Miami — declined to comment on their plan and failed to respond to inquiries by deadline, respectively.

For now, the city is taking public input on all the plans. At the same time, a 26-member community review committee is considering each proposal “from every angle, all the strengths and weaknesses,” DeLisle says.

Sometime in March a short-list of candidates will be developed by Mayor Rick Kriseman and St. Petersburg’s City Council, which will lead to a series of charrettes and developer presentations and another round of community feedback.

Before the end of June, the city hopes to begin work on a detailed term sheet and development agreement that would govern future work on the site.

“The goal is to be able to bring something back to the Council by the end of the year,” DeLisle says.

Newer resales help drive condo market up on Longboat

Sage and St. Regis sales progress past milestones.

With more than half of the units spoken for in the Sage condominium development and still more in the upcoming St. Regis residential project, sales and prices of condos on Longboat Key are surpassing some of the region’s record gains made in 2020.

Demolition was approved last week at the site of the former Sea ‘n’ Sun Resort at 4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive, making way for a spring groundbreaking on Sage. The 16-unit luxury condominium is expected to be ready for occupancy in the fourth quarter of 2023.

At least nine of the four-bedroom units are under contract, including all four penthouses that sold for between $5.8 million and $6.3 million each. Lower-floor unit prices range from mid-$4 million to about $5.5 million. Sales are being handled by Premier Sotheby’s International.

Down the beach at the St. Regis, which expects to break ground this summer, broker Michael Saunders and Company announced late last summer it had passed the halfway point in reservations for its 69 units ranging in price from $2 million to $20 million. As of last week, about 35% were under contract, said chief marketing officer Randall Graham.

And existing condos are selling, too, continuing a 2020 trend that drove Longboat Key’s median condominium sales prices — the point at which half sell for more and half sell for less — up 7% to $545,000, according to data from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.  Median single-family home prices on Longboat rose as well, but not to the same degree: up 2.7% to $1.2 million.

Already in 2021, a penthouse in the Aria community (2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive) sold for $5.7 million and a beachfront townhouse in Bonaire (5005 GMD) sold for $7.13 million. For comparison, the highest-priced residential real estate to ever close in Manatee and Sarasota counties was a Regents Court home behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club for $16.9 million in 2020. A mainland Sarasota home took the second-place spot on that list earlier this year at $13.25 million.

One of the common factors driving the surge in Longboat’s condo volume and prices: age. Sage and St. Regis are new construction with the latest features and technology. Bonaire and Aria are two of the newest developments on Longboat. Of the 27 gulf-front condominiums and condo complexes in the Sarasota County portion of the Key, two-thirds of them (18) were developed 30 years ago or more. Aria opened in 2016, along with Infinity. Bonaire began selling in 2017.

Aging condo units were one of the main concerns of town officials last year when taxable property values on the island dropped for the first time since 2013. Traffic and mainland competition were also cited, though a consultant hired by the town assured commissioners the slip of less than a percentage point was just a blip.

Sage units are now selling.

“The significant sale price indicates that the demand for luxury real estate — particularly waterfront residences — continues to be strong in Sarasota and Manatee counties,” said Gigi Silverberg of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, who listed the Aria penthouse. Reid Murphy handled the Bonaire sale.

Dan Kaplan, Managing Partner of PMG, which is co-developing Sage with Floridays Development, said Sarasota and its waterfront communities are ideal for high-end developments. PMG also helped develop The Concession in Lakewood Ranch.

“Kevin Maloney, our senior principal, spent a good portion of time down in the area and just really loved the area,” Kaplan said. “So he felt as though there was a market for high-end condominiums there, so it’s an area that he feels special about. That was really it. And then obviously, there was an opportunity.”

The developers purchased the 3.4-acre Sun ‘n’ Sea Cottages and Apartments in September for $13.25 million. The family-owned resort, which dates to 1948, had been closed in preceding months and was one of the town’s 46 grandfathered vacation rentals not regulated by current rules requiring no less than 30-day stays. The wooded property is now ringed with fencing in preparation for demolition.

The 3.4 acres of the former Sun ‘n’ Sea Cottages and Apartments are now fenced off in preparation for demolition.

Kaplan said his project’s customers are largely from the North, split evenly between the Midwest and the East. The St. Regis clientele hail from similar locations, as well as London, Graham said.

“Just personally, I actually just moved from New York to Miami full time,” Kaplan said. “So I can tell you the tenor of the cities up North is a negative vibe. In Florida,  right now, it’s just a very positive place.”

Another common factor: amenities. The St. Regis residences will share 800 feet of beachfront with a hotel wing and offer all the features of a five-star resort. “This will be the most idyllic place to live and relax in an island enclave located close to amazing arts venues, shopping and dining,” Michael Saunders said last year.

At Sage, each unit will span the width of the five-story building, offering bay views to the east and gulf views to the west. Elevators will deliver residents into their homes.

“So it feels very much like a single-family home, other than the fact that it’s not,” Kaplan said. “It’s really meant to be focused on people who are looking for a single-family home experience, but don’t necessarily want the trials and tribulations of the upkeep. And they want to be able to come and go as they please, but the condo association takes care of it. It will not feel like an apartment building at all.”

Construction firm awarded contract for new resort and residences

LONGBOAT KEY — Moss Construction has been awarded the construction contract for The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.

The 18-acre luxury destination at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key will have multiple buildings, according to a press release. The resort will include 166 luxury hotel rooms, and the residences will have three six-story residential buildings with 69 private luxury condominiums from 1,553 to 5,895 square feet.

“This is an amazing luxury offering and raises the bar for the west coast of Florida,” says Moss Vice President Toby Manulak in a statement. “The St. Regis Hotels and Resorts are known for their flawless finishes, attention to detail, and world class amenities. It’s an honor to have been entrusted with its construction.”

Courtesy. Moss Construction was awarded a contract for The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.

Residents will have access to resort amenities provided by the adjacent St. Regis Resort & Spa, which include a full-service spa, piano bar and three restaurants. Residents will also have dedicated private amenities, including a pool and spa with sundeck, clubhouse and a wellness center with open-air yoga. Owners and their guests can use St. Regis Resort butler and concierge services, beauty services, daily housekeeping, Bentley and chauffeur service, on-site pet grooming and chef services.

The project is anticipated to start in July. The new resort and residences are expected to be completed in late 2023.

“Set on a magnificent white sand beach, The Residences at St Regis Resort combine breathtaking Gulf views with impressive architectural elements and the signature St. Regis Resort amenities and service,” says Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall in the statement. “We look forward to our partnership with Moss and bringing this concept to life.”

Moss is a national construction firm with regional offices across the U.S. The company focuses on construction management, design-build and public-private partnerships. The company’s portfolio includes a wide range of sectors: luxury high-rise residential, mixed-use developments, hospitality, K-12 and higher education, justice, solar energy and sports.

Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. has developed over $2.5 billion of commercial, residential and mixed-use projects in New York, Michigan, Georgia, Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin, Alabama, Kansas, Texas, South Carolina and Florida. It has another 10 million square feet in the planning and construction stages. Unicorp develops master planned and mixed-use communities, luxury apartments, hotels and office buildings.

Trop Talk, part five: Parks and green space

Editor’s note: In this multi-part series, the Catalyst will compare and contrast each of the seven proposals for the Tropicana Field site according to five major redevelopment needs that each plan was asked to meet: commercial and office space, housing, I-175 and transportation, parks and green space and hotel and convention center space. 

In this final installment of Trop Talk, we’ll take a look at how parks and green space will be incorporated into the redevelopment of the Tropicana Field property. In its request for proposals for the site, the City of St. Petersburg cited “significant contiguous park and public gathering space” as one of the criteria it would look for in developers’ plans.

As it currently exists, the Trop site is composed of a baseball stadium and parking lot that’s vastly underutilized, even on game days because of the Tampa Bay Rays’ well-documented struggle to draw fans to the ballpark. Parks and green space would help activate the site and make downtown St. Petersburg even more of an ideal live-work-play environment.

Unicorp National Developments’ proposal would bring so much green space to the site that it has “park” in the name — “Petersburg Park,” to be exact. It would have five distinct parks and public gathering spaces: South Booker Creek Park, Central Park, The Basin, North Booker Creek Park and Sunburst Plaza. Sculptures, gardens, canopy shade trees and even a putting green are some of the features that would be included, but the highlight of Petersburg Park would be a sprawling greenway park that would require the removal of a portion of Interstate 175. This amenity would stretch eastward into Roser Park and the city’s Innovation District, and it would include “walking jogging trails, bike lanes, volleyball and basketball courts and other active play area environments,” the proposal reads.

Wendover Housing Partners’ proposal envisions a new Rays stadium built in the northeast corner of the site, but if that doesn’t happen, a large urban park and two multifamily housing developments would take its place. Amenities could include a small amphitheater, playgrounds, splash pad and art installations. Also, according to Wendover’s plan, the area where Booker Creek crosses First Avenue South would also be dedicated to a public park whose footprint would extend southward to Fourth Avenue South, following the route of the expanded creek.

The proposal submitted by Portman Holdings and Third Lake Partners would turn a large portion of the site’s southern edge into a park, and like the other plans, it would revitalize and expand Booker Creek, making the waterway a “natural sanctuary in the middle of St. Petersburg’s urban core,” the document reads. Jogging and biking trails would be installed along the creek, providing an easy connection to the Pinellas Trail. Also, and much like some of the other plans, Portman and Third Lake propose an open area of green space where Booker Creek crosses First Avenue South. Such an amenity could be used as a community lawn and performance space, their plan states.

Creekside,” the proposal submitted by Midtown Developments, uses terms such as “the city as a park” to describe the transformation of the Trop site. “Public spaces will be integrated throughout the neighborhoods with generous amounts of green space,” Midtown states. Jogging and bike paths would be plentiful, and workout stations would be installed to encourage people to exercise. Several pocket parks interspersed throughout the property would provide opportunities for small groups to do yoga and other fitness activities together. And much like Unicorp, Midtown envisions a large central park that serves as a tranquil transition space between the eastern and western neighborhoods. Under Midtown’s plan, the southern part of Booker Creek would be significantly widened to accommodate stormwater overflow but would also have a series of small islands.

Much like Unicorp, Storage Rentals of America and Holabird & Root favor the removal of I-175. In its place, the developers would erect a series of mixed-use residential and commercial buildings, a technical or higher education campus, a series of canals and a large native landscape park. The latter feature would encompass the southern end of a re-naturalized Booker Creek. To the east of the park would be a hotel and additional mixed-use residential and commercial structures. Assuming a new ballpark is built, SROA and Holabird & Root say the Trop site would feature 850,000 square feet of park and green space. With no ballpark, that figure would increase to 1.02 million square feet. The removal of I-175 would add an additional 508,100 square feet of park and green space to the property. Under both the ballpark and non-ballpark plans, the center of the site would be occupied by a large cultural pavilion surrounded on all sides by green space.

Sugar Hill Community Partners and JMA Ventures, meanwhile, would make Booker Creek Park the centerpiece of the Trop site. The park would span the property’s entire north-south axis and make use of land underneath I-175. The creek bank itself would be lowered at one point to make a small urban beach and wading area. Land at the northern part of the site, near the Pinellas Trail and First Avenue South, would be dedicated to fruit tree orchards. Wetlands filled with native vegetation would also be created in hopes of providing habitat for birds.

The Sugar Hill/JMA plan would create a land bridge across I-175 to link Booker Creek with Campbell Park. Their non-ballpark plan calls for a large convention center complex to be built in the southwest corner of the site, and the roof of this building would be outfitted with a community garden. West of the convention center complex, underneath the I-275/I-175 junction, would be green space that could be used as a pop-up art park, according to the proposal.

Lastly, TRS Development Services’ proposal does not go into many specifics regarding park and green space, but its non-ballpark plan would provide a large central park with what appears to be a bandshell or amphitheater at the park’s west end. The park would take up much of the middle part of the site, west of Booker Creek. TRS’s vision for the property also includes multiple “greenways” running along the creek and the Pinellas Trail. As well, many of the buildings in the development would have “green” roofs that can provide rest and relaxation areas for residents and office workers.

Visit the City of St. Petersburg’s website to view all of the proposals and submit comments about them.

Unicorp envisions Tropicana Field Site as massive creative park, and could create more than 4,000 jobs

Unicorp National Development proposes “Petersburg Park” for Tropicana Field Site – a massive creative arts playground with an emphasis on connectivity.

The city of St. Petersburg just released the 7 proposals for the Tropicana Field Site, and we’ll do our best to go through several and showcase what the development group is proposing for the space.

Most unique development opportunity of the decade

The city has provided 5 reasons the Tropicana Field Site is the Southeast’s largest and most unique development opportunity of the decade:

Click HERE for a link to all the proposals and the public comment form 

Unicorp’s Petersburg Park has been “envisioned as a city park that embraces the surrounding community in a human scale and becomes an oasis to recharge the soul by celebrating nature, the arts, healthy living and learning,” according to the group’s proposal. “We did not take the approach of maximizing density which others may, instead we took the approach of balance between density and the need for a great public space.”

Creating a massive creative arts park in the ‘Burg

The Development Team includes:

Unicorp National Developments Inc – Master Developer
Zyscovich Architects – Architect and Land Planner
Pinnacle Housing – Affordable Housing
Kimley Horn – Civil Engineer
Land Design – Landscape Architects
Inclusivity – Inclusivity and Community Consideration
B2 Communications – Community Outreach & Media
Colliers International – Local Retail Advertisement
Stearns Weaver-Miller – Political Advertisement & Recognition
RSM Design – Design Team
Feldman Equities, LLC – Office Developer
Imerza – Visualization Consultant

The four cornerstones of Petersburg Park are: Arts; Healthy Living; Nature; and Learning.

“Using the example of the city of Bilbao, Spain; St Petersburg can become the new benchmark for the 21st-century by having Peterburg Park act as an international attraction for its commitment to the arts, fueling a creative economy by building a “creative playground”.

The team envisions commissioning local, regional, international artist, sculptors, musicians, architects, designers through public and private partnerships as well as corporate alliances, grants and sponsorships.

“Our objective is just that… paying tribute to the past by embracing the surrounding neighborhoods with a central park being its primary focal point…We believe our plan can begin healing the scars of the past by bringing back a community fabric, where people of all races and income levels can congregate, live, work, play and relax.”

Cornerstones of Unicorp’s Master Plan

Here’s the master plan from Unicorp:

1. Re-establish the City’s Historic street grid network through the site to reconnect to adjacent districts so that quality of life values and synergies of adjacent neighborhoods can be extended.

2. The street design will meet Complete Streets Standards to offer continuous mobility solutions for people of all ages to walk, bike, providing easy access to a BRT station planned on 1st Avenue South and 13th Street that will connect the project to a Regional BRT system connecting to Gateway, West Shore, Tampa International Airport, Downtown Tampa and points further north.

3. Maximize views and access to the Booker Creek, by creating an opportunity to extend the Creek westward and integrating the trails and waterfront areas to the 3.5-acre Central Park creating a distinctive St Petersburg destination. Sustainability aspects of the project will be reinforced using Florida Native Plant materials. The total open space of the project is approx. 40% of the overall site area and the recreational/ landscape spaces comprised approximately 20%.

4. The Petersburg Central Park and Conference center/ and a 400 key Hotel are pivotal components of the overall development whether the stadium relocates on this site or not. Vision for the new baseball stadium is smaller in scale similar to Wrigley Field but with open arms, to act as the terminus for the central lawn.

Creating an esplanade in the Sunshine City

A proposed linear park/esplanade along 3rd Avenue will be created to enhance the character of the natural historic assets of the City. This pathway will connect to the Central Park, pocket parks and historic trails in the development.

Elements of the park include canopy shade tree bosque, decomposed granite surface for permeability, moveable seating for flexibility, decorative lighting, food truck parking area adjacent to the park, sculpture opportunities and open visibility to provide a safe environment.

Plans also call for Sunburst Plaza. A plaza space that is a gateway to the Ray’s new ballpark and celebrates the Ray’s “Sunburst” Logo Element. The plaza also provides a connective link to Petersburg Park West and the community of Petersburg Park. Sunburst plaza has decorative hardscape and lighting elements, open lawn areas for multi-use events, seating, and an interactive waterscape play element.

Creating a Wrigley Field with open arms in St. Pete

In the event the City of St Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Rays decide to terminate the Lease prior to 2027, Unicorp National Developments master plan has the ability to include a plan for a new stadium or substitute and expand the plan with other commercial venues.

“Our vision for the new baseball stadium is smaller in scale similar to Wrigley Field with but with open arms, to act as the terminus for the central lawn.”

During the off-season, the stadium could act more like an amphitheater for outdoor concerts and special events.

They are planning to include approx. 1,311 parking spaces dedicated to meet the stadium parking needs plus 887 spaces that can be shared with other commercial/office uses, for a total of 2,198 spaces. Additional access to events will be accommodated with future BRT transit stops on 1st avenue and 13th street to facilitate local and regional linkages.

Petersburg Park by the numbers

Here are a few potential masterplans from the group:

Tropicana Development with MLB Stadium: 

Residential Program -2,995 dwelling units

Commercial Uses:
235,000 SF of lifestyle and commercial retail,
288,000 SF Innovation District
186,000 SF of Flex Space
155,000 SF Office Space
70,000 SF, Conference Center and a 400 key hotel.

Total Parking Spaces – 6,044

Tropicana Development without MLB Stadium:

Residential Program -3,448 dwelling units

Commercial Uses:
312,000 SF of lifestyle and commercial retail,
288,000 SF Innovation District 158,000 SF of Flex Space
155,000 SF Office Space
66,000 SF, Conference Center and a 400 key hotel.

Total Parking Spaces – 5,864 spaces

Unicorp plans to develop the area to the extent that will provide over 4,000 permanent jobs that would open up for those in the St. Petersburg area. In addition to these 4,000 permanent jobs, there will be a high demand for over 1,000 construction jobs to see this project through.

Pinnacle housing company will oversee the creation of affordable and work force housing.

Construction/completion Timeline

Phase one of the project is scheduled to take four years to complete, in this phase, there will be a mix of residential units, commercial retail locations, office locations, and innovation hubs suitable to accommodate a university. These locations are on the NE corner of the site and will allow for the development to move forward on time as the MLB makes their decision.

Phase two of the project will take two years and will bring online more residential units, commercial and lifestyle retail, and flex space to be used as needed. This two-year phase will gradually increase the areas already seen from phase one.

Phase three of the project will take an additional two years to complete and will bring online the remainder of the redevelopment. This will set up the entire site to be fully built out and complete in nine years’ time.

This would put a full completion date somewhere in 2029.

Focusing on local retailers 

In collaboration with Unicorp National Developments, they will be executing Petersburg Park’s retail and restaurant merchandising plan focusing uniquely on regional and local retailers.

A total of 3 million dollars will be allocated for public art in Petersburg Park, with total construction costs estimated to be around $151,248,000. The development group projects a 7.68% return on investment over the course of 8 years.

Te developer’s 20-year tax revenue projections if the site includes a baseball stadium show a cumulative earnings of $199,963,886. The city should see its first signs of tax revenue in the 4th year, with a projection of $5,753,100.

Without a stadium, the 20 year tax revenue projections are $232,846,792

Learn more by viewing Unicorp’s full development plan here.

Here are the 7 proposals to redevelop Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg

The city received nine bids in all, but two didn’t meet the requested criteria.
This rendering shows an aerial view of a proposed Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg, as envisioned by a team of developers led by JMA Ventures and Sugar Hill Community Partners.
This rendering shows an aerial view of a proposed Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg, as envisioned by a team of developers led by JMA Ventures and Sugar Hill Community Partners. [ Sugar Hill Community Partners ]

And seven potential new baseball stadiums.

City officials on Tuesday offered the public the first look at seven proposals to redevelop St. Petersburg’s 86-acre Tropicana Field site. Combined, they offer ambitious visions of the city’s residential, commercial and recreational future that could price out at more than $3 billion.

“The quality of these proposals, the amount of work that went into them, is quite remarkable,” Mayor Rick Kriseman said Tuesday at a press conference near Tropicana Field. “When you see these submissions, I think you’ll quickly realize that the future has never been brighter.”

Redevelopment of the Trop site has been on the table for years, though a lot must happen before it can begin. The city and Tampa Bay Rays are still engaged in discussions about the land, although Kriseman said Tuesday that the team declined to be part of any one proposal, and the sides remain far apart on a deal. The city must also balance a desire to grow its downtown economy with a push to restore historic connections to the city’s Black community, which was disrupted when the stadium was built in the 1980s.

“This site needs to deliver some justice, and it needs to begin delivering that now,” Kriseman said. “Not two years from now, or seven years from now. We need to move forward with redevelopment — and the opportunities that come with it — right now.”

Kriseman and city advisors will spend months going through each plan, taking comments from the public, before a shortlist is unveiled. After that: More community outreach and discussions with various stakeholders before the mayor makes an official recommendation.

Initially, city leaders said only eight bidders submitted proposals. On Tuesday, Kriseman said there were nine, but two didn’t meet the city’s criteria.

“Not everybody can do this project,” said Alan DeLisle, the city’s development administrator. This is a big project, national in scope. It requires a special, unique team of individuals to come together. And that has happened.”

Here are the seven proposals, all of which include two visions: one with a baseball stadium, and one without.

JMA Ventures, Sugar Hill Community Partners

San Francisco’s JMA Ventures and New York’s Sugar Hill Community Partners delivered an ambitious proposal that calls the Trop site “a difficult reminder of a once vibrant neighborhood,” but aspires to create “an urban anchor and model of inclusive development.” It would feature an expanded Booker Creek including an 11-acre park and “urban beach” as well as a 500-room hotel and 650,000-square-foot convention center. Unlike other proposals, it names a few specific partnerships, from a minority-owned brewery created in partnership with 3 Daughters Brewing, to a potential deal for a 500,000-square-foot campus for California marine technology center AltaSea created in conjunction with the University of South Florida. A new, 25,000-seat Rays stadium would be integrated into the topography, creating Wrigley Park-style viewing from nearby buildings.

This rendering shows an aerial view of a proposed Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg, as envisioned by a team of developers led by JMA Ventures and Sugar Hill Community Partners.

This rendering shows an aerial view of a proposed Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg, as envisioned by a team of developers led by JMA Ventures and Sugar Hill Community Partners. [ Sugar Hill Community Partners ]
This rendering shows a view of a proposed Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg, as envisioned by a team of developers led by JMA Ventures and Sugar Hill Community Partners.
This rendering shows a view of a proposed Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg, as envisioned by a team of developers led by JMA Ventures and Sugar Hill Community Partners. [ Sugar Hill Community Partners ]

SROA Capital, Holabird and Root, ARGO

Three firms have partnered on a vision they liken to “canal communities,” built around an expanded Booker Creek that would offer public gathering spaces, flood mitigation and natural cooling for buildings on the site. The site calls for up to 810,240 square feet of office space and 2,520 residential units, with more available if Interstate 175 is later demolished. Other amenities: A 390,000-square-foot technical campus, 500 hotel rooms with 100,000 square feet of conference space, an outdoor event space and a baseball museum named for onetime Philadelphia Athletics executive Ben Shibe. The proposal calls for public funding “for all developed infrastructure,” including streets, waterways and a new stadium.

An aerial view of a rendering of a proposal for the redevelopment of St. Petersburg's Tropicana Field site by Storage Rentals of America, Holabird and Root and Argo Systems.
An aerial view of a rendering of a proposal for the redevelopment of St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field site by Storage Rentals of America, Holabird and Root and Argo Systems. [ Storage Rentals of America, Holabird and Root, Argo Systems ]

West Palm Beach storage company Storage Rentals of America (SROA), Chicago architects Holabird and Root and Maryland construction management company Argo Services submitted a handful of storage and campus-style developments for references, including $1-billion-plus facilities for the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Philadelphia and Baltimore. They did not offer a potential price tag for the Tropicana Field site.

An aerial view of a rendering of a proposal for the redevelopment of St. Petersburg's Tropicana Field site by Storage Rentals of America, Holabird and Root and Argo Systems.
An aerial view of a rendering of a proposal for the redevelopment of St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field site by Storage Rentals of America, Holabird and Root and Argo Systems. [ Storage Rentals of America, Holabird and Root, Argo Systems ]

Portman Holdings, Third Lake Partners

Atlanta developers Portman Holdings and local investment firm Third Lake Partners presented a proposal expected to cost between $2.3 billion and $2.6 billion, with public funds used “sparingly.” The plan promises integration into regional transit programs, tech- and environment-friendly architecture, and memorials to past generations of residents of the city’s demolished Gas Plant District. It suggests an expansion of Brooker Creek recreational areas and a “garden bridge” over Interstate 175 linking the site to Campbell Park. It would have at least 305,000 square feet of retail, between 1.9 million and 2.5 million square feet of commercial and office space, a 400-room hotel with 50,000 square feet of meeting space and, if a stadium is not needed, a 203,000-square-foot hub for the creative arts.

An aerial view of a rendering for a proposal to redevelop the Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg, courtesy of Portman Holdings and Third Lake Partners.
An aerial view of a rendering for a proposal to redevelop the Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg, courtesy of Portman Holdings and Third Lake Partners. [ Picture Plane for Beyer Blinder Belle, HKS and 5+ Design ]

Portman is responsible for an array of eye-catching hotel and office properties, including the Marriott Marquis and Peachtree Center in their hometown; San Francisco’s Embarcadero Center; the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square; and the Shanghai Centre in China. Third Lake Partners, a firm connected to the owners of Ashley Furniture and WingHouse Bar and Grill, has invested in several high-profile Tampa Bay properties, including Centro Ybor and the ONE St. Petersburg and 200 Central skyscrapers in St. Petersburg. Third Lake CEO Ken Jones is an advisor to Tampa Bay Rays 2020, a nonprofit group conceived to support the team moving across the bay to Tampa. Another local development partner: St. Petersburg’s Echelon, whose local work includes Carillon Park.

A look at a proposed new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays courtesy of Portman Holdings and Third Lake Partners, who have submitted a bit to redevelop the Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg.
A look at a proposed new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays courtesy of Portman Holdings and Third Lake Partners, who have submitted a bit to redevelop the Tropicana Field site in St. Petersburg. [ Picture Plane for Beyer Blinder Belle, HKS and 5+ Design ]

Wendover Housing Partners

Altamonte Springs developer Wendover Housing Partners centered its proposal on affordable housing, with nearly 60 percent of its 2,196 residences aimed at “workforce multifamily.” It would give nearby residents, and those in the city’s historically Black communities, the first crack at housing. Its office buildings would surround an expanded Booker Creek, and it incorporates plans for two hotels and a technical or trade school.

A rendering of part of the proposed Tropicana Field redevelopment site submitted to the city by Wendover Housing Partners of Altamonte Springs.
A rendering of part of the proposed Tropicana Field redevelopment site submitted to the city by Wendover Housing Partners of Altamonte Springs. [ ELEVEN18 Architecture ]

Wendover’s portfolio includes 41 residential communities across the South. Its partners on the project include local engineering firms George F. Young and Kisinger Campo and Associates; and Jupiter’s Business Park Development Corporation, led by Clearwater native Craig Govan. The partners’ local developments include St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District and Deuces Live projects. The proposal indicated developers would rely on outside investors rather than local bonds or tax increment financing.

A rendering of a proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium submitted to the city of St. Petersburg by Altamonte Springs developer Wendover Housing Partners.
A rendering of a proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium submitted to the city of St. Petersburg by Altamonte Springs developer Wendover Housing Partners. [ ELEVEN18 Architecture ]

Unicorp National Developments

Unlike the other six bidders, Orlando’s Unicorp National Developments shared its proposal, dubbed “Petersburg Park,” on Jan. 15. About 20 percent of the land would be made up of linked parks and greenspaces surrounding an expanded Booker Creek. Unicorp also envisions a 400-room hotel, around 3,000 residences, a 70,000-square-foot conference center, 155,000 square feet of office space and up to 312,000 square feet of retail. The plan describes the park as “the heart for all civic (and) social activities … where people of all races and income levels can congregate, live, work, play and relax.”

Renderings from Orlando developer Unicorp National Developments show a reimagined vision of St. Petersburg's 87-acre Tropicana Field site, including new parks and retail areas built around an expanded Booker Creek. The design is by Zyscovich Architects; the rendering is by Imerza.
Renderings from Orlando developer Unicorp National Developments show a reimagined vision of St. Petersburg’s 87-acre Tropicana Field site, including new parks and retail areas built around an expanded Booker Creek. The design is by Zyscovich Architects; the rendering is by Imerza. [ Unicorp National Developments ]

Unicorp has built mixed-use and retail projects from Sarasota to Troy, Mich., but most are centered around the company’s headquarters in Orlando. Among them are multiple properties on International Drive, including the Wyndham Orlando Resort and ICON Park, anchored by a 400-foot-tall Ferris wheel. Expected to break ground this year is O-Town West, a $1 billion mixed-use project near Walt Disney World and SeaWorld; and a $1 billion redevelopment of the Orlando Fashion Square mall. Just south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the company is developing two upscale residential projects near Sarasota, including the Residences at St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, located on the Gulf of Mexico.

Renderings from Orlando developer Unicorp National Developments show a reimagined vision of St. Petersburg's 87-acre Tropicana Field site, including new parks and retail areas built around an expanded Brooker Creek. The design is by Zyscovich Architects; the rendering is by Imerza.
Renderings from Orlando developer Unicorp National Developments show a reimagined vision of St. Petersburg’s 87-acre Tropicana Field site, including new parks and retail areas built around an expanded Brooker Creek. The design is by Zyscovich Architects; the rendering is by Imerza. [ Unicorp National Developments ]

Midtown Development

Proposed stadium locations in the Midtown Development proposal should the Tampa Bay Rays end up staying in St. Petersburg.
Proposed stadium locations in the Midtown Development proposal should the Tampa Bay Rays end up staying in St. Petersburg. [ Midtown Development ]

Miami-based Midtown Development unveiled a proposal called Creekside, which makes Booker Creek one of the key components of the development, creating five distinct areas around the water feature. A largely residential development — homes will be on the higher floors of buildings while ground-level storefronts will be reserved for retail, dining and other customer-facing uses. Midtown promises to build at least 1,000 units of affordable, workforce or moderately-priced homes into the project, accounting for at least 20 percent of all housing. It promises to bake the site’s history into the project, with a partnership with the Pinellas County Urban League and a commitment to fund “vocation, education and equitable justice initiatives.” The proposal also includes expanding upon the city’s heritage trail and creating a Heritage Bridge, which would connect the project to Campbell Park to the south.

Bradenton-based Midtown Development unveiled a proposal called Creekside, which makes Booker Creek one of the key components of the development.
Bradenton-based Midtown Development unveiled a proposal called Creekside, which makes Booker Creek one of the key components of the development. [ Midtown Development ]

Midtown Development is building the 18-square block Midtown Miami city-within-a-city atop the former Buena Vista Rail Yard in Miami, and owns the 22-acre Orlando Sentinel site, which will be a master-planned development project. The company proposed buying the Trop property outright for $60 million, plus it will invest more than $90 million in infrastructure upgrades, which includes $30 million in parks. The deal does include using $75 million in tax increment financing the city has made available for the project.

Renderings from Midtown Development.
Renderings from Midtown Development. [ Midtown Development ]

TRS Development Services, Ryan Companies, Brennan Investment Group

TRS Development Services drafted a proposal with Ryan Companies and Brennan Investment Group called Rome Yard.
TRS Development Services drafted a proposal with Ryan Companies and Brennan Investment Group called Rome Yard. [ TRS Development Services ]

Tampa Bay firm TRS Development Services is leading a team that includes Minneapolis developer Ryan Companies and Chicago real estate investment firm Brennan Investment Group. The team is proposing a project, called Rome Yard, that would cost at least $475 million, which doesn’t factor in the costs of a baseball stadium, transportation hub or infrastructure improvements. The project promises a hotel with 50,000 square feet of conference space, plus a childcare facility, job training center, cultural center, ground level retail and parks. Rome Yard is broken up into 12 development phases, which would start in 2025 and run through 2037.

TRS Development Services drafted a proposal with Ryan Companies and Brennan Investment Group called Rome Yard.
TRS Development Services drafted a proposal with Ryan Companies and Brennan Investment Group called Rome Yard. [ TRS Development Services ]

Members of the team have done major projects in the past. Ryan Companies, a national mixed-use developer, built a $588 million project in Minneapolis called Downtown East. And Blue Sky Communities, which partnered with the group, is a local affordable housing company that has already done projects in St. Petersburg.

Condo termination agreement paves way for St. Regis’ next step

Judge signs off on the agreement to close down Colony Beach & Tennis Resort’s condominium association.

Construction of The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is expected to begin this summer following the conclusion of legal proceedings to terminate the condominium association of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, Unicorp National Developments CEO Chuck Whittall said.

Deals for the last of the former Colony units were concluded recently, and an order to terminate the association was agreed to by Unicorp, the Colony Beach & Tennis Club Association Inc. and former unit owners. A circuit court judge signed it this week.

Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall was on the property when workers began tearing down buildings in 2018.

“It was all settled amicably, and we are actually submitting plans for the [Longboat Key] building department [the week of Jan. 18] for them to start to review for our permits,” Whittall said. “We expect a target to start construction probably in July.”

Whittall said work on underground utilities would kick off construction on the land that has stood vacant since November 2018.

“They’ll probably take us the first 90 days before we start going vertical, pouring floors of building walls,” he said. “And then it’s going to take us 30 months to build it.”

The termination of the condominium association was the final step before Unicorp could move forward with tangible changes to the property at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The three parties submitted their  plan for termination in November 2020 to Circuit Judge Hunter Carroll. He signed the order on Jan. 19.

With the sale of the final units, Unicorp Acquisitions LLC now owns all 237 former residential condominium units and seven accessory units that were once controlled by the condominium association.

In late 2018, the last of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort buildings had been demolished.

Although Unicorp purchased some former Colony units through the years from individual buyers, the termination agreement set prices for the remainder of the units on a consistent scale. Premiums were paid above the base purchase price of $170,852 for beachfront units and units in the resort’s mid-rise building.

Unicorp paid $370,852 for beachfront units and $270,852 for mid-rise units, according to court documents. Total paid by Unicorp for the units was about $18.5 million. Whittall said construction financing is still in the works, but the company is working with a lender to close that loop.

The termination of the condominium association brings to a close years of litigation as Unicorp worked to consolidate its ownership of the once-tony resort popular with tennis stars, celebrities and Longboat Key residents.

The three residential buildings are grouped on the southern two thirds of the property.

“It’s what I’ve been working for for eight years,” Whittall said.

The litigation to judicially terminate the association was prompted by Whittall’s inability to secure the action through a vote of the condominium board. Former unit owner Andy Adams controlled enough units to block the necessary vote margin for a voluntary termination.

That stalemate broke last spring when Whittall and Adams agreed to a multimillion-dollar agreement to buy his 75 units. The deal headed off the need for a civil trial that would have determined how the remaining units would be sold. Public records of the transfer of Adams’ units show a total price of more than $15 million, broken into three segments. Those sales were finalized in September 2020.

Whittall explained that Unicorp will own the property, but the Marriott Company will manage it under the St. Regis banner.

“We have an extended contract with them, like 50 years, for them to manage the property for us,” he said.

Town leaders granted permission in March 2018 to proceed with development plans after several design iterations that saw the number of units fall from an initial proposal of 180 residential units. Barring any changes in what was approved, no further public hearings would be necessary, though building plans will require town review before permits can be issued, said Allen Parsons, the director of the town’s planning, zoning and building department.

Once completed, the project could add about $1.5 million annually in taxes to the town budget.

The planned development proposes 166 hotel rooms and 78 residential condominium units. The 18-acre parcel has been empty since the last building was demolished in November 2018 following a determination from the town the abandoned buildings posed a hazard.

Michael Saunders & Co. announced the launch of sales in July 2020, following up three months later with word that 30 of the units had been spoken for at a value of about $200 million. Whittall said two $18.5 million penthouses have been reserved, which he called the highest-priced condominiums on the west coast of Florida.

“It’s been a couple of condos a week,” he said. “It’s probably averaging one or two a week.”

Prices for residential units begin at about $2 million in three buildings grouped on the southern half of the property: Armand, Bateau and Champagne alongside the 166-room hotel complex, which borders the northern side of the property. Units range from about 1,500 square feet to nearly 6,000 and from one bedroom, one-and-one-half baths to four bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths.

Whittall said the hotel is designed to elicit a five-star ranking with amenities including:

  • An homage to the Colony’s famous Monkey Bar;
  • A seafood and steak restaurant, called CW Prime;
  • The St. Regis grille;
  •  A beachside cafe;
  • A saltwater lagoon with rays swimming freely; and
  • A daily sabering of Champagne in the lobby, a St. Regis hotel tradition.

Project of the Week: The St Regis Hotel Longboat Key, Florida

A jaw-dropping scheme to build a 166-room St Regis resort and 69 ultra-luxe private condominiums on a prime beachfront site has been crowned our latest Project of the Week.

Marriott International’s prestigious luxury brand St Regis has a spectacular spot in Longboat Key, off the west coast of mainland Florida, firmly in its sights for its latest outpost.

An extraordinary new hotel for Longboat Key

Located on the site of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, The St Regis Hotel Longboat Key is expected to feature 166 elegant rooms and a variety of attractive F&B venues, including signature chef-driven steak and seafood restaurant CW Prime, classically inspired St Regis Piano Bar and all-day dining venue The St Regis Grille. The property will also boast its very own spa, salt-water lagoon, stream, heated infinity-edge pool and adults-only pool.

It’s envisaged that this newbuild five-star hotel will be able to host a variety of private events. Besides The Astor Ballroom, the scheme will incorporate a manicured beachside event lawn and extensive business meeting facilities, with every detail handled by meticulous event planners.

The project’s high-powered design team includes the likes of SB ArchitectsHBA and ENEA Landscape Architecture. Last week, SB Architects announced the appointment of vice president and principal Pinar Harris, who is leading the design for the St Regis Hotel Longboat Key.

A residence like no other

Alongside the hotel, there’ll be 66 condominiums split across three six-story buildings. Residents will have access to the facilities at The St Regis Hotel Longboat Key, but can also enjoy their own dedicated private amenities, such as a pool and spa with sundeck, wellness center and clubhouse.

Developer Unicorp National Developments, together with real-estate services provider Michael Saunders & Company, opened sales for The Residences at The St Regis Longboat Key Resort to the public in the summer of 2020.

The St Regis Hotel Longboat Key is scheduled to open in Q3 2023.

Here’s what Portillo’s could mean for retail near Disney

Portillo’s has a timeline to open its first local restaurant in metro Orlando.

The Oak Brook, Illinois-based chain will open its 7,800-square-foot location at 7715 Palm Parkway at the $1 billion O-Town West mixed-use development on March 2, according to an announcement by the company. Portillo’s menu is known for Chicago-style hot dogs, famous Italian beef sandwiches and its famous chocolate cake.

“We’re thrilled to expand our presence in Florida and be part of such an iconic community,” Portillo’s CEO Michael Osanloo said in a prepared statement. “This new restaurant will allow us to bring Portillo’s to long-time fans and first-time guests in the Orlando area, as well as serve the many tourists in one of the country’s most popular destinations.”

The chain is hiring for the new location, and job listings can be found here. The chain usually hires roughly 150 people per restaurant.

Chuck Whittall, president of O-Town West developer Unicorp National Developments Inc., told Orlando Business Journal that the restaurant could serve as a draw to additional retail tenants, including those that are new to market. For example, Columbus, Ohio-based White Castle broke ground in November on a restaurant which will be the first White Castle to open in Florida in several decades. Construction on that is expected to wrap up in spring 2021.

The new Portillo’s and White Castle locations are part of the Village at O-Town West, which is still under development. That section of the project is located near a number of future retail tenants — including restaurants like World of Beer, Tijuana Flats and Burger-Fi — that make up another part of O-Town called Crossings at O-Town West.

Geoff Luebkemann, senior vice president for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, told OBJ that restaurants with strong cash reserves or access to financing may see opportunities for expansion despite the struggles the industry has had due to the pandemic.

Florida still remains attractive for companies looking to expand outside of their major market or open a pilot location, Luebkemann said. “While we have seen the breaks pump for some, those with a longview know that in Q3 or Q4 [of 2021] we may see a turnaround.

There will still be a competition for the “off premises dining” customers through the next few years and across all segments such as quick service and fast casual concepts to conventional sit-down, on-site dining establishments, he added.

Portillo’s will now have three restaurants in Florida, including others in Tampa and Brandon. It has more than 60 eateries across several states. The chain was not immediately available for comment regarding more locations in Central Florida.

First glimpse: Options with and without Tropicana Field included in redevelopment pitches

It’s time to imagine something new in place of Tropicana Field and St. Petersburg city leaders are considering eight different redevelopment plans for the area.

Friday was the deadline for developers to get in their proposals for the area and the city will decide which vision is right for the community.

 

One of the developers that submitted a plan was Unicorp National Developments out of Orlando. The company’s president Chuck Whittall said his team of architects and staff brainstormed for months.

“I spoke to our team and said, don’t think of this as a development. Think of this as building a community,” said Whittall, who added that their design includes lots of green space and parks. “When you have a community, you have all aspects of living in the community. You have people who make a lot of money and people who don’t make very much money. So, we tried to design something that would be good for everybody.”

Rendering of proposed Tropicana Field site development

The design includes expanding Booker Creek to create a waterfront, a roller skating rink in the middle of a park, retail and office buildings, and a satellite college campus.

Whittall said they worked with local business owners and religious leaders to get ideas about what local residents wanted.

“We’ve even designed our [request for proposal] that we can help train people for jobs. We would put a requirement in the leases that the tenants had to train people and move them up. So, people can start at one level and possibly work through management and assistant managing,” said Whittall.

Tropicana Field is currently home to the Rays and the baseball team’s future in the city is uncertain. A spokesperson for the Tampa Bay Rays said the organization is waiting to see what the progress on the proposals will be.

Unicorp’s proposal includes a plan without a stadium for roughly $650 million and a plan with a stadium at a much high price point, Whittall said. If the Rays stick around, Unicorp’s proposal includes using the stadium year-round.

“We’d have music festivals inside the stadium, do different events inside the stadium, concerts and things like that,” said Whittall. “It would stay active all the time because a lot of times these stadiums are dominant when games aren’t played, and it doesn’t benefit the community.”

The city of St. Pete has choices, and the mayor plans to weigh all the pros and cons of each proposal, a city spokesperson said.

The city said it will post the proposals for the public as soon as staff finishes going through them. A spokesperson said there’s no deadline for the mayor to make his choice for Tropicana Field’s future.

Eight developers submit visions to St. Petersburg for Tropicana Field project

ST. PETERSBURG — The city reached another milestone Friday on its path to redeveloping the Tropicana Field site, an 86-acre project that has the potential to alter the fabric of downtown St. Petersburg. Eight companies vying to be the “master developer” of the site, who would oversee all work toward one cohesive vision, submitted their proposals.

Friday’s deadline closes out a five month bidding window, and represents the first time city development officials within Mayor Rick Kriseman’s administration get a glimpse of what construction and planning experts in the private sector believe can be built upon that site, and at what cost.

Now, Mayor Rick Kriseman’s administration will sift through the documents in a winnowing period likely to take months, where the city will negotiate with finalists over dollars and project priorities. One of Kriseman’s last significant acts as mayor before he leaves office in January 2022 could be selecting a project.

For now, most of the proposals remain with the city, out of public view, while they’re reviewed by city lawyers and development officials. They could be released next week.

One proposal comes from Orlando’s Unicorp National Developments, whose Orlando-area projects include: ICON Park, anchored by the 400-foot-tall Ferris wheel dubbed the Wheel; O-Town West, an upcoming $1 billion mixed-use project situated between Walt Disney World and SeaWorld; and a planned $1 billion open-air redevelopment of the Orlando Fashion Square mall.

Unicorp’s proposal features a network of parks and greenspaces built around an expanded Booker Creek and the Pinellas Trail, as well as a 400-room hotel, 70,000-square-foot conference center, 155,000 square feet of office space and around 6,000 parking spaces. The proposal also says Unicorp has “reached out to several colleges and universities that have shown interest in establishing satellite campuses” on the site.”

Unicorp president Chuck Whittall said a good comparison to what his company has proposed is the popular River Walk area in San Antonio, Texas.

“I think we have presented something completely special,” Whittall said. “If the city is looking for something completely dense, we are not the right developer. We are really trying to design a community. I urged my team the whole way through this, ‘Do not think of this as a development project. Think of this as building a community.’”

Renderings from Orlando developer Unicorp National Developments show a reimagined vision of St. Petersburg's 87-acre Tropicana Field site, including new parks and retail areas built around an expanded Booker Creek.
Renderings from Orlando developer Unicorp National Developments show a reimagined vision of St. Petersburg’s 87-acre Tropicana Field site, including new parks and retail areas built around an expanded Booker Creek. [ Unicorp National Developments ]

While the fate of the Trop’s main tenant, the Tampa Bay Rays, remains uncertain, the city asked developers to envision the project with and without a baseball stadium. Unicorp’s plan would cost $643 million without a stadium, Whittall said, and well over $1 billion with one. The company has requested $100 million in tax incremental funding from the city to be spent on parks, the arts and other public uses. With or without a stadium, the company said development could wrap by 2029.

That timeline will only be possible if the city can get cooperation from the Rays, whose future is inextricably tied to that of the development project.

The team’s lease of the stadium runs through the 2027 season, during which time the team is prohibited from playing home games anywhere else. In exchange for that exclusivity, the Rays are entitled to half the revenue generated by the property through the lease term, and they have a say over what construction can occur.

But the Rays want out of the Trop, an obsolete and dated venue, early, and to fully and freely explore their novel idea of splitting their season between home stadiums in the Tampa Bay area and Montreal, and to do so prior to 2027. Kriseman has said he will not waive the exclusivity clause in the Trop lease. In response, the team has said it can hold up development in court.

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of the parcel for St. Petersburg. City and community leaders speak of the Trop project in “transformational” terms: a flat, publicly-owned contiguous parcel that spans more than 21 square blocks on the edge of an active and growing downtown. Development officials say there are few, if any, urban parcels like it in the country.

But in addition to the complications involving the Rays, whomever wins the bid to shepherd the project through will have to navigate a thicket of other issues.

While the stadium’s vast blacktop parking lot will keep demolition and site clearing costs low, it also represents what some consider to be a grave injustice to the city’s Black community.

The Gas Plant District, a working class and predominantly Black neighborhood that surrounded a natural gas production facility, was razed in the 1980s to make way for what was then called the Florida Suncoast Dome. The city offered fair market value to property owners, displacing families, businesses churches and schools that had underpinned that neighborhood for decades. For those who refused to sell, the city claimed their land through eminent domain.

The justification was always that a new baseball stadium would attract a team, and around it would sprout economic growth that would benefit the residents it displaced. But that prosperity never materialized, and the new development bears the responsibility of delivering on that promise, and honoring the Gas Plant’s history and sacrifice.

“Quite frankly, the area around it, the neighbors felt like they got taken advantage of,” Whittall said. “We thought the best way to give back to the community was to give something the entire community could use. That’s why we designed our entire proposal around the park and gathering spaces, and things that we felt would benefit the community.”

Further, the winning developer will have to contend with environmental concerns surrounding Booker Creek and address a potential forgotten cemetery on a corner of the site.

Portillo’s to open in Lake Buena Vista in March

Get ready for some delicious magic to cake shake its way to Lake Buena Vista. Portillo’s newest location, our third in the state of Florida, is set to open March 2, 2021.

We know the Orlando area only has fries for our Chicago-style hot dogs, famous Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers and homemade chocolate cake. Now, the wait is almost up.

The restaurant, located at the intersection of Palm Parkway and Daryl Carter Blvd, features a diner theme with rock ‘n roll elements such as an electric guitar ceiling treatment. It will officially open to the public at 10:30am on March 2. To celebrate the opening, we’ve created limited-edition location t-shirts that will be given to guests who sign up for our Birthday Club, while supplies last.

Interested in joining the Portillo’s family? We’re looking for energetic, excited individuals to become part of the Portillo’s team. The restaurant is now hiring on-site for hourly and shift leader positions.

Can’t wait until March to satis-fry your Portillo’s cravings? Don’t worry! To give fans a preview of Portillo’s favorites, our Beef Bus will be in the area selling our famous Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, cheese fries and beverages in advance of the grand opening. Beef Bus team members will wear masks; guests are required to wear facial coverings as well. We will also mark 6-foot distances in line, so guests can maintain social distancing. The Beef Bus will begin operating starting January 21, 2021. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for hours and location.

We can’t wait to meat you. In the meantime, fans are invited to register for a chance to attend a sneak peek training meal prior to opening and receive updates on Portillo’s Lake Buena Vista location by signing up here.

SMALL BUSINESS, BIG MISSION ‘Numbers are coming back slowly’

Orlando Business Journal’s Dec. 18, 2020, weekly edition features this year’s final segment of our Small Business, Big Mission stories, as we circle back to see how eight of these small businesses fared, their lessons learned and what they anticipate for the coming year. The insights they shared are in their own words to give you a real sense of what they’ve experienced this past year. Read their previous stories from Part 1 and Part 2, as well as full online coverage.

Chuck Whittall, CEO, Unicorp National Developments Inc.

All of our retailers have been getting by these past few months, but some on International Drive are doing well, like Starflyer and the Wheel. We’re pleasantly surprised. Not everyone is back yet, but numbers are coming back slowly.

However, they’re looking for an explosive 2021. It will be a strong year since the vaccine will be administered. Consumer confidence will grow each month. In the second or third quarter, things will get strong again.

I’m under construction on multiple apartment and retail projects, including The Mark and Glass House. Portillo’s hot dog restaurant is expected to open in March and White Castle in the third or fourth quarter next year. I also plan to break ground on Celebration Pointe and Town Center at O-Town West in early 2021.

Still, not all things are back to normal. Unicorp’s holiday party typically has more than 400 people. But this year, we’re just going to have a small company gathering with employees themselves. We may delay the party until March.

Looking ahead, I think we need to educate more people locally about the vaccine and the importance and safety of getting it. I’m getting black hats made that say “Vaccinated” for my restaurant employees to wear once they get the vaccine.

2020 TIMELINE

Unicorp president forecasts ‘strong’ 2021 as developer remains bullish on construction projects near Disney

Orlando developer Chuck Whittall aims to keep moving ahead on local construction despite pandemic-related challenges to Central Florida’s economy.

Whittall — president of Unicorp National Developments Inc. — said he expects to start construction early next year on Celebration Pointe, a $100 million-plus 127,777-square-foot, Publix-anchored shopping center near Interstate 4 and World Drive near Walt Disney World. In addition, he expects dirt to turn in early 2021 on Town Center at O-Town West — part of a $1 billion mixed-use development near Disney — which will feature retail, restaurants and 400 luxury apartments.

Meanwhile, two new-to-Orlando restaurants are expected to open in the coming months at O-Town West: Portillo’s in March and White Castle by fourth-quarter 2021. Those projects will soon join Unicorp’s Glass House apartments at O-Town, a 900-unit apartment project in O-Town West which is also under construction.

Finally, up the road, construction still continues on the 342-unit The Avenue on Oakland apartments in Oakland.

Whittall said he believes 2021 will be a brighter year for the region’s economy, which is why he continues to build locally. “I think we’ll have a super strong third quarter,” Whittall said.

Earlier this year, Unicorp felt the pandemic-related effects early when the company furloughed hundreds of employees from its restaurants and attractions in late March. However, the economy has slowly improved in recent months, and Whittall has seen business pick up on International Drive. For example, revenue from the Starflyer and The Wheel continue to improve, which Whittall said he attributes to more Floridians supporting I-Drive and the tourist corridor. “We’re pleasantly surprised by that. Not everyone is back yet but slowly people’s numbers are coming back.”

Looking ahead, Whittall wants to create more awareness of vaccination efforts in Orange County. He hopes the county can be a model to the rest of the U.S., which would assure more people that Orlando is safe to visit again. He’s also ordering black hats with the word “Vaccinated” to hand out to his restaurant employees at Slate at 8323 W. Sand Lake Road once they’re vaccinated.

“I want to get back to normal and you have to have people champion that.”

Have a beer and buy some bread: New Winn-Dixie in Lake Mary has suds on tap

A new Winn-Dixie store opening in a space once slated for a Lucky’s Market is offering customers a chance to drink beer and wine as they shop.

The Winn-Dixie is set to open today in the Griffin Farm shopping plaza at 211 Wheelhouse Lane in Lake Mary.

It will include a taproom offering eight beers, 11 wines, and hot and iced coffees.

It will be the first Winn-Dixie in the Orlando area to have a taproom. Including another new Winn-Dixie also opening in a former Lucky’s in West Melbourne, the feature has been installed in seven of the chain’s grocery stores, said a spokeswoman for the chain.

The first Winn-Dixie taproom opened as a test in Neptune Beach two years ago, said Eddie Garcia, executive vice president of store growth for Winn-Dixie’s Jacksonville-based parent company Southeastern Grocers.

“The customers really were excited about it,” Garcia said. “A lot of people, it’s a chore for them to go grocery shopping.”

The new Winn-Dixie in Lake Mary will feature a taproom. The taproom at a Winn-Dixie in Gainesville is pictured here. (Deremer Studios LLC/Photography by Deremer Studios,)

The Lake Mary space was to become a Lucky’s Market, but that Colorado-based chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January and announced it was closing all of its Orlando locations.

Southeastern Grocers acquired four Lucky’s properties, Garcia said, including the Lake Mary and West Melbourne sites.

Lucky’s, known for its affordable organic offerings, had also let customers drink beer and wine while shopping.

Garcia said it’s less about replicating what Lucky’s was doing than giving customers the specialty offerings they want along with a full shop.

“We believe these locations will give the customers the best of both worlds,” Garcia said. “We wanted to capitalize on some of the offerings. … We want to make sure that we fit into the community.”

The Lake Mary Winn-Dixie deli will offer specialty cheeses, fresh sushi, take-and-bake pizzas, a sandwich station and plant-based proteins made at the store.

The produce department will feature “signature categories” including peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes and tropical fruits and berries. It will include more than 100 organic offerings.

“I see items in that produce department that I’ve never seen before,” Garcia said.

A STORIED PROPERTY

Eight years and one chance meeting later, an Orlando developer inches toward groundbreaking on the $600 million hotel-condo St. Regis Longboat Key

An Orlando developer has secured a $48 million loan to fund a critical piece of the redevelopment of The Colony Beach Resort, a crown jewel property on Longboat Key.

With the loan from Centennial Bank in hand, Unicorp National Developments Inc. now has the funding in place to acquire the remaining unit shares of The Colony, which sits on 17 acres on the Gulf of Mexico. Though the physical buildings on the site were demolished in 2018, some of the condo owners still own shares of the property.

The acquisition of those shares is another piece of a complex redevelopment project that’s been in the works since 2012, when Unicorp president Chuck Whittall first looked at the property. The Colony, a legendary hotel-condo where President George W. Bush spent the night before the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, has been mired in litigation and multiple bankruptcies since 2008. 

In place of The Colony, Unicorp plans to build the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, a $600 million project which will include 69 condominiums and 166 hotel rooms. About half of the condos have been reserved, and Unicorp is in the process of converting those reservations to contracts representing $200 million in sales, Whittall said. In condo sales, moving from reservation to contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.

The condos are priced from $2 million with an average price of $7 million. 

The development is moving forward at an unprecedented time for Florida’s real estate market: The novel coronavirus has brought leisure travel to a halt, but luxury home sales are booming. The condominium portion of the project, Whittall said, makes the resort rooms possible. Construction loans for hospitality projects are all but dead as lenders re-evaluate their balance sheets and shy away from anything dependent on tourism.

“They’ve seen unbelievable presales that have really even shocked me in this market,” said Robby Barrows, commercial loan officer at Centennial Bank.

Whittall said he anticipates beginning construction in mid-2021. He wants to presell 60 percent of the condos and believes he’ll hit that benchmark in the first quarter.

“I believe we will get the debt, but we’ll have more equity in it than we would prefer,” Whittall said on a construction loan. “But I do believe the availability of the debt is tied to the condo project — if we didn’t have a condo and it was just the hotel, I think it’d be nearly impossible.”

For a property as storied as The Colony, it’s fitting that Whittall has his own tale about the project. Shortly after he began looking at the property, he struck up a conversation at The Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, with a woman wearing Lilly Pulitzer. Pulitzer’s bright floral patterns are de rigueur at The Masters, but the fashion designer died just a few days before the 2013 tournament, and Whittall remarked that the Lilly-clad woman must be sad.

“She said, ‘I’m wearing her clothes to celebrate her life,’” Whittall said. “And she said, ‘Where are you from?’ And I said Florida, and she said, ‘Oh, we’re from Sarasota.’”

Whittall told the woman and her husband he was trying to buy a piece of beachfront property in the Sarasota area. When they learned it was The Colony, Whittall remembers that it felt like destiny.

“Her husband said, ‘I’m the bankruptcy attorney. Here’s my card.’”

 

World’s largest White Castle breaks ground in Central Florida

Here come the tiny burgers!

https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/worlds-largest-white-castle-breaks-ground-in-central-florida

After a 50-year absence, White Castle broke ground on its only Florida location near Walt Disney World on Thursday morning.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings joined White Castle executives for the official ceremony.

“We’re very excited to bring White Castle into our area,” Demings said. “This will be the largest freestanding White Castle in the world that will be located in the number one tourist destination in the world. I look forward to eating the White Castle when they open here in the spring of 2021.”

The 4,567-square-foot restaurant will open at the O-Town West near Palm Parkway and Daryl Carter Boulevard. The location will have both indoor and outdoor seating and two drive-thru lanes.

Construction is expected to wrap up in 2021.

RELATED: White Castle to open its only Florida location near Walt Disney World

The new White Castle will be the largest one for the chain. The restaurant is expected to create over 100 jobs in the Central Florida area.

Known for its tiny square-shaped hamburgers, the menu also includes a variety of sliders like sloppy joe sliders and chicken and waffle sliders. If you need a side to go with your main entree, you can choose from a variety of options like mac ‘n cheese nibblers, chicken rings, corn dog nibblers, and of course, french fries.

White Castle owns and operates more than 375 restaurants in 13 states.

Groundbreaking Begins for New York Beer Project, Centra Care, 7-11, and More at The Mark.

Site preparation and clearing has begun for The Mark, a new plaza being constructed by Unicorp along Siedel Road in Horizon West. The Mark features a variety of popular businesses that will be beneficial for Horizon West.

One of the most anticipated is New York Beer Project, which will feature a wide variety of beers and offer a unique location for nearby residents to enjoy. Unicorp is a well-known developer in the region and has developed the some well-known plazas, including ICON Orlando complex and the upcoming O-Town West plaza.

A large list of tenants is already committed to The Mark according to Unicorp’s brochure for the plaza. Tenants include New York Beer Project, The Learning Experience, 7-11, Centra Care, and Walgreens. Food establishments also include Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Papa John’s, O’Ryu Sushi, and Ahlambra Restaurant. Other tenants include Heatland Dental, AT&T Store, and Encore Nail Spa. In addition, a wine/liquor store and a coffee franchise are listed in the site plan, but no brand name is listed.

Unicorp held a groundbreaking ceremony for The Mark on November 3 and indicates the plaza will be open for Summer 2021.

Unicorp Achieves Unprecedented Record Sales with Summer Launch of The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

LONGBOAT KEY, Fla.Oct. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Unicorp National Developments, Inc., together with the Michael Saunders & Company team are pleased to announce they have now opened sales to the public for The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. Situated on a barrier island just outside of Sarasota, Florida, Longboat Key is renowned for its aquamarine waters and expansive white sand beaches. This acclaimed and storied location offers the best in luxury living in the tradition of The St. Regis, recognized around the world as The Best Address.

St. Regis, part of Marriott International’s portfolio of luxury brands, is excited to welcome The Residences at St. Regis Longboat Key to its global portfolio.

Pre-sale expectations were surpassed, despite an off-season launch in the height of a global pandemic. The exclusive condominium offerings began at the end of July, and in a matter of weeks, the Michael Saunders team quickly secured over 30 sales totaling nearly $200,000,000.

“Leading the sales effort for such a special Longboat Key address has been thrilling for our team,” said Michael Saunders, Founder and CEO of Michael Saunders & Company. “We are very enthusiastic about the response and astounding sales success experienced this summer, especially during these unprecedented times. Longboat Key has a long-standing tradition of creating unique experiences and memories for its residents and visitors from around the world.  The St. Regis residents will enjoy the beachfront lifestyle as well the luxuries of a world-class, five-star resort resplendent with an array of private amenities. This will be the most idyllic place to live and relax in an island enclave located close to amazing arts venues, shopping and dining.”

The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort will be comprised of three, six story residential buildings featuring 69 private luxury condominiums. There are 18 contemporary one- to four-bedroom floorplans, each with expansive outdoor living terraces. Many offer unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico on Florida’s Sunset Coast. Floor-to-ceiling glass and open living spaces allow for indoor and outdoor entertaining. Each residence will be furnished with the highest quality materials and finishes, custom European style cabinetry, luxury appliances and state of the art intelligent controls throughout each residence.

“Set on a magnificent white sand beach, The Residences at St. Regis Resort combine breathtaking Gulf views with impressive architectural elements and the signature St. Regis Resort amenities and service,” says Chuck Whittall, President of Unicorp National Developments, Inc. “We are so pleased with the initial pre-sales launch results and look forward to these best-in-class condominiums living up to the excellence of the revered St. Regis brand.”

Residents will have access to resort amenities provided by the adjacent St. Regis Resort & Spa, but will also enjoy their own dedicated private amenities, including pool and spa with sundeck, clubhouse, and a wellness center with open-air yoga. Owners and their guests will experience St. Regis Resort butler and concierge services, beauty services, daily housekeeping, Bentley and chauffer service, on-site pet grooming, and chef services. Notable resort amenities include boutiques, fine and casual dining, Spa, salon, Fitness Center, dog walking path, saltwater lagoon, and multiple pools with cabana services.

Spanning nearly 18 acres, The Residences combine the tradition of The St. Regis experience with the highly sought-after destination of Longboat Key.  With groundbreaking expected in the Summer of 2021, residents can anticipate delivery of their luxury seaside residences in December 2023. Pricing starts from $2 Million.

The Sales Gallery is open for socially-distanced appointments and is located at 100 S. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236. For more information about The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort visit https://srresidenceslongboatkey.com or call +1 941 213 3300.

About Unicorp National Developments, Inc.

Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Unicorp National Developments, Inc., is a visionary developer creating unique destinations that transcend time. From comprehensive mixed-use village centers, luxury residences, luxury apartments, and unparalleled retail centers to grand scale master-planned communities, Unicorp National Developments, Inc. continues to be a trusted leader in selecting, securing and developing properties that not only endure, but build stronger and more beautiful communities. With the mission of building the best quality projects, moving quickly and decisively to close deals and move projects forward to completion, Unicorp assures delivery of exceptional results time and time again.

For more information about Unicorp National Developments, please call 407-999-9985 or visit unicorp.com.

About Michael Saunders & Company

In its fifth decade of innovative and progressive service to Southwest Florida, Michael Saunders & Company has grown into a network of 24 full-service real estate offices—with nearly 700 agents and 200 support team members spanning the Gulf Coast region. International brokerage affiliations with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Luxury Portfolio International and Mayfair International Realty extend the company’s message to qualified buyers globally. Headquartered in Sarasota, Fla., Michael Saunders & Company affords customers the most comprehensive range of real estate services in the Southwest Florida marketplace. These include mortgage, title, insurance and relocation services and a commercial real estate division. A philanthropic arm, the MSC Foundation, gives back to Gulf Coast community organizations via donations from agents and staff.

For more information about Michael Saunders & Company, please call 1-888-552-5228 or visit michaelsaunders.com.

The St. Regis trademarks are owned by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliate. The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott. S.R. LBK, LLC uses the St. Regis marks under license from Marriott, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made about this project. If the license is terminated or expires, The Residences will no longer be associated with the St. Regis brand and will cease all use of the St. Regis trademarks.

Media Contact:
George Giebel
Unicorp National Developments, Inc.
Director of Development
407-999-9985 Ext. 2244
George@Unicorp.com

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SOURCE Unicorp National Developments, Inc.

18 Local Leaders in an Age of Crisis: Chuck Whittall

Chuck Whittall played a key role in creating the safety protocol for reopening Orange County businesses, and he’s “bullish” on the area’s recovery. “I hear people say, ‘This is the new norm,’ and I tell them, ‘No, this is not the new norm. This is a temporary abnormality,’ ” says the longtime developer.

Whittall served as chairman of the reopening committee that was part of the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force created in April by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. “It gave me quite a voice,” he says. Developing a phased approach with safety guidelines including masks, hand sanitizers and social distancing—and getting businesses onboard—“was the right thing to do to save Central Florida businesses.”

Whittall, who brought The Wheel  and StarFlyer attractions to International Drive, is moving ahead on $3 billion worth of development projects. “We’re very bullish,” he says. “I’m confident the [coronavirus] vaccine will be out at the end of this year or the beginning of next year.” After that, he says, “We’re going to see our economy skyrocket because of pent-up demand.”

In August, Unicorp broke ground on O-Town West, a $1 billion project in Orlando’s Dr. Phillips area that will include a Publix, restaurants, shops, 1,400 apartments and the corporate headquarters of Marriott Vacations Worldwide.

Whittall is also moving forward with the redevelopment of Orlando’s languishing Fashion Square Mall, which hit some pandemic snags. “Humpty Dumpty broke down, and we’re having to put it back together again,” he says. The $1 billion project will include high-rise apartments, a hotel, a grocery store, offices, stores, restaurants, a day care center, a fitness center and a resort for pets. He hopes to start construction during the first or second quarter of 2021.

He believes the timing is perfect for his book being released in December—Perseverance: Broke to Billions: Barriers in Business and Strategies to Remove Them. “It’s a great title for the season we’re in. That’s what we’ve had to do—persevere through this. Everybody from every walk of life is having to persevere through this. At times like this, everybody wants encouragement that things are going to be okay.”

Unicorp starts construction on O-Town West near Walt Disney World

A $1 billion-plus, mixed-use project near Walt Disney World has broken ground, bringing hundreds of new residents and thousands of new jobs to the area.

Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. expects to wrap up site work by this fall on its roughly 80-acre O-Town West project and start vertical construction before the end of the year, President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal. The project — near Palm Parkway and Daryl Carter Boulevard in Orlando between the Dr. Phillips area and Lake Buena Vista — is expected to feature office, retail, apartments and a hotel.

Whittall said the first element to deliver will be the space for the highly anticipated White Castle and Portillo’s eateries by fourth-quarter 2021. The project’s 250,000 square feet of retail space has been 92% preleased, Whittall said. A general contractor hasn’t been selected for the retail construction, but Unicorp is in discussions with several builders.

Whittall said he and his future tenants are optimistic the Covid-19 pandemic will be less impactful to retail by the time construction ends. “We haven’t lost a single tenant,” he said.

Meanwhile, Altamonte Springs-based Roger B. Kennedy Construction is building the project’s roughly 1,000 apartments with the first residences opening in fourth-quarter 2021 or first-quarter 2022, Whittall said. Every nine months the firm will break ground on roughly 300 units.

Further, construction on Orlando-based Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.’s (NYSE: VAC) new roughly $100 million, 300,000-square-foot headquarters is expected to wrap up in summer 2022, Whittall said. The move will create jobs for roughly 1,500 Central Florida workers. Apopka-based Finfrock is the contractor for the nine-story building that also will have an eight-story parking garage. 

Finally, it’s not known when Unicorp’s adjacent Zen-branded hotel will break ground, but Whittall said he hopes to finish construction in 2022. He said he’s also working to bring three high-end restaurants near the hotel, including an Asian concept that’s new to this market.

“I don’t know when yet, because the debt market on hotels is non-existent right now,” Whittall said of a hotel construction timeline. “We need Covid-19 to go away, and the debt market for hospitality to open back up.”

Meanwhile, O-Town West stands to benefit from the estimated $50.5 million interchange in the pipeline at Daryl Carter Parkway and Interstate 4. That interchange will help ease traffic flow between I-4 and the mixed-use development, which will make the site more attractive to motorists. That said, construction has not started on that project, but Whittall said it may begin late 2021.

O-Town West is expected to be the biggest construction project for Unicorp in Central Florida. The developer also has several other projects in the works or under construction here, including a $1 billion transformation of Orlando Fashion Square.

“Breaking ground on retail is a feat,” said Whittall, as the shops and restaurant industry has taken a severe hit due to the pandemic. “Lenders are nervous about Covid-19, but they have had faith in us.”

Unicorp updates groundbreaking details for Orlando Fashion Square mall redevelopment

Groundbreaking may begin in mid-2021 on a roughly $1 billion redevelopment of the long-struggling Orlando Fashion Square mall northeast of Maguire Boulevard and Colonial Drive near downtown Orlando.

That’s according to Chuck Whittall, president of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. which owns the roughly 46 acres of dirt beneath Orlando Fashion Square along with Orlando-based Maury L. Carter & Associates Inc. The mall, which opened in 1973, was in its prime in the 1980s and ’90s, but since has seen a decline.

Currently, the development team is negotiating with Philadelphia-based The Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq: TBBK) whose related TBB Orlando LLC owns the mall’s improvements, or the buildings above the dirt. The development team must buy those buildings before it can start construction.

The mall itself appears to be 40-50% vacant, Whittall said. “Discussions have been good,” Whittall said. “I don’t think bank wants to keep it.”

A Bancorp representative wasn’t available for comment. But Orlando Fashion Square appears to be losing value, according to a May 11 Bancorp filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. “The March 31, 2020, balance of other real estate owned includes a Florida mall which has been written down to $15 million. We expect to continue our efforts to dispose of the mall, which was appraised in September 2018 for $16.9 million,” according to the filing.

Dirt deal

In September, Unicorp’s and Maury L. Carter & Associates’ Fashion Square Land Trust bought the dirt beneath the improvements for $22.9 million, according to Orange County records. The development team is the latest to attempt to resuscitate the 838,865-square-foot mall, which has changed hands at least four times since 2004.

The redevelopment is expected to include:

The future Orlando Fashion Square, which will retain the name, will be built around plush landscaping, gardens and water features. No plans have been submitted to the city of Orlando.

The architect is Orange, California-based Architects Orange, and the engineer is Raleigh, North Carolina-based Kimley-Horn & Associates Inc.

Despite the challenges, a successful project’s payoff could be a big win for Unicorp and Maury L. Carter & Associates. The demographics around Orlando Fashion Square for a mixed-use project are favorable due to the area’s high population density and affluent residents. In addition, there are many families with kids and, with a dearth of nearby entertainment options, the redeveloped mall could attract them, too.

“Fashion Square is one of the greatest potential sites in Central Florida,” retail expert John Crossman, who isn’t involved in the project, previously told OBJ. “That said, it is immensely complicated and is not for the faint of wallet.”

Apartment, retail stats

The eastside apartment submarket, which includes Orlando Fashion Square, has a 9.1% vacancy rate, which is near the Orlando-area average of 8.3%, CoStar Group (Nasdaq: CSGP) reported. In addition, the submarket’s average apartment rental rate is $1,343 per month, slightly higher than the Orlando-area average of $1,310, showing demand for apartments.

Meanwhile, the downtown Orlando retail submarket, which includes Orlando Fashion Square, has a 6.9% vacancy rate, which is slightly higher than the Orlando-area average of 5.8%, according to Colliers International Central Florida. That shows demand for retail space in the submarket. In addition, the submarket’s average monthly retail rental rates are $29.76 per square foot, well above the Orlando-area average of $18.87 per square foot. That shows demand in the area for new shops and restaurants.

Unicorp scores $49M construction loan

Unicorp scores $49M construction loan for luxury Avenue at Oakland apartment project

The small town of Oakland will soon have a new $90 million apartment complex, as part of developer Dwight Saathoff’s master-planned Longleaf at Oakland community.

The complex, called Avenue at Oakland, sits on about 16 acres of the total 58-acre community, located northeast of Florida’s Turnpike and State Road 438.

Saathoff partnered with developer Chuck Whittall, president of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc., to help bring the luxury apartment complex across the finish line.

As part of that effort, Unicorp managed to close on a $49 million loan to help fund the construction of its planned 342-unit multifamily project.

Valley National Bank in conjunction with Iberia Bank provided the financing. The developer broke ground on the project Thursday. Completion is scheduled for September 2021.

An aerial and site plan for the proposed 342-unit multifamily community located northeast of the intersection between Florida’s Turnpike and State Road 438.
An aerial and site plan for the proposed 342-unit multifamily community located northeast of the intersection between Florida’s Turnpike and State Road 438.(Unicorp/Orange County Property Appraiser)

Roger B. Kennedy Construction is the selected contractor and Slocum Platts Architects is the architect. Kimley-Horn Engineers is the civil engineer.

Avenue at Oakland will be a gated apartment complex with four, four-story multifamily buildings, a clubhouse, dog park and resort-style pool area.

Residents will have access trails that connect to the adjacent West Orange Trail, as well as 24-hour fitness studio, business center, conference room, library lounge, private theater room, indoor and outdoor games and a bike storage and repair shop within the community.

Avenue at Oakland was originally proposed as an age-restricted development for seniors, but developers opted to scrap the age restriction to broaden its appeal after a market study showed a surplus of senior housing in the area.

The town of Oakland is a small jurisdiction that lies near the Lake/Orange County line. Saathoff’s Longleaf at Oakland sits adjacent to the Oakland Nature Preserve, about three miles away from downtown Winter Garden.

His company, Project Finance & Development, introduced a number of new rooftops to the town when it tapped homebuilder Pulte Homes for the first phase of the project — 84 single-family homes and 100 townhomes. Construction of the residences began in 2018.

The land was previously owned by the Florida Department of Transportation. Records show PF&D paid $5 million for the 58 acres in 2017.

Oakland sits nearby fast-growing neighborhoods in Orlando, Horizon West and Winter Garden, but the town itself only has about 3,000 residents.

The jurisdiction just recently begun to install sewers, and its residents have often attended council meetings with concerns over the future density of new projects and the associated traffic impacts.

On the opposite side of S.R. 50, for instance, LIV Development Inc. failed to score the necessary rezoning approval for its contested Johns Lake Residences project last year.

The company was planning to develop up to 242 apartments and carriage houses on about 16 acres at 17812 W. Colonial Drive, but zoning change was rejected.

The multi-parcel site was annexed into the town in 2018 and is currently owned by Oakland Capital Group LLC. The company took possession of the properties last year, after its previous owners filed for Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Orange County commissioners OK new shopping center

With unanimous approval by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, The Mark at Horizon West is officially on its way to becoming Horizon West’s newest shopping center.
During the May 5 Orange County Commission meeting, county leaders approved the project’s final development plan. The 21-acre property is owned by Unicorp National Developments Inc., which bought the property from the Walt Disney World Company. Unicorp also is the developer of Westside Shoppes in Horizon West’s Lakeside Village.
The Mark will be constructed south of Seton Creek Boulevard and west of Seidel Road in Horizon West’s Village F. According to county documents, plans call for 95,568 square feet of retail development and 4,700 square feet of outdoor seating in the Village F village center district.“There’s existing multifamily with direct connectivity to the commercial area, and there’s actually a shared stormwater pond that’s already existing on the site which serves the multifamily and will also serve this commercial development,” said Eric Raasch, of the Orange County Planning Division. “There were some waivers that were previously approved by the board to internalize the main street — so the buildings aren’t immediately adjacent to Seidel — to create kind of a pedestrian environment which can be enjoyed by the residential to the north.”
Unicorp describes The Mark as a retail neighborhood center that includes thousands of square feet of both inline and outparcel opportunities. It’s also just a mile from the intersection of Seidel Road and State Road 429, near the upcoming relief high school.
The development plan calls for 10 total buildings ranging in size from the smallest at 2,525 square feet to the largest — a multi-story restaurant building with 14,200 square feet on the first floor, 6,200 square feet on the second floor and a 5,000-square-foot enclosed rooftop.
Originally, The Mark was to be a grocery-anchored retail center and had a signed letter of intent from organic grocer Earth Fare. However, the specialty grocer announced Feb. 3 it is closing all of its stores in the United States.
According to Unicorp leasing information, the newest signed tenant — who will take over that restaurant building — is New York Beer Project, which operates two locations in Lockport and Victor, New York.
New York Beer Project is a destination brewery. The Lockport location includes a brewery, gastropub, taproom and rooftop terrace. The Victor location’s brewery is designed to recreate The Atlantic Garden, a famous beer hall in New York City circa 1870.
Other confirmed tenants thus far include 7-Eleven, Papa John’s, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, AT&T, Heartland Dental, AdventHealth Centra Care, Walgreens, KidStrong, Johnny Rockets and Encore Nails & Spa. Among the available spaces is an outparcel designated for a coffee shop with a drive-thru, documents show.
Also among inked tenants is a 10,000-square-foot Learning Experience early childhood education center that offers programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.

War is over at Colony Resort

Ownership and control of the Colony is finally in the hands of Unicorp President Chuck Whittall.
Whittall closed last Thursday on the 75 units of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort that were owned by Andy Adams.
The sale marks the end of a more than five-year-long struggle by Whittall to consolidate ownership of the 237-unit former resort.
Now that he bought Adams’ units for an undisclosed amount, Whittall can legally market and sell condominiums that will form the financial basis for a future hotel and resort that was approved by the Town of Longboat Key on the 17.2-acre site.
Whittall told Longboat Key News that he paid Adams a significant down payment in cash with the balance due via a mortgage, over the next 12 months.
Unicorp plans to start selling units the day after Thanksgiving this Fall if the Coronavirus pandemic is fully resolved.
Whittall needs both the housing market to be strong and for the hotel and vacation market to have also fully recovered and waiting precludes having to discount the price of units.
Whittall is optimistic, “Even during the pandemic, northerners are seeing that Florida is a great place to be, and we may not even see a depression in the housing market. We are looking at months, not years anymore, for this project to begin.”
The acquisition of the Colony has happened in stages. Whittall and Unicorp own 115 units outright. He now has bought Adams’ 75 units that had essentially blocked him from moving forward. Whittall has the remaining 122 units under contract with a specific performance clause. He plans to close on the remaining 122 units when he receives bank financing after the presales are accomplished.
Last month, the deal with Adams had not been executed because Whittall said the Coronavirus pandemic had interfered with business. After the month of delay, and with a 10-hour mediation, Adams and Whittall finally closed last week.
“Andy and I have always remained gentlemen with each other, even when we could not reach agreement. Andy wanted one thing, and we wanted another—we met in the middle of the road,” said Whittall about the final negotiation.
Whittall says that Unicorp in total will have spent between $75 million to $80 million to purchase all of the units and land at the Colony and settle the litigation.
“We are not getting a deal on the land acquisition, we will make our money in the development of the property,” said Whittall.
Whittall is approved for and plans to build 69 luxury condominiums, and a 166-room St. Regis Hotel Resort. He said the project will take about three years to complete.

Retail tenants may take this long to reopen


One of Orlando’s most active developers and landlords last week told OBJ that nearly three-quarters of its retail tenants couldn’t meet their lease obligations due to the coronavirus pandemic — something being seen throughout the region and world.

But Unicorp National Developments Inc. President Chuck Whittall said he’s confident that the surviving tenants from this economic crisis will need only a few days to reopen once they get the all-clear.

It may even be within the next few weeks in Central Florida, as U.S. cities and states see a flattening of new novel coronavirus cases, Whittall said. That’s welcome news for Unicorp, which has seen retailer rent collections drop to about 50%.

“I believe next month things will start to open again,” Whittall said. “And by the end of the year, we’re going to be in pretty good shape.”

Unicorp’s experience is an example of what’s happening to many companies who do business in Orlando’s leisure and hospitality industry. The sector, which includes retail workers, is metro Orlando’s biggest employer and supplies about 20.4% of the region’s jobs, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. In total, the industry accounts for about 280,000 localjobs.

Of course, Whittall doesn’t expect everything to reopen at full capacity. Restaurants may be allowed to operate one-third of their tables and movie theaters wouldn’t be able to sell every seat.

Still, Whittall was more optimistic about the economy last week than the previous one — a week that saw the S&P 500 climb 10% as of late afternoon on April 9. He even has plans to reopen his southwest Orlando restaurant, Slate, on May 7.

The pandemic has hurt business at Unicorp, so the company and its associated businesses have applied for Payment Protection Plan (PPP) loans through its bank, Conway, Arkansas-based Home BancShares Inc. (Nasdaq: HOMB).

The firm is seeking assistance with its payroll, Whittall said. It has had to furlough hundreds of employees due to business interruption, but hopes to hire a majority back when the PPP money is approved, he said. Currently, Unicorp is paying for the furloughed employees’ health insurance. Whittall said he hasn’t been approved yet for the PPP money.

And not all retail tenants will survive this economic crisis — particularly the ones that were more volatile heading into the pandemic. “This has got to be the tipping point for those companies.”

That said, no tenants have walked away from Unicorp’s future projects, such as the developer’s proposed $1 billion O-Town West near Walt Disney World, he said. That includes Orlando-based Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. (NYSE: VAC), which inked a nearly 300,000-square-foot office deal to consolidate its headquarters there. A representative with Marriott wasn’t available for comment.

But Unicorp did lose one tenant due to COVID-19: a major entertainment company that had signed a lease at one of its Central Florida projects. Whittall declined to say who that tenant was and where they were going, but Unicorp already is moving ahead with another lessee to replace that tenant, he said.

“We came down on a quick elevator and we’re going to go up on a staircase.”

White Castle ‘marching forward’ on restaurant near Disney World despite coronavirus

White Castle is opening a restaurant near Disney in Orlando.

White Castle’s hamburger sliders are still coming to Orlando even with the impact coronavirus is having on the restaurant industry.

The Columbus-based company said it is working to submit plans to local officials in the next couple of weeks to bring the chain back to Florida after leaving the state in the 1960s.

“Long-term we are looking forward to marching forward and opening our first White Castle in Florida and Orlando sometime in the first few months of next year,” said Jamie Richardson, White Castle’s vice president of government and shareholder relations.

The 4,500-square-foot restaurant is planned for the O-Town West development on Daryl Carter Parkway near Disney World. Developer Chuck Whittall confirmed that both White Castle and popular Chicago restaurant Portillo’s are going ahead at the site.

“White Castle is pushing us along,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Portillo’s said the restaurant “is excited to come to Lake Buena Vista, but we do not have an update at this time.”

Final Chapter for Colony

It’s almost over. Chuck Whittall and Andy Adams are approaching the final battle. And Whittall appears to have the momentum to win.
by: Matt Walsh Editor & CEO

OK, we’ll admit it. You probably could say we underplayed the story last week of 12th Circuit Judge Hunter Carroll ruling that Unicorp National Developments Inc. is entitled to terminate the Colony Beach & Tennis Club Association Inc. and that “the Court will enter a judgment terminating” the association.

This is big. “Yuge,” as someone else might put it.

Judge Carroll ruled explicitly and unequivocally on a matter that has held up redevelopment for years on the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property. He definitively stated he will dissolve the 45-year-old Colony condominium association.

This is precedent-setting. It will mark the first time that a court has ordered the termination of a condominium association in Florida.

But much more important to Longboat Key, terminating the Colony Association has been one of the major hurdles to overcome for Unicorp and its owner, Chuck Whittall, to begin development of the St. Regis hotel and condominiums on the 18-acre Colony site.

As Longboaters well know, this has been a long, costly and brutal battle. And although Judge Carroll’s termination ruling is a big victory for Whittall and Unicorp, it sets the stage for what will be the final chapter and decisive battle to the Colony saga — the Colony’s “Battle of Gettysburg,” the final stand: Whittall and Unicorp versus Andy Adams and his Breakpointe LLC.

Winner take all.

The crucial step

Next April, Carroll will rule on the important question of “how” the Colony Association is to be dissolved. Carroll calls this next major step “Phase 2” of the termination process. It will be, for sure, the most crucial step to burying this 12-year-old ordeal in the history books of Longboat Key.

Between now and April, Carroll will be researching and weighing the details and process for the fairest method to address:

  •  The disposition of 15 of the Colony’s 18 acres;
  • The “unclean hands claims” of Adams — 14 accusations Adams and Breakpointe have leveled against Unicorp and the association board of improper dealings, conspiracies and misrepresentations;
  • A plan to dispose of the association’s assets and liabilities;
  • What each unit owner will receive (“i.e., land or money or some other consideration or some combination”);
  • Whether further assessments are necessary; and
  • Any liens or mortgages.

Suffice it to say you would not want to be in Carroll’s chair. He will be poring through mounds of court testimonies and depositions and Florida Statute 718.117, which spells out in detail the complicated process of terminating a condominium. And all the while he must keep in mind how to be fair to the 126 individuals and corporations that owned the Colony’s 244 units that no longer exist.

And let’s make this assumption: Of the 126 unit owners, two owners (Whittall and Adams) and one nonowner (Longboat Key resident Manfred Welfonder) will be particularly anxious to hear how the judge orders the property to be disposed. It gets down to this:

Will Carroll declare the 15 acres owned by the unit owners to be sold to Unicorp on the basis of its existing development agreement with the association, or will he call for a public auction of the 15 acres and 244 units, which he already has indicated is an option?

Strategic poker

If he opts for an auction, it has the ingredients to become an intense and expensive battle of strategic poker. Follow along:

For starters, before the auction, Whittall said he immediately would close on the purchase of 118 units that have committed to the price he has offered in the development agreement with the condominium association. That would give Whittall control of 158 units — more than twice as many as Adams — and additional leverage over any bidder.

And if Carroll calls for an auction, he could declare the bidding begin at whatever price anyone is willing to bid, at fair market value or at the price Whittall already has agreed to pay the unit owners in his development agreement, $44 million.

In all likelihood, a bidder would have to top Whittall’s $44 million, otherwise unit owners likely will reject anything less.

The question is: Who would top that $44 million? Adams? Welfonder (and his backers)? Perhaps a Middle Eastern sheik? A Russian oligarch?

But it’s not just a matter of outbidding Whittall. The terms of the bid will be important to Carroll. Here’s why:

At least 40 of the unit owners have agreements with Unicorp that the sale of their units would include what they had before when the Colony operated: 30 days a year of free access to their units for vacations. These are unit owners who purchased units at the Colony many years ago for family fun. They want what they had. They’re not interested in flipping for cash.

If, say, Adams or Welfonder’s group outbid Whittall but did not include the 30-day vacation time, those 40 unit owners could foil the sale.

Biggest obstacle

That’s one obstacle. Here is the biggest one: 3 acres of land that constituted what was known as the Colony’s recreational property. Unicorp and Whittall own them outright.

These are prime parcels. They included, among other parcels, the Colony Restaurant, Monkey Bar, swimming pool and the tennis courts behind the former six-story mid-rise. They are smack-dab in the middle of the property, a 5-carat diamond surrounded by smaller ones in an engagement ring.

If Adams or anyone else outbids Whittall at $50 million, $60 million or more, not only would the bidder pay all of the unit owners their proportionate share, but the bidder would also be faced with another dilemma: To develop the property, the winning bidder must either spend more millions to buy Whittall’s three recreational acres or go into partnership with Whittall.

Here’s why: Unicorp previously obtained a zoning determination letter from the town of Longboat Key, and that letter stipulates the 15 and 3 acres cannot be split. All 18 acres must be part of one development.

That gives Whittall the equivalent of a straight flush.

Here’s the irony to that: If, say, Adams were to outbid Whittall, Whittall would be in the position that Adams has tried to capitalize on over the past five or so years. Adams has been holding for ransom his 75 Colony units from Whittall and unwilling to sell them, except at a high premium. Before the Colony was demolished, Whittall needed approval from 95% of the unit owners to terminate the association and to be able to develop. Adams had denied that.

Indeed, we have heard repeatedly Adams has asked for as much as $30 million for his 75 units while Whittall has bid $15 million. We’ve also heard that lately the spread is shrinking.

Playing a weak hand

Take this bet: Adams will not outbid Whittall in a public auction. Throughout this drama, if you remember, Adams was the former president of the association

and was instrumental in triggering subsequent events that led to the shutdown of the Colony. Throughout, he has had the means at any time to acquire all 244 of the Colony’s units and redevelop the property. But he hasn’t done it.

Is that someone who wants to pull together $300 million to $400 million in financing, plus manage all of the development teams to complete a new resort?

On top of that, Adams is playing another weak hand. If he is unable to reach an agreeable price for his units with Unicorp before Carroll’s Phase 2 begins, Adams runs the risk of a judge declaring he can receive no more cash than all of the other unit owners. If he wants a premium for his 75 units, he has an incentive to sell to Whittall before next April.

The table appears to be turning against Adams as well. He argued against the right to terminate the association, and he lost. He filed an appeal to have Carroll removed, and he lost.

In contrast, Whittall’s hand appears to be growing stronger. If he were to purchase the 118 units and Adams’ units before Carroll’s Phase 2 begins, it’s a good bet Carroll would approve of the sale of the land and units to Unicorp and forego an auction. Indeed, if Unicorp controls Adams’ units, 97% of the units would be in the hands of owners who want Whittall’s deal. State statutes require 95%.

Welfonder waits

Altogether, the final chapter of the Colony disputes will play out over the next seven months. No one knows at this point whether Carroll will order a public auction in April. No one knows whether Whittall and Adams will reach an agreement on Adams’ 75 units. No one knows whether Adams will appeal the dissolution of the condominium association or drag out in court his accusations of conspiracies and improper dealing, delaying still longer redevelopment of the Colony’s vacant lot.

And all the while that plays out, the Colony property’s longtime wannabe developer Manfred Welfonder will continue to sit patiently and quietly through Colony court hearings.

Welfonder maintains Whittall’s St. Regis project isn’t financially feasible. He’s hoping for a public auction that will give him the opportunity to place a winning bid.

“The public auction will open the doors for other interested parties in the 15 acres, so that the owners will receive the highest and best price for their assets directly after the auction and without contingencies,” Welfonder said in an email to the Longboat Observer.

But if you were to place a bet on the likely victor in this final stand — Whittall, Adams or Welfonder — based on the factors above, you’d have to say it appears Whittall and his Unicorp National Developments have seemingly unbeatable momentum.

Too bad we must wait until April.

Unicorp announces The Mark tenants

Horizon West residents recently heard about the latest tenants coming to a new Village F shopping center.

A new shopping center in Horizon West Village F is shifting into focus.

Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments Inc., met with dozens of Watermark residents Tuesday, Aug. 27, to discuss the new shopping center project called The Mark, coming soon to the corner of Seidel Road and Seton Creek Boulevard.

The project, which will include more than 112,000 square feet of in-line and outparcel space, is set to begin construction within the first quarter of 2020, Whittall said, and should be completed by the first quarter of 2021.

Tenants that have already signed letters of intent include grocery store Earth Fare, Starbucks, a brewery and grill house, Heartland Dental, Walgreens, Centra Care and 7-Eleven, Whittall said.

The Learning Experience day care also is about to sign a lease, and there are several other miscellaneous restaurants and shops planned, he said.

“It’s a property we bought from the Walt Disney World Company,” Whittall said. “Walt Disney actually came to us and shared the property with us. They already had interest in it, so we made a deal with Disney, and it’s a great opportunity. We already built the Westside (Shoppes) project in Horizon West.”

The meeting last month gave many residents peace of mind about a property that had been left vacant for future development — until Unicorp acquired the property and announced plans for The Mark, resident Christa Gill said.

“For the past three or four years, we’ve all been concerned about what would be going in,” said Gill, who has lived in Watermark since 2015. “There was so much speculation and rumors going around. I would say the biggest sentiment that we have is relief. We’re so grateful that Unicorp came to speak with us, and (Whittall) was highly confident that all the tenants that he’s looking to sign on are all high-caliber, quality tenants that we would want in our community.”

Resident Ron Baumanis also was thrilled with the project but admitted there are some concerns among the residents.

“I thought that Chuck was fantastic — he did a really, really great job explaining what everything would look like and showing what the architectural designs looked like,” Baumanis said.

“It’s not going to be this big gigundo, block-up-everybody’s-neighborhood kind of construction, but it is going to cause noise, there’s going to be light pollution, and there’s signage that will glow in people’s house windows,” he said. “There’s a grocery store that’s planned 30 feet away from people’s houses and apartments. There are some concerns, and people raised those concerns at this meeting.”

Whittall said the project certainly will account for all those factors.

“We put a lot of landscaping around the project, which barriers in noise and light,” Whittall said. “Any shopping center is going to have lights and some traffic noise, but generally, it’s the traffic that’s already driving down the roads.”

Whittall said he’s pleased with the support for the project he has seen so far.

“I think it’s going to be a great amenity,” Whittall said. “I think it’s a great fit for the neighborhood.

“We’re going to build it upscale, very pedestrian-friendly, and we always try to make the community happy, and we’re sure they’re going to be happy with what we’re going to build,” he said.

 

Both sides list potential witnesses in Colony lawsuit | Longboat Key

Longboat Key leaders could possibly be called upon for testimony.

Town leaders, present and past, are on Unicorp National Development Inc.’s witness list in phase 2 of its legal proceeding to gain control of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property for its development plans. The Orlando company proposed to build a luxury hotel and condominium project on the land, made easier if it can gain another favorable ruling in court, in the spring of 2020.

Unicorp, which filed suit in early 2018 to disband the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort’s condo association, included a who’s who list of town and county leaders and employees in its preliminary fact and expert witness lists. Among them:

The court documents indicate summaries of anticipated areas of expertise for each of the witnesses.

Whittall, Mooney, Ray, the town commissioners, Yablon and Harmer are expected to speak on the “Inability to redevelop or rebuild the Colony without the approval and consent of the Recreational Property’s owner; Indivisibility of the Colony Property and the favored remedy upon termination as viewed by the Town for the benefit of the Public; Matters related to the redevelopment of the Colony property; and Facts related to the parties’ affirmative defenses and replies to same.”

Parsons is expected to testify about this and about the “Status of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property” as well as “All matters related to the town resolutions and density related issues.”

Dinwoodie’s testimony will consist of the aforementioned components in addition to “Issues raised and the facts included in the notices of intent to demolish the structures at the former Colony Beach & Tennis Club Resort.”

Unicorp’s witness list extends beyond this group. Expert witnesses will discuss “the historical condition of the (now demolished) structures on the condominium-owned portions of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Club Resort (the “Condominium Parcel”),” “the options for the sale and disposition of the Condominium Parcel,” “that the Condominium Parcel is not divisible” and “facts related to density” and “land use.”

One of the condo unit owners fighting Unicorp’s plan, Yeno Mon, Inc., lists property appraisers as expert witnesses, according to court documents. Colony Beach & Tennis Club Association, Inc., lists Yablon, the Records Custodian for the town of Longboat Key, Dinwoodie, Parsons and “All former and current Town of Longboat Key officials with relevant knowledge regarding the facts in this matter,” among other witnesses.

In July,  a Circuit Court judge cleared a path to terminate the condominium association of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort. The finale of all this legal maneuvering could come in April of 2020, when the judge will consider at least three possible options:

Unicorp, C. Fla. land broker to redevelop struggling mall after $49M deal

One of Orlando’s most active developers and a well known land broker have set their sights on another deal after striking the year’s priciest land agreement on Aug. 29.

Orlando-based developer Unicorp National Developments and Maury L. Carter & Associates Inc. plan to enter into a 50-50 partnership to redevelop the long-struggling Orlando Fashion Square mall. That’s following Maury L. Carter & Associates’ sale of 76 acres for $49 million, or roughly $644,736 an acre, at Interstate 4 and Daryl Carter Parkway to Unicorp.

The latter deal sets in motion Unicorp’s $1 billion O-Town West mixed-use project near Walt Disney World. Construction is expected to begin in early 2020 before wrapping up in phases in 2021. The land deal’s conclusion ends nearly two years of negotiations between Unicorp President Chuck Whittall and Maury L. Carter & Associates’ Daryl Carter.

“Our wives say they never see the money because it goes from one deal to another,” Carter said.

Unicorp expects to buy the roughly 46 acres of dirt beneath Orlando Fashion Square in September. The mall, which opened in 1973, was in its prime in the 1980s and ’90s, but since has seen a decline. Unicorp is the latest developer to attempt to resuscitate the 838,865-square-foot mall on Colonial Drive, which has changed hands at least four times since 2004.

The redevelopment is expected to include:

  • 1,500-1,600 mid- to high-rise apartments
  • 500,000 square feet of retail and restaurants that may include a bowling alley, dine-in theater, indoor karting, and high-end arcade
  • 200,000 square feet of office space
  • A parking garage
  • A hotel

After buying the dirt, Unicorp will need to purchase the improvements, or the buildings above the dirt, from the master lessee of the mall, Philadelphia-based lender The Bancorp Inc.’s (Nasdaq: TBBK) related TBB Orlando LLC. Bancorp became the master lessee of the mall after UP Fieldgate US Investments-Fashion Square’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization settlement was approved.

New development set for east Fruitville Road in Sarasota

The planned Southwood Village development will consist of 100,000-square-feet of retail space and 364 upscale multifamily units.

ORLANDO — A new retail and housing development is planned for the area east of Interstate 75 on Fruitville Road, right next door to the pending Fruitville Commons development.

Southwood Village will consist of more than 100,000 square feet of retail space and 364 upscale multifamily units, according to site plans obtained at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference in Orlando this week.

READ MORE: See the latest Sarasota-Manatee real estate news

Plans show a retail center with a convenience store and a gas station directly along Fruitville, with housing units in the back.

The project developer is Unicorp National Developments Inc., which displayed the plans at its ICSC booth.

The average home sale price in the immediate area is $208,993, and the average daily traffic count is 47,019, according to Unicorp. There are 29,493 existing households within a five-mile radius, but that number will soon be 34,750, the plans said.

The average household income within five miles of the site, the plans said, is $76,928.

The site is east of the Fruitville Commons development, which sits directly east of I-75 along the north side of Fruitville Road. At Fruitville Commons, a four-story, 117-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotel is in the works.

Both developments are part of the Fruitville Initiative, a 420-acre Sarasota County critical area plan adopted in 2014 to encourage development along both sides of Fruitville Road east of I-75.

Unicorp wants to build ‘mini-Baldwin Park’ on 116 acres in Central Florida

Unicorp National Developments Inc. — one of the most active developers in Central Florida — aims to transform a 116-acre site in Eatonville.

The developer wants to turn the site into a “mini-Baldwin Park” with a grocery store, homes, apartments, and potentially rental homes, said Unicorp President Chuck Whittall, who in the early 2000s turned a former U.S. Navy base into Baldwin Park, a 1,100-acre mixed-use community with 16,000-plus residents near downtown Orlando. Baldwin Park now is a popular neighborhood with upscale homes, apartments and a town center with shops and a Publix grocery store.

Baldwin Park

Baldwin Park: This is the site of a former Naval Training Center that closed in 1993 and was converted into a new urban east Orlando neighborhood. It now has a population of 16,285, a median home value of $313,317 and median rent of $1,264. The median household income is $73,668.

Unicorp is one of a handful of developers eyeing the Eatonville land, after Franklin, Tennessee-based UP Development failed to close on the purchase of the property in April on the southeast corner of East Kennedy Boulevard and Wymore Road near Interstate 4. “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the Eatonville community,” Whittall said.

Neither Unicorp nor any developer has the site under contract. Property owner Orange County Public Schools has been sending out documents related to the site to interested developers in recent weeks before a formal request for proposals is issued.

UP Development had been under contract for the property since June 2018 after initially proposing to buy the land for $20 million. But UP Development’s failure to close on the purchase of the property was seen as an opportunity for other developers, and potential uses could range from industrial to retail and office. “There’s all sorts of opportunities,” said land expert Jerry McGratty, who’s not involved with the property.

In March 2016, new residential units, retail space, offices and more were sought for the property. That’s when Eatonville first issued a request for qualifications from developers interested in buying and developing the land.

Orange County Public Schools originally agreed to sell the land since it no longer has a need for a school there. Robert Hungerford Preparatory High School, which sits on site, is vacant.

 

Developer wins another ruling on former Longboat Key Colony property

Unicorp Development Co. and Chuck Whitall, the president and founder of the Orlando-based company, won a pivotal legal decision this month in a six-year battle to redevelop the 17.3-acre Gulf-front site of once world-renowned Colony Beach and Tennis Resort.

LONGBOAT KEY — Unicorp Development Co. and Chuck Whittall, the president and founder of the Orlando-based company, won a pivotal legal decision this month in a six-year battle to redevelop the 17.3-acre Gulf-front site of once world-renowned Colony Beach and Tennis Resort.

Sarasota Circuit Court Judge Hunter Carroll requested that Unicorp attorneys draft an order that would dissolve the Colony Association of Unit Owners. He also canceled a hearing on the matter scheduled for Thursday and Friday. His decision gives Unicorp and the association the right to terminate but does not officially dissolve the owners’ organization. Whittall said his attorneys will present their draft to the court on Thursday.

“I think the judge is going to approve our contract,” Whittall said. “I think this time next year, we’ll be under construction.”

Carroll’s decision removed another hurdle to the development of a five-star St. Regis Hotel and Residences on the site, a plan approved by the Town of Longboat Key commission in March 2018. Whittall intends to build a five-story, 166-room hotel and 78 luxury condominiums in three five-story buildings. During commission hearings over the proposal, the majority of the public speakers supported the plan in the hopes that the property would be revitalized after blighting the site for years.

One court case left

One court case remains in the way of the $650 million project, with a hearing next April to determine the fairest method for the termination of the association.

Unicorp owns 40 units outright and has signed agreements on another 121. One holdout, Andy Adams, owns 74 units, mostly purchased at fire-sale prices after the Colony closed because of a fight between the resort’s owner and unit owners over assessments for repairs and upkeep. Three additional condos are owned by individual holdouts.

At one point, Whittall offered Adams $22.5 million to buy his 74 units, but Adams rejected the offer. Adams has not commented on the issue.

Carroll’s ruling supersedes Adams’ ability to block dissolution of the condo association. Under state law, Adams’ percentage stake in overall condo ownership would have allowed him to stop termination.

State law allows the dissolution of a condo association if the property is determined to be “an economic waste, it’s essentially obsolete,” Whittall said in a previous interview.

That essentially occurred when the town issued an emergency demolition order in June 2018 for almost all the buildings at the vermin- and termite-infested Colony resort after deeming the condos to be “unsafe and unfit.” The town commissioned an independent engineering firm to examine the buildings on three occasions, and the reports emphatically stated the Colony site was a public nuisance with dangerous structures in unsafe conditions.

Adams challenged the demolition permit, but the court rejected his appeal.

Condo sales

Unicorp’s contracts pay around $157,000 per unit with premiums for waterfront and water-view condos. Next April’s hearing will focus on two options: whether the now demolished units be sold at auction or whether Whittall’s agreements with unit owners will be the basis for determining value and allowing consolidation of the property. Consolidation must precede redevelopment.

Either way, Whittall expressed confidence the project will move forward.

His most recent triumph in town and court decisions occurred when commissioners amended Longboat Key Town Code and allowed a sales center to be built on the now grassland. The prior code allowed sales only after ownership had been proven and a permit granted.

Whittall plans to build an upscale sales center on the site with completion early next year. The condominiums will range in price from $3 million to $10 million for penthouses and in size from 1,600 square feet to 5,000, Whittall said.

Michael Saunders & Company’s New Homes and Condominiums Division is the exclusive marketing and selling partner for the residences. Division director Nancy Arbuckle reports: “Interest in the five-star, beach-front resort and condominiums is very strong. We have well over 200 individuals signed up on the interest list, including many Realtors eager to bring the property to their customers when it is time.”

Those interested parties haven’t even seen what the units will look like.

“In the coming weeks, we will begin releasing more detailed information on the lifestyle amenities, designer partners from landscaping to interiors, as well as much-anticipated floor plans.”

The five-story condo buildings will be set amid a lush tropical landscape with a lagoon, event lawn, several pools, a lazy river and other water features, fire pits, walking paths and a tennis club and fitness center.

Besides those amenities, creature comforts will include a 15,700-square-foot spa described as “world class,” an “opulent” 10,000-square-foot ballroom, a “chef-driven” restaurant, a resort restaurant and a beach cafe as well as a re-creation of the Colony’s storied Monkey Bar.

The Colony’s demise

The beginning of the end for the one-time getaway for famous athletes, celebrities and politicians came in 2006 when the resort’s founder, Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber, placed a $15,000 assessment on each one of the 237 condos to pay for badly needed renovations and repairs.

The push-back from owners came quickly. Many refused to pay that and a subsequent larger assessment.

The owners, who were entitled to only 30 days in their units per year, had never been assessed for repair costs at the Colony since management collected rent from vacationers staying in the condos the rest of the year and paid for upkeep. As the resort deteriorated, visitation plunged along with the cash flow necessary for improvements. The feud eventually escalated into litigation and bankruptcy filings before the Colony permanently closed in 2010.

The anticipation of a St. Regis-flagged luxury property began in earnest last year.

Roger Pettingell, a Longboat Key-based Realtor associated with Coldwell Banker, said then that he could not wait to sell the condominiums there. “I think it will be a home run. … The location is ideal, particularly given the size of the site,” he said. “Everyone loves new, be it a hotel or a condominium.

“I think the St. Regis will keep Longboat Key as a relevant destination for years to come.”

County OKs Kerina Parkside, O-Town West Developments

County leaders voted on June 4 to approve requests related to the Kerina Parkside and O-Town West development projects in Dr. Phillips.

Two large development projects in Dr. Phillips each have gotten green lights from the county.

Orange County Commissioners voted unanimously during the June 4 meeting to approve requests pertaining to the Kerina Parkside Planned Development project and the Hannah Smith Planned Development project, which is also known as the O-Town West project.

The Kerina Parkside PD encompasses a 215.67-acre parcel that is generally located east and west of South Apopka Vineland Road, south of Buena Vista Woods Boulevard and north of Lake Street. For this project, commissioners approved amending the property’s future land-use designation from low-density residential, low-medium density residential, and rural/agricultural to Planned Development-Commercial/Office/Medium Density Residential/Low-Density Residential/Senior Living/Conservation (PD-C/O/MDR/LDR/Senior Living/CONS).

In association with the land-use map amendment, commissioners also approved a substantial change request to revise the development program of three tracts within the project to allow for the development of 301 single-family dwelling units, 400 multi-family dwelling units (apartments), 200 senior living units, 150,000 square feet of retail and office uses and a five-acre, Orange County park. This request also included 25 waivers from the Orange County Code.

O-Town West encompasses an 84.32-acre property that is generally located north of Interstate 4, south of Fenton St. and east of Lake Ruby. For that project, county leaders voted to amend the property’s future land-use designation from activity center mixed-use, activity center residential, and low-medium density residential to Planned Development-Commercial/Medium-High Density Residential. Commissioners also approved to rezone the property from A-2 (Farmland Rural District) and PD to PD (Planned Development District) (Hannah Smith Property PD). The changes allow for the development of 1300 residential dwelling units and up to 415,142 square feet of commercial uses.

The O-Town West development is to the east of the Kerina Parkside project. In between the two projects is the site of the relief high school for Dr. Phillips High and Freedom High, which is scheduled to open in 2021. An extension of Daryl Carter Parkway will run through both developments and connect Palm Parkway to Apopka Vineland Road. The state also plans to build an interchange at Daryl Carter Parkway and I-4 in later years.

The applicant, Miranda Fitzgerald, of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A., said landowners from both development projects donated some of the right of way for the Daryl Carter Parkway extension. She added that the county’s 2010 comprehensive plan supports mixed-use developments, and said the way the properties developed surrounding the Kerina Parkside project are a classic example of urban sprawl.

“In 2010, Orange County updated its comprehensive plan, and at that point in time, they included a number of policies and commitments … (that) was a change in

Orange County philosophy,” Fitzgerald said. “(The comp plan now) encourages a mix of uses in these areas that have developed as just a single use.”

Chuck Whittall is the President and CEO of Unicorp National Developments, which is developing the O-Town West project. He also spoke on behalf of the Kerina Parkside development. He said the Kerina project will include upscale apartments and a neighborhood grocery store.

“We have a signed letter of intent with Publix to go here,” Whittall said. “I know there were some e-mails saying that we’re concerned about the apartments (bringing) crime. The apartments we’re building run for $1400 to $2200 a month. … They’re very upscale apartments. I always get taken back a little bit when people tell me, ‘when you live in apartment, you commit crime.’ I lived in an apartment when I got started, and we didn’t commit any crimes.”

Although both projects are adjacent to one another, 14 individuals voiced their thoughts over the Kerina Parkside project, and no speakers signed up to speak about the O-Town West project.

Attorney Frank Ruggieri of The Ruggieri Law Firm, PA spoke on behalf of residents against the Kerina Parkside project. He argued that the residents need a buffer from the nearby commercial and tourist areas, and said the area should remain residential.

“This is a unique area, and I think it’s unique because of the character … of the area and its proximity to the attractions in Lake Buena Vista,” Ruggieri said. “The bottom line is these people need a buffer, and they need a … means to maintain their sense of community. And they need this commission to do that for them and protect them.”

Todd Hockenberry is a former president of the Dr. Phillips Little League. He spoke in support of the Kerina Parkside project because it includes land set aside for ball fields for the little league. The league will need to relocate because Dr. Phillips Charities — who owns the land where the league plays — opted not to renew the lease on the land after allowing the league to play on the land for many years.

“We’re supporting this project because we’re really running out of options,” Hockenberry said. “There’s not many places you can put fields of five acres in Dr. Phillips. … Without this project, without the generosity of the developers and everybody else involved, I’m not sure what the future of baseball is in Dr. Phillips. There’s not a lot of public spaces. I don’t know of any other options.”

District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey motioned to approve the requests for both projects with added conditions from the board and from staff for both projects. The Kerina Parkside project was approved with added conditions related to alcohol services, lot sizes and revising a condition related to the park that will be in the development among other conditions. O-Town West was approved with a condition to reduce the residential units from 1800 to 1300.

“The final concern was they didn’t want any standalone bars in the neighborhood retail (area), so that’s a restriction I would like to put in there is that we don’t have any bars (in the Kerina development),” VanderLey said. “They didn’t have an objection to a restaurant with a bar, but it would have to be 51% food sales, and therefore more of a restaurant characteristic. … They wanted to make sure that this didn’t become a commercial area that was running into the night and very noisy, so that’s why we’ve asked for no bars in this particular area.”

VanderLey reminded residents that the Kerina Parkside property still would have been able to develop under its current entitlements even if the commission denied the requested actions for the project.

“With the current entitlements, the idea that nothing is going to happen there, I think we’re all agreeing that that’s not the case,” VanderLey said.”It would be lovely if I could look at it through a single lens, but I have to look at it as a responsibility to the community; not only the request of the applicant, but also to make sure we’re addressing the many needs of the community — including what the Little League needs, including what the school (district) is asking for, including what you all have requested.”

Co-working Firm Establishes First Detroit Outpost – Connect Media Commercial Real Estate News

Co-working Firm Establishes First Detroit Outpost

CBRE represented landlord Unicorp National Developments in the lease of 21,091 square feet to Seven Co. at City Center in Detroit’s Troy, MI suburb. The space will be the Irvine, CA-based co-working firm’s first location in the Detroit market.

A CBRE team of Brendan George, Dan Morse and Jasper Hanifi represented Unicorp National. Bryan Barnas, Gary Grochowski and Paul Choukourian of Colliers International represented Seven Co., which operates under the Next7 brand.

“This tenant will be a wonderful addition to the building and the surrounding market in Troy,” said George. “There are very few co-working providers in this area, and Next7 will meet what has become a growing demand for office users.”

Located at 888 W. Big Beaver Rd. in Troy, City Center is a 297,530-square-foot property about 20 minutes north of Detroit’s CBD. In the past three years, CBRE has brought the building from 40% to 90% leased

See what motivates this active Orlando developer to keep growing

See what motivates this active Orlando developer to keep growing

Unicorp National Developments Inc. started two decades ago with small, single-tenant projects, and since has evolved into a hugely prolific firm with more than $3 billion in projects under its belt.

The Orlando-based firm’s developments include experiential mixed-use centers, luxury apartments, shopping centers, and large-scale master-planned communities. For example, it was the developer of the huge Icon Park dining and entertainment complex on Orlando’s International Drive, which features The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel, as well as a Madame Tussauds wax museum and Sea Life Aquarium. Plus, two more tourist attractions are coming in spring 2020.

Unicorp focuses on “carefully crafted, experiential mixed-use developments” while minimizing the risk of building retail centers that would be vulnerable to competition from online shopping, said President Chuck Whittall. The firm’s top accomplishments in the last year included:

The company’s greatest challenge has been deciding which properties to hold onto and which properties to put on the market. “We accomplished our objective by strategically selling assets that maximized our cash position and minimized the impact on our cash flow,” Whittall said.

What surprises him most about his company’s growth is the number of opportunities brought to Unicorp from all over the globe, Whittall said. His future plans are to continue to “conquer” the Central Florida lifestyle market.

Unicorp earned a spot on Orlando Business Journal‘s 2019 Fast 50 list, which recognizes Central Florida’s 50 fastest-growing private companies headquartered in Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Osceola counties. The firms were ranked based on their percentage of revenue growth from 2016-2018.

2019 Fast 50 Honorees Part 2

Here’s more from Whittall:

What motivates you to grow your company? Passion. I love what I do and I have fun doing it.

What personal sacrifices have you made to achieve growth? Like most working people. I occasionally am forced to spend more time away from my family and loved ones then I would prefer. It’s a constant struggle to find the perfect work/life balance.

What are your top three strategic goals?

  1. To develop a succession plan for the company so it can go on without me one day
  2. To diversify the company into other asset classes, such as adding hotels on top of our retail, office, multifamily and mixed-use platforms
  3. To exceed $1 billion in equity in the next 36 months

How will your company scale as it grows? Years ago, the company was set up to scale for growth. We add construction, accounting and leasing people as needed for growth. We are at a very high-paced growth mode.

What does day-to-day work look like in your role? Crazy. Last week, I left Orlando, had meetings all day in Miami, woke up the next morning and flew to Naples for a property tour, then to Sarasota for a marketing meeting at lunchtime. Then, I flew back to Orlando for a 3 p.m. meeting and then dinner with my bankers at 6 p.m.

What were you like in high school? I was a slight misfit. I owned a teenage nightclub and was a disc jockey during those years.

What are you known for? My cool developments and stylish outfits

What’s your favorite springtime activity? Traveling

What should everyone stand up for? The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem


  • Top executive: Chuck Whittall, president
  • C. Fla. employees: 92
  • Founded: 1998
  • Address: 7940 Via Dellagio Way, Suite 200, Orlando 32819
  • Contact: (407) 999-9985; unicorp.com
  • Twitter handle:@UnicorpUSA

Volusia Business News: You’ve got to have the right kind of jobs

As I’m sure you’ve heard over the years, for a strong local economy, you need higher-paying jobs with good benefits.

That’s why the opening of a place like Dave & Buster’s in Daytona Beach, while nice to have, isn’t that great as employment news, despite its 200 jobs. Retail and restaurants jobs just don’t provide the boost you want in an economy. Since many of them are part-time and don’t provide benefits like health insurance, they don’t really provide a boost to quality of life either.

The jobs you want are in construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, healthcare and professions, such as accountants and lawyers. That‘s why it pains me to look at what we have in the Volusia/Flagler area. The first jobs report of the year from the state labor agency shows the two-county area with 14,800 construction jobs, 11,900 manufacturing jobs and 5,300 wholesale trade jobs. The statistics are a little better with 40,400 jobs in education and health services, and 22,700 jobs in professional services.

All of that sounds like a lot of jobs until you do the math and realize it’s not even half of the 206,500 total jobs the state estimates non-agricultural employers provide in Volusia and Flagler counties. That’s because we have big numbers in retail trade at 31,500 and leisure and hospitality at 33,000.

We don’t even do that well with government jobs at just 24,000 with a measly 1,500 federal government jobs. Even Alachua County, which is half the size of Volusia, has 4,500 federal jobs. Of course, with the University of Florida, Alachua has 29,700 state government jobs.

So, while Dave & Busters, Miami Grill and all the other places opening recently was fun, I was most excited to find out the nearly $14 million office/warehouse next to Trader Joe’s distribution center will be occupied by Amazon Direct. While I’ve seen reports that working in Amazon warehouses isn’t that great a job, it’s a lot better than most retail, restaurant or hotel jobs.

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Unicorp National Development has begun leasing space for its South Williamson Shops, which wraps around the RaceTrac at Williamson and LPGA boulevards. So far, the developer has signed up ABC Fine Wine & Spirts, AT&T, Extra Space Storage, Goodwill and Great Clips.

You’ll be reading a lot about Unicorp’s activities as it now owns a lot of land in the LPGA/Williamson area. By-the-way, that tip was sent to me by readere Jeff Bourgoyne. Keep those tips coming folks.

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Daytona Beach-based ICI Homes, which just started building in its new Woodhaven development in Port Orange, is planning Lago Verde with apartments, townhouses and an office building north and west of Hinson Middle School, between Clyde Morris and Williamson boulevards in Daytona Beach.

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Not a lot of business happens during Bike Week. The only commercial real estate deal of note was a Port Orange investor buying the office building at 4550 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Port Orange, for $865,000.

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On a final note, a couple of miscellaneous items include the Speedway Bar going into the former site of Oyster Bay at 500 E. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach. Also, Vanacore Construction moving forward with the planned 58 lot addition to Halifax Plantation in Ormond Beach.

Managing Editor Cecil G. Brumley has been tracking business and the economy in Volusia County for more than 22 years. Contact him at cbrumley@hometownnewsol.com (no hyphen) or follow him on Twitter @cecilbrumley.

Volusia Business News: It’s gut check time for sales of existing…

Volusia Business News: It’s gut check time for sales of existing houses

For the second straight month, sales of existing houses by Realtors were down in the Volusia/Flagler area.

Realtors in the two-county area sold 647 houses in January, down 5.3 percent from January 2018, which followed a 6.2 percent year-to-year decline in December.

What wasn’t down was the median price, where half sold for more and half for less. In January, it was at $215,000, up a sharp 15 percent from the previous year while the median price was at $211,000 in December, up 7.11 percent.

Sales were solid in 2018 at 11,869, up 3.7 percent, but the median price was at $209,900, up 10.5 percent from 2017.

All of this begs the question have prices gone up too much and left too many people behind, unable to afford a mortgage?

While a two-month decline is concerning, it’s not time to sound the warning siren yet. You really need a few months of data to get a complete picture.

Also, you have to mix in what is happening with new home construction, which, according to the Volusia County Department of Economic Development was up sharply in 2018 with permits issued for 2,758 units, up a whopping 39 percent from 1,981 units in 2017. We haven’t seen any numbers for 2019, yet, so that’s another reason not to slam on the brakes.

Still, there is one other trend and one statement to consider. Multi-family rental housing is on the upswing in Volusia County with an apartment complex almost finished in Daytona Beach and two others starting in Daytona and Port Orange. Also, Orlando-based Unicorp just submitted plans for Tomoka Village, a gated, multifamily development and clubhouse on 31 acres on Williamson Boulevard, just south of Strickland Range Road.

Also, there was Minto Communities backing out of its contract to buy the land for the second half of Latitude Margaritaville from Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co. With the trend in home prices and increased impact fees, Minto officials are looking for someway to cut back on cost. My guess is they’re talking to CTLC about a lower price for the land.

***

Speaking of Unicorp, the company acquired a 9.9-acre site from CTLC for $3.3 million at the northeast corner of LPGA and Williamson boulevards. Unicorp intends to develop a grocery-anchored project and, no, the company hasn’t said what the grocer will be, but, when you look at the company’s portfolio of properties and current projects, the only grocer that pops out at you is Trader Joe’s.

***

Port Orange is a city of about 60,000 residents and yet not one Taco Bell (although it was part of the food court at Target when it first opened). That could come to an end soon with Taco Bell going into the closed Pollo Tropical building. Also, a new restaurant is apparently going into Ocean Walk Shoppes in the former Santora’s Pizza spot, but I haven‘t been able to track down what it is, yet.

***

Not much to report on the commercial real estate scene. Sears sold its Volusia Mall property to an entity call Transform Saleco LLC for $5.9 million, but don’t get excited. It was just part of Sears’ bankruptcy. Still it’s interesting to see what the property is worth. One other deal was Meritage Homes buying a lot of lots at Coastal Woods in New Smyrna Beach from Geosam Capital for about $3 million.

***

On a final note, some new stuff going up on the drawing board include Denver-based NexCore Group proposing a 150-unit senior center with 66 independent living, 60 assisted living and 24 memory care units in one building at the southeast corner of Williamson Boulevard and Oak Water Lane in Port Orange. Also, a multi-tenant commercial building may be built on the 18-acre site. A developer wants to complete Mustang Pointe Aerodrome at Biscayne Boulevard and Brunswick Lane at the DeLand airport, which includes adding three buildings to the existing three hangar/office/warehouses. Also, plans were submitted to for a 50,000-square-foot building for White Sign Co. at 919 Old DeLand Road in DeBary.

Managing Editor Cecil G. Brumley has been tracking business and the economy in Volusia County for more than 22 years. Contact him at cbrumley@hometownnewsol.com (no hyphen) or follow him on Twitter @cecilbrumley.

Longboat leaders approve rule change allowing sales office

Former Colony unit owners object to Commission’s approval.

by: Suzanne Elliott Staff Writer

The Longboat Key Town Commission on Monday unanimously approved a zoning text amendment that permits sales offices on sites of at least eight acres and at least 40 residential units before building permits are issued.

Chuck Whittall, the chairman and CEO of Unicorp National Developments Inc., has sought since late 2018 permission from the town to erect such a sales office on the site of his company’s proposed St. Regis Hotel and Residences at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The project, estimated to be worth about $600 million, will feature 78 condominium units — priced in the $4 million to $10 million range — and 166 hotel rooms.

Whittall has said a pre-construction sales office is a key component to pre-selling about half of the project’s condominiums, which he said is necessary to propel the financing for the overall project. Whittall, who thanked the commission for its approval Monday, said the next step is to get the sales office under construction, likely by the autumn. He is working directly with Michael Saunders & Company on sales.

Brett Henson, who represents owners of 74 units at the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, objected to the sales office because Whittall does not fully control the property. Henson’s clients own 31% of the property of the Colony’s 237 units, all of which were demolished between July and November of 2018.

Construction can’t begin until Unicorp owns all of the former resort’s units, which is the subject of an ongoing court case.

Some owners have sold to Unicorp over the past few years, while others have not. Unicorp has filed for a judicial end to the former resort’s condominium association since the company has not been able to muster the owner votes to do so conventionally.

“At minimum, the erection of a temporary sales facility will result in pedestrian foot and vehicular traffic which infringes upon our clients’ use and enjoyment of their interests in the property,” Henson said in a letter to the town. “A temporary sales facility will require our clients to absorb additional liability for potential injuries or damages to third parties visiting the sales facility.”

Whittall wants to build a $2 million, 3,000-square-foot modular sales office on the 17.6-acre site. According to a floor plan of the proposal, the sales office will offer a view of Gulf of Mexico from its rear deck and features a “Wow arrival” for patrons once through the front double doors. Vignettes of a kitchen, grand room and bathroom would be showcased, in addition to a model of the proposed property and some meeting space, relaxation space and storage.

The sales office could be under construction by fall.

 

Consolidated Tomoka Announces Closing of $3.3 Million Land Transaction

Consolidated Tomoka Announces Closing of $3.3 Million Land Transaction and Other Land Updates

Source: Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co. (NYSE American: CTO) (the “Company”) today announced the closing of the sale of approximately 9.9 acres (the “Unicorp Sale”), for approximately $3.3 million, or approximately $333,000 per acre, to Unicorp National Development, Inc. of Orlando, Florida (“Unicorp”). The land parcel is located on the east side of Interstate 95 at the northeast corner of the intersection of LPGA Boulevard and Williamson Boulevard.  Unicorp intends to develop the parcel as a grocery-anchored project. The estimated gain on the Unicorp Sale is approximately $2.3 million, or approximately $0.32 per share, after tax. The Company does not intend to utilize the proceeds from the Unicorp Sale in a 1031 like-kind exchange structure.

The Company also added two new land contracts, one of which is the reinstatement of a land contract with Unicorp for approximately 13.7 acres in an opportunity zone and located at the southwest corner of LPGA Boulevard and Clyde Morris Boulevard for total potential proceeds of approximately $3.8 million. As a result of the Unicorp Sale and the added contracts, the Company’s pipeline of potential land sales represents nearly 1,800 acres of the Company’s remaining land holdings, or approximately 33%, with total potential proceeds of approximately $103.3 million, or approximately $58,000 per acre.

About Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co.
Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co. is a Florida-based publicly traded real estate company, which owns over 2.3 million square feet of income properties in diversified markets in the United States, as well as approximately 5,400 acres of land in the Daytona Beach area. Visit our website at www.ctlc.com.

We encourage you to review our most recent investor presentations which are available on our website at www.ctlc.com.

SAFE HARBOR

Certain statements contained in this press release (other than statements of historical fact) are forward-looking statements. Words such as “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “will,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they were made, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words. Although forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect upon the Company, a number of factors could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Such factors may include the completion of 1031 exchange transactions, the availability of investment properties that meet the Company’s investment goals and criteria, the modification of terms of certain land sales agreements, uncertainties associated with obtaining required governmental permits and satisfying other closing conditions for planned acquisitions and sales, as well as the uncertainties and risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management’s expectations or that the effect of future developments on the Company will be those anticipated by management. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release.

Contact: Mark E. Patten, Sr. Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
mpatten@ctlc.com
Phone: (386) 944-5643
Facsimile: (386) 274-1223

 

Town says ‘yes’ to sales office for future St. Regis residences

The Longboat Key Town Commission gave Unicorp developer Chuck Whittall a victory last week.

Whittall asked the commission to amend town code so that he can build a temporary sales office for his St. Regis condominium project at the site of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

Last December, the commission voted against the request 4-3; this time, with amended language, it was met with unanimous approval.

What the commission specifically approved was a code change to allow temporary sales offices on development sites that are greater than eight acres, comprised of 40 or more units and have received a development approval.

Whittall’s project meets all of the criteria in that the St. Regis project is approved for 166 hotel suites and 78 condominiums on the 17.3-acre site.

There will be a second and final vote on the amendment next month, but Whittall has already asked his team to work on the floor plans for the sales center that he says will be between 3,000 and 3,500 square feet.

Michael Saunders will serve as the brokerage firm selling the units and Whittall says that more than 300 individuals have expressed enough interest to want to be contacted as soon as sales commence.

The center should be built by the end of 2019, and will provide an example of a kitchen, bathrooms, finishes and ceiling heights as well as a view of the Gulf of Mexico.

The sales center will be built on the northwest corner of the property, which will eventually be the event lawn for the future hotel. That location means the entire project can be built as sales continue, unimpeded. Access to the sales center will be on a small road on the northern fringe of the property.

Whittall told Longboat Key News that he wants to have about 50 percent sold, if not more, before the shovel for the development is in the ground. There will be a couple of units starting around $2 million, with the majority priced between $4 million and $7 million and penthouses at about $10 million.

Whittall said he hopes the consolidation of ownership of the property is achieved by the end of this year, because that must occur for him to be able to receive a building permit.

 

St. Regis sales office meets approval from Longboat Planning Board

St. Regis sales office meets approval from Longboat Planning Board

St. Regis Hotel and Residences developer Chuck Whittall wants the Town of Longboat Key to allow him to erect a sales office at the site of the former Colony Breach & Tennis Resort. Last week, he gained a sweep of support when members of the Planning Board voted unanimously recommending support for the plan.

Technically, the Planning Board voted in support of amending the Town Zoning Code that has a condition for a sales office that the applicant must be in possession of a building permit for the project he or she wished to sell at the site.

In the case of Whittall, although he and his company Unicorp have been approved by the Town Commission to build a 166-unit hotel and 74 condominiums on the site, he cannot get the permit until he consolidates ownership. And in the case of the denoumant of the Colony this has proven difficult with Whittall and part-Colony owner Andy Adams embroiled in a court process to force the issue.

Because the Town cannot approve “spot zoning,” the amendment will allow sales offices on sites greater than 8 acres with approval to build at least 40 units. The other requirement is the sales office project must ne guaranteed by a bond in case the Town has to remove the facility or to offset any possible damages or liability.

The bonding requirement is what led to Town staff recommending the Town approve the text amendment allowing the sales office.

The Planning Board at the meeting appeared it had concerns. Members asked about the ownership issues at the Colony site as well as if the bond amounts were adequate.

Whittall made his case at the meeting.

“The code was written in the 1970s before the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the change in lending rules. This will accelerate the sale and reconstruction of the Colony site by at least 12 months.”

Whittall added that the change in the code would not only apply to the St. Regis, but to Whitney Beach condominiums, Longboat Harbour, Seaplace and Beach Place and others. He said if a hurricane of any magnitude leveled these buildings the owners would want a sales office and need to raise capital.

“Lenders want 50% to 60% of the units presold prior to construction when it comes to larger projects with expensive units,” said Whittall.

Board member and Commissioner candidate Mike Haycock said that he agreed with Whittall’ s case for sales offices on larger properties but had lingering concern on the ownership issue.

“How can you get a permit on something you do not own?” asked Haycock.

Longboat Planning Director Alan Parsons explained that it is the condo association that is allowed to apply and represent owners and has standing for permits. It was explained that that is how the application and approval for the St. Regis Hotel and Condos were granted. Often owners disagree, he said, but condo associations are the authorized agency for permitting and development.

One board member asked how water and sewer would be arranged as well as parking,

Whittall replied that it would happen the way the code allows, through representation by the Association.

“I ask you what is for the greater good? Will this benefit the Town? asked Whittall.

Green asked Whittall what the time frame is for the ownership issues. Whittall answered,  “Andy Adams’ attorney is here and they have been an obstructionist.”

Soon after this statement, the attorney for Adams, who owns 74 of the Colony’s 244 original units, spoke. He objected to “Mr. Whittall imposing his development plans on private property owners.”

Planning Board Chair BJ Webb made clear that the matter under consideration was the zoning text amendment and not the ownership of the Colony assets.

The Adams attorney vowed to challenge administratively and legally any text amendment and any permits issued.

Haycock made the motion to approve the ordinance and discussion ensued.

Board member Phill Younger asked that the amendment be amended to make the acreage requirement 8 acres and 40 units for the sales office to apply to more properties. That change was accepted.

Webb said she thought approving the measure would be a proactive step forward in facilitating redevelopment on the island of aging properties.

“Why would we not want to give our town the ability for real estate taxes to come in and allow redevelopment faster?”

The board vote in unanimous approval of the sales office amendment.

The issue will now go to the Town Commission for consideration.

The Longboat Key Town Commission voted 4-3 last fall against a different code change that would have allowed a temporary sales office to market future St. Regis condominiums at the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort site. Whittall hopes the modified language will be met with Commission approval.

On a side note,  Younger said the Colony property looks better now than it did when he got here in 1987.

Palm Sprouts on Former Colony Site

Solitary addition to the proposed site of St. Regis development arrives, is planted in the middle of the property.
by: Suzanne Elliott Staff Writer

It’s a curious sight sitting alone on the 17.6 acres where the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort once sat.

A single, mature palm tree arrived last week on the property where a $600 million St. Regis Hotel and Residences is proposed, sitting on the land in a planting box meant for transportation. In fact, it’s the first sign of something new happening since the last piece of the Colony’s mid-rise building tumbled to the ground in late November.

Is it a sign that development is ready to go?

Is it the first piece of an epic landscaping plan?

Is it a replica in the making of the South Carolina state flag (look it up!)?

Unicorp National Development’s Chuck Whittall said last week it might be planted in the future, though plans weren’t firm. The next day, it had found a home in the soil of 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

And more greenery is on the way. A $20,000 hydroseeding project of the sandy lot is beginning to show signs of taking root. Tiny sprouts of grass are now visible after weeks of germination.

Whittall scored a victory earlier this month in his quest to redevelop the site when the Longboat Key Commission gave initial approval to his request to change the town’s zoning language to allow, under certain conditions, a temporary sales office on the property before a building permit is granted.

Final consideration of that proposal goes before the Town Commission on March 4.

 

Chuck Whittall will get his sales office | Longboat Key

$2 million St. Regis site could be under construction by the fall.

https://www.yourobserver.com/article/longboat-board-backs-st-regis-sales-office

Chuck Whittall is on his way to setting up a temporary sales office on the site of his proposed St. Regis Hotel and Residences.

Town Commissioners on Monday voted unanimously to grant a change in zoning rules allowing such temporary, pre-construction buildings under a set of specific conditions:

Assuming final approval on March 4, the $2 million, 3,000-square-foot modular building could be under construction by the fall.

“I am very pleased,” said Whittall, president of Unicorp Developments Inc., the developer of the proposed $600 million, 166-room, 78-condominium project where the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort once stood at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

According to a floor plan of the proposal, the sales office will offer a view of Gulf of Mexico from its rear deck and features a “Wow arrival” for patrons once through the front double doors. Vignettes of a kitchen, grand room and bathroom would be showcased, in addition to a model of the proposed property and some meeting space, relaxation space and storage.

Whittall has been pushing for an on-site sales office since last fall for the17.6-acre site.

Asking prices for the 40 proposed condominiums would vary from $4 million to as much as $10 million. Michael Saunders & Company is marketing the St. Regis condominiums. Whittall has said selling 50% to 60% of the units is vital to landing construction financing.

In a letter to Whittall, Michael Saunders, CEO and founder of the real estate company, wrote “it is an expectation of the buyer to have a total experience when making a a buying decision, which can only be had on-site.”

Even though the vote to move the proposal ahead to a final vote was unanimous, there were questions from commissioners. “This is a temporary structure,” Commissioner Randy Clair said. “My concern is if there is a hurricane, could this structure withstand it.”

Whittall assured the commission that the building would be able to withstand a hurricane and would be up to code.

Whittall owns 37 of the 237 of the former  Colony units, though the last building on the property was demolished in November. Without the required 95% of Colony unit owners in support, the only way to dissolve the condominium association is through the courts.

Last month, a Circuit Court Judge rejected motions from several Colony Beach & Tennis Resort unit owners to dismiss a legal proceeding by Whittall’s Unicorp Colony Units LLC to dissolve the former resort’s condominium association. He will be back in Circuit Court on Thursday to set  a trial date on his attempt to disband  the Colony’s condominium association.

In order to get a building permit from the town, Unicorp must have complete control of the property. Unicorp was successful in consolidating ownership of the Colony’s recreational property at a partition sale in a Tampa federal courtroom.

Unicorp’s bid of $29.51 million for the disputed 2.3 acres was successful in the all-or-nothing deal. Because the Orlando company already owned 95% of the property, the company paid investor and Colony unit owner Andy Adams for his 5%, or $1.4755 million.

Since 1970, Longboat’s zoning has prohibited on-site sales offices before project building permits have been issued.

“Why are we changing something that has worked for us for 40 years?” asked Commissioner Ed Zunz, before the vote.

Wrecking ball begins taking down Colony centerpiece

Unicorp demolition of buildings began in late July.
by: Suzanne Elliott Staff Writer | Longboat Key Observer

Demolition of the mid-rise building at the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort is expected to wrap up this week, the last of the buildings that made up the former world-class vacation destination.

A wrecking ball began knocking off pieces of the six-story building Monday morning. Recently, the former home to Colony owner Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber was deemed unsafe and ordered demolished, along with the rest of the resort buildings, by the town of Longboat Key. A fire broke out on the upper floors in September, extinguished by Longboat Key Fire Rescue from a ladder truck because of the conditions inside.

The 17.6-acre site at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive is now mostly a pile of rubble and steel that is being trucked off the site owned by Unicorp National Developments Corp. The Orlando company wants to transform the site into a $600 million St. Regis Hotel and Residences, a combination hotel and condominium development.

Demolition began July 26. With the demolition of the mid-rise building, developer Chuck Whittall, CEO of Unicorp, met the town’s demand that the former resort’s 28 buildings be demolished in 120 days.

Following the demolition work, the town is requiring Unicorp to grade the property and plant grass to keep wind-borne dust and erosion to a minimum.

On Monday morning, a large crane was being used to knock down the upper floors of the structure, where a potted plant was still visible on one of the porches. Windows and other components of the building had been removed in recent weeks. Onlookers were kept off the property by the demolition crew.

Whittall still needs to clear a legal hurdle with some of the report’s former unit owners before he can take undisputed ownership of the property and begin construction. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for January.

The Colony closed in 2010.

Also, town commissioners are expected to decide at their Dec. 3 meeting to approve a request by Unicorp to build a sales office on the site. In October, the town Planning & Zoning Board unanimously rejected a request to change a zoning law that would have allowed a sales office to be constructed on the grounds.

Town zoning laws allow temporary real estate offices to be established only during project construction. Off-site sales offices are permitted, but Whittall said it’s important to have an on-site sales office so buyers can see what they are buying.

One of Orlando’s biggest developers is building a ‘mini-theme park’ on I-Drive

Unicorp, the development company behind ICON Orlando 360 (previously known as I-Drive 360), has been slowly moving forward with their transformation of the nearly 14-acre block that stretches from Sand Lake Road to Via Mercado along International Drive and Universal Boulevard.

After looking at the possibility of residential units and other less tourism-focused projects for this area, Unicorp founder and CEO Chuck Whittall has announced a slew of new attractions for the ICON Orlando 360 block that also includes The Vue at 360 plaza, I-Shops, and a Wyndham hotel.

The Wyndham will replace many of the dated stand-alone two-story buildings with two new hotel towers that will have a combined 800 rooms.

It’s unclear how many of the current 613 rooms at the resort will be replaced by the new towers, but previous plans called for all existing rooms to be demolished to make way for new projects. The hotel will also more than triple the size of its current meeting space.

On top of the 800 rooms at the Wyndham, another 165 rooms will be added to the complex thanks to a new Element by Westin hotel, which will replace the closed McFadden’s Irish bar. The modern looking Element hotel will blend in well with the sleek look of ICON Orlando 360, while also adding more interest to the back side of the development along Universal Boulevard that tends to be much quieter than the I-Drive side.

Next to the new Element hotel, Whittall has scraped his previously announced plans for apartments, instead going with attractions designed to draw even more tourists to the complex, likely inspired in part by the runaway success of the Orlando Starflyer. That swing ride, the world’s tallest of its type, has regularly seen long lines and extended hours since opening in June.

Now Whittall wants to cash in on the thrill-seeking tourists flocking to the Starflyer with the world’s tallest drop ride in the parking lot behind the observation wheel. On the opposite side of the retail complex, the world’s tallest slingshot ride will also be constructed. The dual slingshot attraction will be as tall or taller than the current world’s tallest found just up the street at Magical Midway.

A powered zip-line and various other previously planned attractions are also still in the works despite the county denying a heliport that was slated for the top level of the parking garage.

Whittall announced these new plans for the development just days after Ryman Hospitality (owners of Kissimmee’s Gaylord Palms resort) and Blake Shelton confirmed a new $15 million dining venue at ICON Orlando 360. The country-themed dining and live entertainment venue will be the fourth Ole Red establishment, which is based on one of Shelton’s most famous songs. The two-story, 15,000-sq. ft. establishment will seat 500 diners and will have an Orlando inspired custom menu. Tin Roof, a similarly focused dining venue already opened at ICON Orlando 360, has seen some of the best success of any dining venue in the entire complex. Despite its location in the heart of I-Drive, Tin Roof has proven to be a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

In an interview with the Orlando Business Journal, Whittall described the additions to ICON Orlando 360 as a “mini-theme park.

Nearby, even more thrill rides are planned at the much anticipated Skyplex development by local business owner Joshua Wallack, best known for his pair of Mango’s clubs and the new Hollywood Plaza that will soon open along International Drive.

Construction on the additions to ICON Orlando 360 will break ground in 2019, with phased openings beginning in 2020. Ole Red Orlando will be among the first things to open. Whittall is also bringing even more unique experiences and dining venues to Central Florida with his nearby massive billion dollar I-4 flanked O-Town West mixed-use development, which is also expected to open around mid-2020.

Exclusive: Unicorp Chuck Whittall has $300M+ mini-theme park, hotel expansion plans for I-Drive

Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s Chuck Whittall hasn’t forgotten his plans to provide a major upgrade to the Icon Orlando 360 complex and other nearby assets. In fact, his vision has gotten much bigger and more expensive — about $300 million worth.

Whittall, president of Unicorp, told Orlando Business Journal the latest ideas at play are to build several new attractions at Icon Orlando 360 and and increase hotel room inventory at the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive. Specifically, up to $100 million in new rides and entertainment in the form of a mini-theme park are in the pipeline for the Icon complex, which is home to the 400-foot Icon Orlando observation wheel, a Madame Tussauds wax museum and Sea Life Aquarium. In addition, two new hotel towers are in the works for the 613-room Wyndham hotel, as well as a bump to its meeting space.

Here’s a break down of what Whittall has planned:

  • A new double slingshot ride on the southern side of Icon Orlando, bookending the complex with the existing Starflyer ride to the north. The new ride will be built tall enough to be considered the ‘world’s tallest.’
  • A drop tower — similar to rides like Disney’s Tower of Terror — on the Universal Boulevard side of the complex, which currently is used as parking space. That ride also will be designed as the ‘world’s tallest.’
  • A new powered zipline ride, as well as other not-yet-announced thrill rides on the Universal Bourevard side of the property.
  • Two new hotel towers added to the Wyndham that total up to 800 hotel rooms.
  • Another 150,000 square feet of meeting space added to the existing 60,000 square feet of ballroom space at the hotel.

Many of the plans are already in the design phase, with plans to begin construction by mid-2019. The timeline for the additions vary, with some being completed by 2020 and 2021, Whittall added.

The catalyst for this major investment? It’s two-fold.

“We have found the Starflyer is doing so well that we are essentially coming up with a mini-theme park on the Universal side with these cool, modern rides that Universal and Disney don’t have,” he told OBJ. “Also, we know that Universal is moving forward with its [expansion] project and we are capitalizing on the land we have to maximize hotel rooms. We have the advantage that Universal can’t build as high and Disney typically caters to younger groups, so we can cater to the teenagers and young adults who want the thrill and high rides.”

This is on top of other I-Drive additions already in the works. For example, a new restaurant dubbed The Ole Red, inspired by country music star Blake Shelton’s “Ol’ Red” song, which merges southern food, hospitality and live country music, is coming to the Icon Orlando 360 entertainment and dining complex, formerly known as I-Drive 360. The $15 million Ole Red Orlando is set to begin construction in early 2019 and open in the first half of 2020.

In addition, Unicorp’s O-Town retail and entertainment center further south on Interstate 4 is making headway. The $1 billion, mixed-use O-Town project, as first reported by Orlando Business Journal, will include a 400,000-square-foot, grocery-anchored retail center called The Boardwalk at O-Town West — a tourist-centric complex with a mix of restaurants, shops and a 600-space parking garage. The project also will have 1,500 upscale apartments in multiple towers, a potential hotel and 150 homes in an area called Village at O-Town.

Overall, Whittall sees the potential of further making Icon Orlando 360 a destination that draws in more than the already 1 million visitors it now welcomes. “Icon Orlando is a dining/entertainment destination with a couple of rides. But now it will become a dining/entertainment destination with a lot of rides — big in quality rides.”

Here’s the latest on Unicorp’s $1B O-Town project

Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s future $1 billion mixed-use development near Walt Disney World is beginning to get the plans together needed to start construction.

The O-Town project is designed to include a 100,000-square-foot grocery-anchored retail center, 1,500 upscale apartments in multiple towers and 150 homes together in an area called Village at O-Town, as first reported by Orlando Business Journal. Along with that will be an area called The Boardwalk at O-Town West, a tourist-centric complex with a mix of restaurants, shops, a potential hotel and a 600-space parking garage.

The timeline for construction to start is set for early 2019, and the teams that will bring it to life are starting to gather, Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp, told OBJ. The project will be completed by mid-2020. “Right now, our next milestone is engaging the design teams and starting engineering work.”

Also, Whittall said his team has been concentrating on attracting new unique tenants to the Boardwalk at O-Town portion of the project — something he said will include restaurants never before seen in Orlando.

“We’ve been getting interest from a lot of restaurant types. I can’t mention the concepts just yet, but they will be new to the market.”

The development team so including project engineer Kimley-Horn & Associates Inc. and Miami-based Zyscovich Architects with the apartments being built by Roger B. Kennedy Inc.

O-Town is expected to be help provide the retail/restaurant destination needs for existing centers that are affect by the $2.3 billion I-4 Ultimate construction. For example, the Crossroads at Lake Buena Vista, across the street from Walt Disney World’s eastern entrance, is among one that is expected to see retailers leave and need future spaces.

Developments like O-Town provide new experiences and after-hours options for the millions of visitors that come to Orlando each year. In addition, development of this scope result in thousands of temporary construction jobs and many more permanent jobs.

Whittall, who is considered a national commercial real estate influencer, has more than $200 million worth of construction in the works throughout the area, and more beyond the region’s borders. Unicorp’s current projects in various stages of construction include luxury apartments, shops, restaurants and a 450-foot-tall swing tower ride with a 3,500-square-foot retail building at its base on Orlando’s International Drive.

Here’s a look at some of Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s Central Florida projects:

  • Griffin Farm at Midtown, $200 million: The mixed-use project in Lake Mary is on track to be almost fully completed by the end of the year. The Griffin Farm at Midtown project by Unicorp and Orlando-based Project Finance & Development LLC consists of a $20 million, 150,000-square-foot shopping center featuring Lucky’s Market, a five-level parking garage, the 138-lot Griffin Park community by David Weekley Homes and the 263-unit Drake at Midtown apartment complex.
  • Venetian Isle, $42 million: The 346-unit luxury multifamily project broke ground in 2016. The complex includes a 302-unit apartment community along with 44 townhomes.
  • Lakeside Crossing, $35 million: This project involved tearing down the historic 147-room Best Western Mt. Vernon Inn on U.S. Highway 17-92 and Morse Boulevard in Winter Park and rebuilding it into a 35,000-square-foot retail complex with associated parking structure. Unicorp began this project to build on its success across the street, at the Trader Joe’s-anchored Lakeside Winter Park development. Unicorp initially had a challenge with trying to address parking at the busy intersection, since Lakeside Winter Park was limited in space. However, Unicorp added a three-level parking structure at Lakeside Crossing, which could be used by shoppers at both complexes.
  • Westside Shoppes, $20 million: This 70,700-square-foot shopping center was developed in Horizon West by Unicorp and Project Finance & Development LLC. It offers plenty of shopping and dining venues in one of Central Florida’s fastest growing submarkets, west Orange County.
  • Starflyer, $10 million: A 400-foot-tall spinning swing ride set to debut in June in the Vue at 360 entertainment center next to Unicorp’s I-Drive 360 dining and entertainment complex, which features the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and a Sea Life Aquarium.

Longboat begins Colony demolition

Demolition of the once iconic resort will take at most 120 days, according to a contract between the town and Unicorp National Developments, the approved developer of the site.
by: Bret Hauff Staff Writer

The demolition of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort consisted of a few lines on a routine permit, issued by the Longboat Key Building Department the day before.

Along with an address, a few lines identifying the owner, the permit applicant and a few fees totaling $550 was a description of the work to be done at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive: Vertical demolition of villas 1-18, Midrise, Lanai, restaurant, Beachfront, Vagabond, Castaways & Realty, including foundations.

And so, on Thursday, July 26, at a little after 2 p.m., an excavator raised its jaw to the level of a second-floor balcony and advanced on one of the villas, sending planks into the air and nearly taking the whole thing down with one bite, simultaneously closing one chapter of the resort’s history and opening another.A second bite finished off the balcony and its wooden supports.

Residents shouldn’t expect whole buildings to come down for at least another week, said Chuck Whittall, the president of Unicorp National Developments Inc. said. That’s because the contractor needs to remove all windows, furniture and asbestos from the property before it may demolish the buildings.  Once the 237 units at the site of the former Colony are demolished, they cannot be rebuilt.

Unicorp, the Orlando company not only demolishing the buildings but also planning the redevelopment of the property to become a St. Regis Hotel and Residences on the iconic beachfront property, has 120 days to knock down more balconies and buildings. It also is required to sod the soon-to-be vacant lot in preparation for groundbreaking on the new project, possibly as soon as next summer.

“It’s bittersweet,” Whittall said. “It’s nice to see progress being made, but it’s sad because a lot of people loved this place.”

In the meantime, unit owners, about 100 of them, will retain ownership of the 237 units but at some point, there will be nothing physical, beyond the land, to own.

Each owner has a right to 1/237 of an interest in the common elements, which, once all the buildings are demolished, will be the land itself. Unicorp owns 32 of the units, Andy Adams owns 74 units and there are about 100 other unit owners, Whittall said.

Chuck Whittall, CEO of Colony redeveloper Unicorp, says today’s start of demolition is “bittersweet.”

That right to the common elements of the property is being challenged by Unicorp in a civil lawsuit to dissolve the condominium association on the grounds the buildings have been deemed unsafe and unfit by the town, that the property “creates vast economic waste” and the the majority of the unit owners desire to terminate the association.

If the termination of the condominium association is approved by a judge, the unit owners’ holdings of the common elements of the property will be dissolved, giving Unicorp the opportunity to gain full ownership of the property. The developer must own the property outright before it may begin building at the site.

Although no court dates have been scheduled in the case to terminate the condominium association, Whittall said he hopes the litigation will end by first quarter 2019.

Town officials, who considered Unicorp’s plans through most of 2017 and approved them in March, were advised against attending a ceremony at the site on Thursday because of the possible appeal of a demolition order for the last building on the site.

“This is a negative, adversarial action by the town to demolish someone’s private property,” said Town Manager Tom Harmer of his decision to not attend the event. “It’s the government demo-ing private property.”

The demolition process actually began in October when a town building official issued a report finding the structures at the site of the former Colony unsafe and unfit. On April 25, the town building official and fire marshal inspected the site to determine whether the buildings pose an imminent threat to public health, safety and welfare.

“The town building official and fire marshal have expressed concern relating to the condition of the structures on the site and the ability of the structures to withstand another hurricane season,” Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons, wrote in a May email to Town Manager Tom Harmer.

The Town Commission approved construction of the 166-room, 78-condominium St. Regis Hotel and Residences on the property March 16. That development is scheduled to break ground sometime next summer with a completion date sometime in 2021.

Unicorp breaks ground on ‘fully loaded’ Ritz-Carlton residences

ORLANDO, Fla. — If you have a fat wallet, you could be among the 37 families living ultra-luxuriously in one year.

Unicorp breaks ground on Ritz-Carlton residences
37 luxury homes will be built by May 2019
“Cheapest” home will cost $1.9 million
OK, wait. Let’s be real. If someone can afford a $2.2 million pad on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Lakes, then this is likely their fourth or fifth home. But we can dream big, people!

Spectrum News 13 was there as Unicorp National Developments, LLC and the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes ceremoniously lifted dirt to kick off construction of the Ritz-Carlton Residences.

Unicorp president Chuck Whittall tells us that two 3,000 square-foot floor plans are available, each with 3-4 bedrooms. As for the amenities, we’re talking about individual fire pits, top-of-the-line appliances, private owners-only clubhouse access, and resort amenities, like a full-service spa, an 18-hole Greg Norman Signature Golf Course, 11 restaurants and bars, children’s activities, an array of water sports activities, hiking and nature trails and more.

Whittalll says five residences are under contract and seven are in negotiations.

The “cheapest” home is $1.9 million. The ones with the biggest bragging rights go for $2.4 million.

Construction should wrap up by May 2019.

Unicorp Lands Refi for Orlando-Area Development

The initial phase of the firm’s mixed-use project in Lake Mary, Fla., contains more than 50,000 square feet of retail.

Unicorp National Developments has secured an $11.5 million refinancing package for the first, 51,870-square-foot retail phase of its Griffin Farms at Midtown mixed-use development in Lake Mary, Fla. In November last year, Unicorp took a similar $22.1 million loan for another Orlando-area development.

The 30-year loan bears a fixed interest rate and features one year of interest-only payments and the ability to advance future funds at various intervals through the duration of the mortgage. Vice President Zac Brumbaugh of CBRE’s Debt and Structured Finance practice arranged the financing through a correspondent life insurance company.

A BLEND OF RETAIL, RESIDENTIAL

Griffin Farms at Midtown’s 24 Hour Fitness

Upon completion, the full development will contain approximately 150,000 square feet of retail, 263 upscale apartments, 138 single-family homes and structured parking. The project site encompasses 33.8 acres at the corner of West Lake Mary Boulevard and Longwood Lake Mary Road. The initial retail phase is anchored by a 38,000-square-foot 24 Hour Fitness, which opened earlier this year.

“Given the high demand across greater Orlando, and the country, for lifestyle-oriented retail experiences, the whole Griffin Farms master development will really enhance the live-work-play theme unlike anything else in Lake Mary,” Brumbaugh told Commercial Property Executive“With its residential component as well as many niche restaurants and service-oriented retailers that complement each other, Griffin Farms will be a hallmark development for Lake Mary. Additionally, this life company financing package we structured for the first retail phase allowed it to be put on a permanent financing basis with an early take-out of the construction lender, which really is the final item to complete for any developer finishing a project or one of its components.”

Unicorp plans to begin demolishing Colony buildings this week

Demolition of the buildings at the site of the former Colony Beach and Tennis Resort is scheduled to begin Thursday.
by: Bret Hauff Staff Writer

Demolition of the buildings at the site of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort is scheduled for Thursday, a contractor for the town said.

Unicorp National Developments, the company approved to build a St. Regis Hotel and Residences on the 17.6 acre site, began demolition July 26 with a media event at which four balconies were ripped from a building.

Construction crews have been working in the past two weeks to remove furniture and windows from the buildings, said Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall. Now the contractors are removing asbestos, under license from the state, from 27 of the 28 structures that have been approved for demolition by the town.

Contractors plan to begin demolishing Building 15 first, according to plans submitted to the town. The process of demolishing the buildings will begin on the north side of the property, move to the south side then finish on the gulf side come November.

Longboat Key town officials gave Unicorp 120 days to demolish the buildings at the site, which the company is doing at no cost to the town.

Unicorp wins auction for Colony commercial property

A partition auction of recreation property at the site of the former Colony ended with Unicorp National Developments purchasing Andy Adams 5% of the land.
by: Bret Hauff Staff Writer

Unicorp National Developments Inc. was successful Tuesday in consolidating ownership of the recreational property of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort at a partition sale in Tampa federal courtroom.

Unicorp’s bid of $29.51 million for the disputed 2.3 acres was successful in the all-or-nothing deal. Because the Orlando company already owned 95% of the property, the company will pay investor and Colony unit owner Andy Adams for his 5%, or $1.4755 million.

“Its a fortifying position,” said Unicorp President and CEO Chuck Whittall. “I think we’re in a solid position and I think there’s only one or two more dominos to fall.”

The sale further solidifies Unicorp’s position as the developer of a proposed St. Regis Hotel and Residences, a 166-room, 78-condominium project, approved by the town of Longboat Key in March.

The recreational property includes the old restaurant, delicatessen, swimming pool and tennis courts.

There are two obstacles to development of the property that still must be overcome before development: the demolition of structures and the termination of the condominium association.

Demolition of 26 of the property’s 27 remaining buildings is scheduled to begin July 26. The 27th building was condemned on July 23 and can’t be demolished until the appeal period has passed.

No court dates have been set for the termination of the condominium association, a civil suit that Whittall said he hopes will conclude by first quarter of 2019. That suit, if Whittall wins, would dissolve the association and relieve unit owners of their condominium rights to that property.

Whittall must own 100% of all the property and the individual units before he may build at the site

Unicorp plans to break ground by next summer with a goal of completing the $600 million project by 2021.

 

 

Consolidated-Tomoka Announces Closing of $6.7 Million Land Transaction and Other Updates

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co. (NYSE American:CTO) (the “Company”) today announced the closing of the sale of approximately 21 acres of land (the “Williamson Crossing Parcel”) for approximately $6.7 million, or approximately $325,000 an acre, to Unicorp National Development, Inc., of Orlando, Florida (“Unicorp”). The transaction included Unicorp’s assumption of an existing contract, with a different third party, for the sale of approximately 2 acres, which were included in the 21 acres. The Company estimates the gain on the sale to Unicorp to total approximately $1.5 million, or $0.20 net of tax. The contract closed today was entered into on August 1, 2018. The Company expects to use the proceeds from this transaction in the acquisition of a single-tenant income property pursuant to the 1031 like-kind exchange structure.

Year-to-date, the Company has sold more than 2,580 acres of land for an aggregate of more than $37 million, or approximately $15,000 per acre. As compared to the Company’s guidance for 2018, this total equates to nearly 69% of the low end of the range of $55 million and approximately 54% of the high end of the range of $70 million.

The Company entered into two additional land contracts with Unicorp, as described in the following summary:

 

 

Since August 1, 2018, the Company has also entered into two additional land contracts with two other developers for land located east of Interstate 95, as follows:

 

 

The Company also announced that it has been in discussions with North American Development Group (“NADG”) regarding NADG’s interest in modifying its contract for the approximately 35 acres remaining under its contract with the Company to reduce the amount of acres NADG would purchase. There can be no assurances on the likelihood that such an amendment will be completed, the timing of doing so, or the resulting modifications in financial terms.

In addition, the Company today announced that the purchase and sale agreement pertaining to 80 acres on the west side of Williamson Boulevard and north of LPGA Boulevard for potential proceeds of $16 million was terminated by the buyer. The Company is in discussions with another third party that is potentially interested in acquiring the 80-acre parcel.

After the sale of the Williamson Crossing Parcel and the contracts newly entered into and the terminated contract, all noted above, the Company currently has nineteen (19) executed purchase and sale agreements with fifteen (15) different buyers, which in the aggregate represent the potential sale of nearly 4,400 acres, or approximately 79% of our remaining land holdings, with anticipated sales proceeds of more than $179 million, or approximately $41,000 per acre. Each of the transactions are in varying stages of due diligence by the various buyers including, in some instances, having made submissions to the planning and development departments of the City of Daytona Beach and other approval and permitting activities with other applicable governmental authorities. In addition to other customary closing conditions, most of the transactions are conditioned upon the receipt of approvals or permits from various governmental authorities, as well as other matters that are beyond the Company’s control. If such approvals are not obtained, the prospective buyers may have the ability to terminate their respective agreements prior to closing. As a result, there can be no assurances regarding the likelihood or timing of any of these potential land transactions being completed or the final terms thereof, including the sales price.

Finally, the Company announced that its $3.0 million mortgage loan on a land parcel in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida was paid off at maturity in August 2018, resulting in an unlevered IRR of approximately 14% for this one-year duration investment.

About Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co.

Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co. is a Florida-based publicly traded real estate company, which owns approximately 2.1 million square feet of income properties in diversified markets in the United States, as well as nearly 5,500 acres of land in the Daytona Beach area. Visit our website at www.ctlc.com.

We encourage you to review our most recent investor presentations which are available on our website at www.ctlc.com.

SAFE HARBOR

Certain statements contained in this press release (other than statements of historical fact) are forward-looking statements. Words such as “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “will,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they were made, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words. Although forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect upon the Company, a number of factors could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Such factors may include the completion of 1031 exchange transactions, the availability of investment properties that meet the Company’s investment goals and criteria, the modification of terms of certain land sales agreements, uncertainties associated with obtaining required governmental permits and satisfying other closing conditions for planned acquisitions and sales, as well as the uncertainties and risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management’s expectations or that the effect of future developments on the Company will be those anticipated by management. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. 

Orlando developer to bring retail, restaurants, residential to already hot LPGA Boulevard

DAYTONA BEACH — The heat just got cranked higher for one of Daytona Beach’s hottest corridors for commercial development.

Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments announced plans to develop a 100,000 square feet of retail shops and restaurants on the south side of LPGA Boulevard between Williamson and Clyde Morris boulevards.

The planned 37-acre Williamson Crossing shopping center will be developed next to the RaceTrac convenience store/gas station that opened late last year on the corner of LPGA and Williamson.

The developer also plans to add a 101-acre residential development just north of LPGA Boulevard that will also stretch from Williamson to Clyde Morris.

Its Tomoka Village project will include 233 new homes and 340 apartment units.

Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp, said his company hopes to break ground on both projects in March 2019 with the goal of the first homes, apartments, retail shops and restaurants completed by early 2020.

“We wanted to take advantage of the growth that was happening in the area,” said Whittall.

Unicorp joins a growing number of developers with projects either underway or planned along the increasingly busy stretch of LPGA Boulevard between Interstate 95 and Clyde Morris.

The corridor saw the opening of the 350,000-square-foot Tanger Outlets mall roughly a mile south of LPGA, along the east side of I-95, in November 2016, followed by the completion of the 276-unit Sands Parc apartment community along the east side of Williamson, one block north of LPGA.

Canadian developer North American Development Group is developing the 400,000-square-foot first phase of its planned Tomoka Town Center “power lifestyle” center across the street just east of Tanger.

Tomoka Town Center saw the opening of its first tenant, a Hobby Lobby store, on Aug. 27 and is set to welcome more stores as well as restaurants in the coming months, including Burlington, T.J. Maxx, Five Below, Sports Academy + Outdoors, Blaze Pizza, Ford’s Garage and Dave & Buster’s.

A 276-unit apartment complex called Tomoka Pointe is also going up on the east side of Tomoka Town Center.

Texas-based Buc-ee’s is expected to break ground soon on a 120-pump mega-sized gas station and supermarket-sized convenience store on the northeast quadrant of the I-95/LPGA Boulevard interchange.

Walmart Stores Inc. bought several acres on the southeast quadrant of the I-95/LPGA interchange where it plans to build a Sam’s Club membership warehouse store.

Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co., which once owned all the sites for the aforementioned developments, is also under contract to sell a 6-acre site on the northeast corner of LPGA and Williamson boulevards to an undisclosed specialty grocer as well as a 123-acre site just east and north of the planned Buc-ee’s location to a developer called O’Connor Capital Partners.

O’Connor plans to develop a mixed-used complex that could include shops, offices and possibly industrial buildings on the property which extends east to Williamson and north to Daytona State College’s Advanced Technology College.

On Thursday, Consolidated-Tomoka closed its $6.7 million sale of 21 acres next to the RaceTrac to Unicorp, which also acquired two acres previously owned by another developer that originally planned to build the Shoppes at Williamson Crossing.

Unicorp also has pending deals to acquire two more parcels from Consolidated-Tomoka: $3.8 million for the 13.7-acre wooded site on the southwest corner of Clyde Morris and LPGA that will be part of Shoppes at Williamson Crossing, and $9.5 million for the Tomoka Village residential community that will be just north of the Sands Parc apartments.

The apartments at Tomoka Village will be “very comparable to Sands Parc,” both in quality and rental rates, according to Alexia Fonseca, director of leasing for Unicorp.

The two parcels for the future Shoppes at Williamson Crossing are currently divided by a several-acre swath of trees owned by Halifax Health.

Whittall said his company is in talks with Halifax Health about possibly buying a portion of the hospital system’s land on that block that would give Shoppes at Williamson Crossing continuous frontage along LPGA Boulevard between Williamson and Clyde Morris.

Unicorp is already in negotiations with several retail and restaurant tenants, according to Whittall. The prospective restaurant tenants include fast-food and coffee chains, he said. The retailers will most likely be of a neighborhood service-nature, such as hair and nail salons, doctor’s offices and dental clinics.

Whittall said he anticipates the Shoppes at Williamson Crossing and Tomoka Village projects combined will cost $200 million to develop.

Unicorp will develop the apartments, while it is looking to partner with homebuilders to construct the single-family homes at Tomoka Village, he said.

The intersection of Williamson and LPGA boulevards is already heavily traveled, drawing an average of 55,000 vehicles a day, according to data compiled by Volusia County’s traffic engineering department.

Both roads are four-lanes, not counting turn lanes.

Some area residents have expressed concerns about growing traffic along LPGA Boulevard, not just from the commercial projects, but also the big residential communities going up on the west side of I-95, including the 6,600-home Latitude Margaritaville 55-and-older community and ICI Homes’ planned 1,200-home Mosaic “full life” community.

Whittall said he is confident the roads surrounding his company’s planned Williamson Crossing and Tomoka Village projects will be able to accommodate the increased traffic generated by the various new developments.

John Albright, president and CEO of Consolidated-Tomoka, echoed that assessment.

“There is ample road infrastructure presently in place for these anticipated new developments,” Albright wrote in an email.

“In fact, having more neighborhood services and residential opportunities will allow people to live closer to their jobs and have amenities closer to their homes,” he said.

Daytona Beach City Commissioner Rob Gilliland said the county is responsible for ensuring that LPGA and Williamson boulevards are sufficient to handle the increased traffic.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged, “It is worrisome. Hopefully the (proposed) half-cent sales tax (increase) will become a reality soon. It’s the only viable solution being considered.”

Unicorp’s portfolio of properties includes two shopping centers in the Orlando area, both anchored by Trader Joe’s grocery stores.

While Whittall said, “We’d love to have (a Trader Joe’s store) here,” he added, “We do not have a Trader Joe’s planned at this time” at Shoppes at Williamson Crossing.

Luxe restaurants want a slice of Orlando’s retail market

Posh eateries reportedly are lining up to enter the retail complex in what’s expected to become one of Central Florida’s most prominent developments: the $1 billion mixed-use O-Town West project near Walt Disney World (NYSE: DIS).

And that isn’t surprising to industry experts.

Rather, it’s a sign that these luxury concepts — some new to the Sunshine State — now are seeing Orlando as a viable market to find success, said Terrence Hart, senior director with commercial real estate firm Franklin Street in Orlando, who isn’t involved with the project.

Developer Unicorp National Developments Inc. confirmed it’s in “initial conversations” with potential tenants at its 157,000-square-foot Boardwalk at O-Town West shopping district near Interstate 4 and the Daryl Carter Parkway, but none are confirmed yet, leasing director Alexie Fonseca told Orlando Business Journal.

Even so, the names being bandied about are pretty interesting, ranging from concepts already in South Florida, such as neoclassic American eatery Barton G., to new-to-Florida concepts like Blue Sushi Sake Grill, which has locations in the Midwest and Western states.

Meanwhile, the potential retail lineup shows Unicorp is sticking with its strategy to attract tenants new to locals.

It also demonstrates that Orlando’s $70 billion tourism industry — which drew a record 72 million visitors in 2017 — is enticing retailers to consider Central Florida as a contender for new concepts, Hart said.

New construction also is an important local economic driver, generating jobs and bringing new homes into the market to support a growing population. It serves existing residents and businesses with new space for shops, offices and warehouses.

Meanwhile, renderings show the multilevel Boardwalk at O-Town West complex will be built around a large central water feature. Buildings will have a modern, tropical feel with high-tech displays, a structure with a mirror-like exterior and even a short dock that will let guests get close to the fountain, which includes water spouts that jump around.

However, at least one potential tenant on O-Town’s target list said it’s not interested: Mastro’s, a high-end concept from Houston-based restaurant group Landry’s Inc., which is owned by billionaire Tilman Fertitta.

The concept, which in July opened its first Florida location in Fort Lauderdale, is known for attracting celebrities in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas. But a Mastro’s spokeswoman told OBJ the restaurant is not going into O-Town.

Despite that, the future looks good for potential tenants at O-Town West, which will be part of the Sand Lake/tourist retail submarket, one of the most sought after areas due to its proximity to Disney, Universal Orlando Resort and other visitor attractions.

In fact, the submarket had a 2.7 percent retail vacancy rate in second-quarter 2018, well below the average Orlando vacancy rate of 5.2 percent, Colliers International Central Florida reported.

The bottom line: Success in landing these tenants, combined with an expanding tourism market, puts metro Orlando “toward the top” of the expansion list for hot luxury restaurant concepts, Hart said.

O-Town is Unicorp President Chuck Whittall’s biggest project now in the works in Central Florida, where the company has a combined $1.9 billion in planned developments.

O-Town includes the grocery-anchored Boardwalk at O-Town West — a tourist-centric retail complex with restaurants, shops and a 600-space parking garage. The project also will have 1,500 upscale apartments in multiple towers, a potential hotel and 150 homes in an area called Village at O-Town.

O-Town’s development team includes Raleigh, N.C.-based project engineer Kimley-Horn & Associates Inc. and Miami-based Zyscovich Architects’ Winter Park office, with the apartments being built by Altamonte Springs-based Roger B. Kennedy Inc.

Longboat investors appeal town’s Colony demolition order

An emergency demolition of the buildings at the site of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort has been challenged on the grounds that it does not afford property owners appropriate due process.
by: Bret Hauff Staff Writer

Investors Andy Adams and Sheldon and Carol Rabin have challenged a Longboat Key order to demolish the site of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort in a lawsuit that could delay town intentions to level the site on or after June 15.

The lawsuit, filed Friday by the Law Offices of Lobeck and Hanson, is an attempt by the investors to receive due process in what attorney Dan Lobeck called an “unfounded declaration of emergency by the town building official.”

Lobeck argued that the buildings at the site of the former Colony do not meet the regulatory requirements for an emergency demolition order, which provides an expedited process by which appeals may be heard. Instead of going before the Town Commission first, all appeals of the emergency order are sent to the 12th Judicial Circuit Court for decision.

“The point we’re making is that we should be given all the due process to which were legally and constitutionally entitled,” Lobeck said. “There aren’t emergency circumstances that would deprive us of our rights.”

The town issued an emergency demolition order for the buildings at the site of the former Colony June 1, which condemned every building on the site except for one.

Building Official Stan Dinwoodie wrote in the order that the buildings pose “a life safety issue to the citizens of the Town and must be demolished.”

Also on Friday, Blake Fleetwood, a Colony Beach & Tennis Resort investor who had opposed development of the former resort in court settled with the proposed developer of the property to sell his units and also removed himself from the board of the former resort’s condominium association. Price was not disclosed, though Whittall in an earlier offer agreed to pay $170,000 for each condo, with higher prices offered for mid-rise building units and beachfront units.

Included in the closing was Fleetwood’s agreement to drop a legal challenge to the Longboat Key Town Commission’s 6-1 approval earlier this year of the Unicorp National Developments Inc. plan to develop the 17.6 acres into a St. Regis luxury hotel and condominium complex.

Still standing in the way of Unicorp’s plan: the company needs the courts to agree to a judicial termination of the former Colony condominium association. Ordinarily, a vote of 95% of the members is needed to terminate a condo association, but Adams owns enough units to block such an approval.

Also,  Whittall owns a 95% stake in 2.3 acres of Colony property that included the old restaurant, delicatessen, swimming pool and tennis courts.  Adams owns the other 5%. Of that property, Whittall wrote: “The partition sale of the remaining 5% of the Rec Land will occur the 24th of July. This will consolidate the recreational property where it will no longer have a divided ownership.”

StarFlyer officially opens on International Drive

 – A new thrill ride has opened along International Drive on Friday, June 1st.

The StarFlyer is a spinning swing that stands over 400 feet tall, seat 24 riders in 12 double seats, spinning at 40-60 miles an hour — sickness bags not included.

This StarFlyer is the tallest in the world, says the developer of the attraction, Orlando-based Unicorp National Development Inc.

The StarFlyer is located at The Vue at 360 complex, which is near another one of Unicorp’s properties, I-Drive 360, home to the 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye.

The ride was originally set to open on May 11th, but was pushed to June 1st.

Developer gains greater control of Colony property

Herald Tribune

Holdout condo owner sells two beachfront beachfront units; 2012 could see a 166-room, 78-condominium St. Regis Hotel and Residences at the site.

LONGBOAT KEY — The highly valued land under the dolefully dilapidated Colony Beach & Tennis Resort appears primed for resurrection once again.

Come Thanksgiving of 2021, Longboat Key could bear witness to the opening date of a long-sought community desire for the redevelopment of a property fallen into the deep depths of degradation. Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments expressed progress toward that goal on Saturday.

One of few remaining condo owners in the dilapidated resort sold his interests to the developer who has the Town of Longboat Key’s approval to build a 166-room, 78-condominium St. Regis Hotel and Residences at the site.

Regardless of the property sale, the Town of Longboat Key issued an emergency demolition order for almost all of the Colony buildings this month, and that order will proceed.

Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments already owns about 67 percent of the condominiums as well as 95 percent of the recreational and commercial property.

Blake Fleetwood, who had been rejecting buyout offers in opposition to the proposed redevelopment of the once renown resort, sold his two beachfront units to Unicorp in a contract signed several weeks ago. He has not responded to several requests for comment on Saturday.

The contract stipulates that Fleetwood waive his power to appeal the town commission’s decision to authorize the redevelopment of the 17.6-acre Colony tract. He also resigned from the board of the Colony’s condominium association.

While the sales price for the Fleetwood properties was kept secret by the contract’s confidentiality clause, Unicrop previously offered unit owners payments of $170,000 for each condo, with an extra $100,000 for units in the mid-rise building and a $200,000 bonus for beachfront units — a $40 million-plus package.

Chuck Whittall, Unicorp’s president and founder, has been striving to redevelop the property for the past five and a half years. “We’re happy that (Fleetwood) finally decided to sell,” he said Saturday while aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean. “That’s one of the pieces of the puzzle that we needed.

“It gives us the ability to end the appeal, which was holding up our zoning approval, and now we’re able to move forward straight to permit, which will still take us about 12 months.”

He anticipates a year to township permit approval, breaking ground the “middle of next year, provided the termination suit is completed,” and project completion by Thanksgiving of 2021.

Legal hurdle

But a major legal hurdle remains.

While Fleetwood abandoned his motion to dismiss Unicorp’s lawsuit against condo association members in Unicorp’s bid to dissolve the organization, Whittall is proceeding with the lawsuit. That suit seeks to strip the holdouts of the ability to halt the redevelopment of the property, he said, by terminating the condo association without its members’ consent on the grounds that the property is decrepit and a threat to public safety.

Such a ruling on those grounds would supersede the usual procedure where 95 percent of the members would need to agree to terminate the association, but Unicorp faces a legal fight. Andy Adams owns 70 of the 237 units. “That’s why we filed the termination suit,” Whittall said.

State law allows the dissolution of a condo association if the property is “an economic waste, it’s essentially obsolete,” Whittall said.

The Town of Longboat Key issued an emergency demolition order for almost all of the buildings at the vermin- and termite-infested resort after deeming the condos to be “unsafe and unfit.” The town commissioned an independent engineering firm to examine the buildings on three occasions, and the reports emphatically stated the Colony site was a public nuisance with dangerous structures in unsafe conditions.

Once a world-class destination, the Colony collapsed in a legal quagmire about a decade ago, closed and continued deteriorating.

Allen Parsons, the town’s Planning, Zoning and Building director, said Saturday that demolition will proceed. “The Town’s foremost priority remains the health, safety and welfare of its citizens and visitors,” he said. “The Town is proceeding with actions to help ensure that, following all due process efforts.”

The emergency order provided notice that demolition may begin on or after June 15, he added.

After dozens of lawsuits and bankruptcies, Unicorp has “95 percent of that is behind us,” Whittall said. Two impediments remain.

One, the building permit from the Town of Longboat Key, the development of which has already been approved.

The second is the resolution of the condo association’s dissolution. “It’s really just finalizing the termination with the court,” Whittall said, not the permitting.

“Once those two items happen, we’ll be ready to start construction,” he said.

One of Fleetwood’s condos, Unit No. 212, was built in 1960 with 680 square feet and purchased by Fleetwood in June 2013 for $205,000, according to Sarasota County property records. The other unit, No. 110S with 705 square feet and built in 1973, was purchased by Fleetwood in June 2013 for $35,000.

Another issue remains, too, though resolution appears imminent. While Unicorp owns many individual condo units, the company also controls a 95 percent stake in the 2.3 acres of Colony property that holds the restaurant, delicatessen, swimming pool and many tennis courts. Investor Adams owns the remaining 5 percent.

The sale of that land will be determined in court on July 24, Whittall said, but he expects the ruling will consolidate the recreational property into Unicorp’s hands.

Opponent to Colony development sells units

Blake Fleetwood, who’s opposed Unicorp National Developments proposal to build a 166-room, 78-condominium hotel at the site of the former Colony, has sold his units to the Orlando-based developer.
by: Bret Hauff Staff Writer

A Colony Beach & Tennis Resort investor who has opposed development of the former resort in court has settled with the proposed developer of the property to sell his units and also removed himself from the board of the former resort’s condominium association.

Blake Fleetwood sold his two beachfront units to Unicorp National Developments, thereby divesting from the property and revoking all rights invested in it. Price was not immediately disclosed.

“Things continue to move forward on a positive path,” wrote Unicorp National Development President Chuck Whittall in an email.

Blake Fleetwood confirmed that there was a settlement reached between himself and Unicorp but declined to give details due to a confidentiality agreement. He did say, however, that Whittall’s email in regard to how much was paid for the property is a violation of the agreement.

Whittall declined to say how much he paid for Fleetwoods units.

The rights Fleetwood relinquished include his authority to appeal a town decision to approve Unicorp National Developments as a developer of the 17.6 acre property and his ability to make decisions about the future of the property as a member of the condo board.

Both of those conditions were included in the terms of sale, according to Jay Yablon, Colony Condominium Association Board President, who had knowledge of the transaction.

“[Fleetwood’s sale] ends the legal challenge that was filed against the town of Longboat Key and as such removes an impediment to the redevelopment of the Colony proceeding forward,” Yablon said.

Beyond the individual units, Whittall owns a 95% stake in 2.3 acres of Colony property that included the old restaurant, delicatessen, swimming pool and tennis courts. Investor Andy Adams owns the other 5%. Of that property, Whittall wrote: “The partition sale of the remaining 5% of the Rec Land will occur the 24th of July. This will consolidate the recreational property where it will no longer have a divided ownership.”

Unicorp National Developments has also filed a lawsuit against each member of the more than 200-member condominium association in effort to dissolve the group and, for a price, gain ownership of each individual unit. Fleetwood has filed a motion to dismiss this case.

The town of Longboat Key this month issued an emergency demolition notice, alerting unit owners that the town intends to begin taking down buildings on the property next week.

Earlier this year, the Town Commission OK’d Whittall’s plan to develop a five-star St. Regis Hotel, 78 luxury condominiums in an investment that will total $650 million.

Exclusive: Unicorp reveals new images, video of $1B Disney-area O-Town West (Video)

By   – Senior staff writer, Orlando Business Journal

One of Central Florida’s future entertainment destinations is pulling back the curtain to give a peek at its ongoing design.

Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s planned $1B O-Town West project has shared with Orlando Business Journal new renderings and a video fly-over tour that gives a peek into the future 400,000-square-foot Boardwalk at O-Town West retail center.

Renderings show the center will be multilevel and built around a large central water feature. Buildings have a modern tropical feel with high-tech displays, a structure with a mirror-like exterior and even a short dock that lets guests get closer to the central fountain, which includes water spouts that jump around.

In a nutshell: The $1 billion, mixed-use O-Town project, as first reported by Orlando Business Journal, will include a 400,000-square-foot, grocery-anchored retail center called The Boardwalk at O-Town West — a tourist-centric complex with a mix of restaurants, shops and a 600-space parking garage. The project also will have 1,500 upscale apartments in multiple towers, a potential hotel and 150 homes in an area called Village at O-Town.

Unicorp has yet to reveal any tenants signed on for O-Town, but the video tour has names like Francesca’s Bistro, which could be simply an example for the video. Unicorp President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal he is seeking out-of-market brands to bring to the development and there are restaurants with the Francesca’s names around the U.S.

Other potential deals in the works are for a dine-in movie theater.

O-Town’s development team includes project engineer Raleigh, N.C.-based Kimley-Horn & Associates Inc. and Miami-based Zyscovich Architects’ Winter Park office, with the apartments being built by Roger B. Kennedy Inc.

Developments like O-Town provide new experiences and after-hours options for the millions of visitors who come to Orlando each year. In addition, development of this scope results in thousands of temporary construction jobs and many permanent jobs.

Whittall, who is considered a national commercial real estate influencer, has more than $200 million worth of construction in the works throughout the area, and more beyond the region’s borders. Unicorp’s current projects in various stages of construction include luxury apartments, shops, restaurants and a 450-foot-tall swing tower ride with a 3,500-square-foot retail building at its base on Orlando’s International Drive.

Here’s a look at some of Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s Central Florida projects:

  • Griffin Farm at Midtown, $200 million: The mixed-use project in Lake Mary is on track to be almost fully completed by the end of the year. The Griffin Farm at Midtown project by Unicorp and Orlando-based Project Finance & Development LLC consists of a $20 million, 150,000-square-foot shopping center featuring Lucky’s Market, a five-level parking garage, the 138-lot Griffin Park community by David Weekley Homes and the 263-unit Drake at Midtown apartment complex.
  • Venetian Isles, $42 million: The 346-unit luxury multifamily project broke ground in 2016. The complex includes a 302-unit apartment community along with 44 townhomes.
  • Lakeside Crossing, $35 million: This project involved tearing down the historic 147-room Best Western Mt. Vernon Inn on U.S. Highway 17-92 and Morse Boulevard in Winter Park and rebuilding it into a 35,000-square-foot retail complex with associated parking structure. Unicorp began this project to build on its success across the street, at the Trader Joe’s-anchored Lakeside Winter Park development. Unicorp initially had a challenge with trying to address parking at the busy intersection, since Lakeside Winter Park was limited in space. However, Unicorp added a three-level parking structure at Lakeside Crossing, which could be used by shoppers at both complexes.
  • Westside Shoppes, $20 million:This 70,700-square-foot shopping center was developed in Horizon West by Unicorp and Project Finance & Development LLC. It offers plenty of shopping and dining venues in one of Central Florida’s fastest growing submarkets, west Orange County.
  • Starflyer, $10 million: A 400-foot-tall spinning swing ride set to debut in June in the Vue at 360 entertainment center next to Unicorp’s I-Drive 360 dining and entertainment complex, which features the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and a Sea Life Aquarium.

Exclusive ICSC news: Unicorp’s Disney-area O-Town doubles in size — yet again

The retail opportunities in Central Florida must be on fire right now because Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s planned O-Town project is considering doubling in size — yet again.

Less than two weeks after Unicorp President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journalhis team upped the retail portion of the $1 billion O-Town project from 100,000 square feet to 200,000 square feet — the company is yet again looking to double the size.

“Oops, we did it again,” Whittall told OBJ, via email. “We are enlarging O-Town even more. We had such success at International Council of Shopping CentersExpo that we are adding [more] retail and restaurants — now bringing that portion to over 400,000 square feet.”

The International Council of Shopping Center’s RECon show, which is being held in Las Vegas May 20-23, is the largest retail real estate mega convention in the world. The show is one of the biggest deal-making conventions for retail real estate.

In a nutshell: The $1 billion, mixed-use O-Town project, as first reported by Orlando Business Journal, originally was designed to include a 100,000-square-foot, grocery-anchored retail center called The Boardwalk at O-Town West — a tourist-centric complex with a mix of restaurants, shops and a 600-space parking garage. The project also will have 1,500 upscale apartments in multiple towers, a potential hotel and 150 homes in an area called Village at O-Town.

Whittall said increased attention and momentum in the retail component resulted in the first increase in size to 200,000 square feet, as well as ongoing discussions for more tenants like a dine-in movie theater.

Whittall did not include the latest price on the project, but industry trends for high-end retail space estimate the new upgrades would add up to $100 million. That type of a development would also put O-Town in the same category as other Central Florida centers such as Goldenrod Marketplace (421,114 square feet), Pointe Orlando (422,980 square feet), and The Loop/Loop West (440,000 square feet).

O-Town’s development team includes project engineer Raleigh, N.C.-based Kimley-Horn & Associates Inc. and Miami-based Zyscovich Architects’ Winter Park office, with the apartments being built by Roger B. Kennedy Inc.

O-Town is expected to be help provide the retail/restaurant destination needs for existing centers that are affect by the $2.3 billion I-4 Ultimate construction. For example, the Crossroads at Lake Buena Vista, across the street from Walt Disney World’s eastern entrance, is among one that is expected to see retailers leave and need future spaces.

Developments like O-Town provide new experiences and after-hours options for the millions of visitors that come to Orlando each year. In addition, development of this scope result in thousands of temporary construction jobs and many more permanent jobs.

Whittall, who is considered a national commercial real estate influencer, has more than $200 million worth of construction in the works throughout the area, and more beyond the region’s borders. Unicorp’s current projects in various stages of construction include luxury apartments, shops, restaurants and a 450-foot-tall swing tower ride with a 3,500-square-foot retail building at its base on Orlando’s International Drive.

Here’s a look at some of Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s Central Florida projects:

  • Griffin Farm at Midtown, $200 million: The mixed-use project in Lake Mary is on track to be almost fully completed by the end of the year. The Griffin Farm at Midtown project by Unicorp and Orlando-based Project Finance & Development LLC consists of a $20 million, 150,000-square-foot shopping center featuring Lucky’s Market, a five-level parking garage, the 138-lot Griffin Park community by David Weekley Homes and the 263-unit Drake at Midtown apartment complex.

The next Colony obstacles

In this match, Whittall has a strong hand, but then again, Fleetwood pledges to fight on.
by: Matt Walsh Editor & CEO

Check that one off. Chuck Whittall and his Unicorp National Developments Inc. team won a big one: the support of the Longboat Key Town Commission and the Longboat Key citizenry.

With much compromise to please the town and its demanding (picky?) citizens, Whittall and his team created an extraordinary site plan for the defunct Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property. Rare is the occasion when a community attracts a five-star St. Regis Hotel, 78 luxury condominiums and an investment that will total $650 million. Yes, more than a half-billion.

Longboaters have always said keep Longboat Longboat. And when (and if) completed, this will do that and add even more to the ambience, value and attractiveness of the Key.

Congratulations to Whittall. The Town Commission’s 6-1 vote last Friday on the second reading of an ordinance approving the site plan is a strong endorsement — in spite of Commissioner Jim Brown’s reluctant vote in favor and Commissioner George Spoll’s no vote. Lord knows it is never easy for any pioneer-developer to navigate the Amazon without multiple wounds — an apt description of Longboat Key’s development process.

But as much as Longboaters would like to celebrate the end to a decade of strife and deterioration at the once iconic Colony and the start of construction on a new Longboat jewel, Whittall now faces three more obstacles. Unless overcome, they could keep the Colony property in more litigation for who knows how long. The three challenges:

  • Andy Adams, owner of 74 Colony units, avid Longboat tennis player and former CEO and chairman of Murfreesboro, Tenn.-based National Healthcare Corp. and National Health Investors Inc.
  • Blake Fleetwood, a New York-based Colony unit owner threatening a legal challenge to the town’s vote in favor of Unicorp.
  • The 12th District Circuit Court in Sarasota County.

POKER PLAYERS AT A STANDOFF

Whittall and Adams are like two poker players. Adams started out with the better cards, but after a couple draws, it looks like Whittall is holding the upper hand. Adams isn’t blinking. He has been holding out for a buyout of his units that Whittall has declined to meet.

Whittall needs Adams’ units to avoid more costly litigation and begin construction.

To avoid the courts, Whittall needs 95% of the 237 Colony unit owners to agree voluntarily to dissolve the Colony Beach & Tennis Association (the unit owners’ condo association). As of this week, Whittall had 65% of the Colony unit owners agreeing to  dissolution. That includes the 30 units that Whittall entities own.

If Whittall were to acquire Adams’ 74 units, that would push him over the 95% threshold he needs to begin actual development — and avoid more litigation.

For almost two years, Whittall has been negotiating a purchase price for Adams’ units. He has offered Adams as much as $22 million, or $297,300 per unit, well above the average $170,000 other unit owners have agreed to accept.

Adams has declined, asking for more than $25 million.

As of today, they’re at a standstill. Whittall told us Tuesday he is giving up negotiating with Adams. Instead, he said he is pursuing “furiously” a judicial termination of the association. It’s as if Whittall has looked at Adams and said, “I call.”

Under the judicial process, state law allows for one unit owner to seek judicial relief when the property has fallen into disrepair and is not repaired in a reasonable time. Whittall, in fact, through Unicorp had already filed in January in Sarasota County Circuit Court a lawsuit asking the court to terminate the association; approve Whittall’s termination plan (his town-approved development plan); and approve the sale of the 237 Colony units to Unicorp.

THE RISK FOR ADAMS

This lawsuit presents a risk and a choice for Adams.

The risk: If a judge rules in Whittall’s favor and terminates the association, one of the requirements in state statutes is “equitable relief,” meaning all Colony unit owners would receive about the same amount of money per unit in the sale to Unicorp.

For Adams, this would be costly. Rather than the $22 million Whittall offered, Adams faces the risk of having to accept roughly $12.6 million for his 74 units.

Adams could play another card. He could argue that Whittall’s $170,000 per unit is too low and petition the judge to put up the 237 units and all of the Colony’s 17 acres for auction.

The bet there would be the hope other bidders would emerge — a bidder willing to pay more than $40.3 million for the 237 units, plus enough to buy Whittall’s 95% stake in 2.3 acres of Colony property that included the old restaurant, delicatessen, swimming pool and tennis courts.

And that would be just to buy the land. Another buyer would then be faced with either flipping the property or starting from scratch to create another development plan.

Adams himself could buy the property. He has the wherewithal. Based on ownership stakes in National Healthcare Corp., a public company Adams’ father founded in 1971, and in National Health Investors Inc., a public real estate investment trust Adams founded in 1991, his family’s stock this week was valued at $171.7 million.

But since troubles began at the Colony in 2005, Adams rarely has shown his cards. He served as president of the association from 2006 to 2010, advocating to take the association into bankruptcy. After the Colony closed in 2010, Adams resigned from the board and began acquiring units, investing more than $5 million but never indicating his intentions. Colony insiders over the years have speculated Adams might attempt to acquire the property cheaply and then convert it to a new condominium complex.

But as Jay Yablon, president of the association, put it, “Andy never really divulges very much.” Adams did not respond to a request to be interviewed.

WHITTALL HOLDS STRONG HAND

Whittall’s hand is looking stronger as he pursues judicial termination of the association. Consider the case he’ll be making to a judge:

  • He has a ready termination plan, which, most importantly, includes the town of Longboat Key’s approval for his $650 million site plan.
  • He has invested more than $30 million in the property already — acquiring the stakes of the Colony Lender, plus the 30 units he owns.
  • He has a development agreement with the Colony Beach & Tennis Association, stipulating the $170,000 per unit average price he would pay after closing.
  • He has “joinders” on 65% of the Colony unit owners — those who have agreed to a voluntary dissolution of the association.
  • He has Colony neighbors begging for redevelopment to begin as soon as possible — to stop the decline in the values of their properties.
  • He owns 95% of the Colony’s 2.3-acre commercial property — and says he will own Adams’ 5% of that property within 90 days. (“You can’t develop the property without that,” he told us.)
  • He has the town of Longboat Key ready to issue any day a demolition order, which would level every structure on the site.
  • And he has a state statute that declares if a condominium is uninhabitable and not repaired within a reasonable time, the court can declare the association dissolved.

FLEETWOOD VOWS TO FIGHT

But there is one more obstacle: Colony owner Blake Fleetwood and perhaps others.

Fleetwood owns three units, two of them on the beachfront. He has told the Longboat Observer Whittall is not qualified to redevelop the Colony. He told us Tuesday his attorney is preparing to file a writ of certiorari, asking the court to determine whether the Colony Association board has the authority to enact “a material alteration” to the owners’ units without a vote of the unit owners.

“It may go on for six months to a year,” Fleetwood said. “With circuit courts, you don’t know.”

And if the town orders demolition to begin, Fleetwood said he would appeal to stop it.

“I’m not going to let someone take my home in an illegal fashion,” he said. “It’s going to be a long, long process unless Whittall wants to settle.”

The Colony saga continues.

Can Andy Adams be shamed into selling his Colony units or will the courts decide?

STEVE REID
Editor & Publisher
sreid@lbknews.com

Shirley Jackson’s great American short story, “The Lottery,” has twisted and morphed and found a replay at the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort.

Instead of 300 local villagers each grabbing a stone and aiming at Tessie Hutchinson, numerous unit owners, Unicorp President Chuck Whittall and Colony Board Members are flailing linguistically at Andy Adams. Adams owns about 1/3 of the Colony units and he is fast becoming identified as the immovable obstacle. If money does not compel him to sell, maybe a speedball of shame, litigation and diminishing offers will work.

 

Bleak House

It all comes down to goals, aspirations and valuations.

After all, to transform the decrepit and termite infested Colony into the St. Regis Hotel and Residences, Adams must be overcome.

Not a scintilla of cement can be poured into the future form that the Longboat Town Commission approved for the site until all of the ownership is consolidated. And the difficulty in gaining control of the Colony is reminiscent of the struggles to define the amorphous landmass we know as Poland with rights and claims and families twisted through years of occupation and shifting boundaries.

In short, Adams must be negotiated out of existence through agreeing to sell his units to Whittall, or, he must be overcome through the courts in a forced termination of the condominium. That act is the most paternalistic approach. In a termination, the affected parties are asking a judge to agree that an impasse has been reached and he must divide the sloppy pie in an equitable manner. It could go to auction. It could be appealed.

Whittall has offered Adams more than $22 million for the 76 units that Adams owns. I have been told Adams wants far more — likely in the $30 million range.

When it comes to return on investment, Adams has spent between $7 million and $8 million to buy the units he owns. In basic terms, he has turned down a 300% return on investment.

In comparison, Whittall will likely spend about $50 million of his company’s money and finance the remainder through sales, presales and lending to develop the resort and condominiums. He stands to make back $150 million if all of his development assumptions come true. Those assumptions are that the residential units will sell between $5 million and $10 million. So in the same rustic math, Whittall stands to make 300% on his investment — the same as Adams was offered.

But this is where ordinary business sense turns into something bleaker, something all too human.

 

The Eve of Adams

More than 15 years ago, when Murf Klauber was in firm control of the Colony, Adams made a simple request and it had to do with rights and privileges.

The rule of Colony ownership was you bought a unit and Klauber had the right to rent it out 11 months out of the year. He kept the proceeds, paid the expenses and taxes and if there was money left over, you received a disbursement. There was rarely or never money left over.

What the unit owners did receive was 30 days in their unit and no carrying costs. It was the highlight of families and generations who stayed for that magical month. If you visited with children, the children would play at the various camp programs while adults could carouse, cavort, play tennis, drink and dine all the while treated to an atmosphere that was alternately invigorating, relaxing and elegant. But Adams wanted something more.

 

Faulty Towers

To understand the dynamics of today, one must go back to that time 15 years ago and focus on the mid-rise building — the tallest structure at the Colony.

From the mid-rise Klauber ran the operation like a benevolent dictator with his Sperry Topsiders, snug white shorts and shirts that even a Fauvist on LSD could not envision. Murf’s office was on the top floor and he lived in the expansive condo below. His world was a tapestry of friends he sold units to and he knew each by name. The Colony reflected Murf’s predilections — a pastiche of photo memorabilia, statues and paintings, the beach and his arsenal of business plans adorning an informal boardroom. Murf walked the beach, watched the tennis players and cajoled the operation. Add to that he raised his family on site and his daughter, Katie, also breathed life and energy into the operation.

Adams bought two units just below Klauber in the mid-rise. He watched Klauber and watched the sandy empire from a vantage point firmly below the world of Klauber. One day, Adams asked Murf if he could join his two units and expand his right to occupy the units beyond the 30-day agreement. He was told “No” by Klauber in far more colorful and emphatic language.

It was following this denial that Adams joined the Board of Colony Unit Owners, soon became president and helped lead the Association into bankruptcy. That was a strategy. In bankruptcy, the Association and unit owners could be insulated from paying any and all assessments to Klauber, the manager. It also guaranteed the Colony’s demise.

Klauber had demanded an assessment of $50,000 per unit owner for extensive maintenance issues and damage from time, weather and storms. The Association fought back, accused Klauber of mismanagement and dozens of other mortal sins and as Yeats wrote in The Second Coming,

“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere

The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction, while the worst

Are full of passionate intensity.”

Soon the lawsuits erupted and in short order the Colony limped to a close. Klauber held a few final Wednesday night spaghetti buffets, which served as the Colony’s Last Supper. And then it died.

After the Colony closed, three forms of scavengers arrived: the attorneys, the let-me-buy-your-closed-unit-cheap opportunists and the literal termites and rats. They all chomped away at the Colony assets for years. The rats drove the neighbors to complain and put out rounds of poison and traps. The unit buying was led by Adams who ended up buying more than 1/3 of all of the total 237 units of the Colony — at a discounted out-of-business price. The attorneys did what they always do: avoided reconciliation and painted victory just around the corner in their client’s minds.

To create the bitterest irony possible, Adams bought Murf’s mid-rise residential unit after it was foreclosed upon by Northern Trust.

 

Time laps on

All of Murf Klauber’s assets were eventually sold.

Murf, dignity intact, knowing he created the experiences that form many of Longboat Key’s favorite memories, lives on with his white shorts, Topsiders and pallet of bright shirts at the Player’s Club with his wife.

But for the rest of the Colony owners, for Andy Adams and especially for Chuck Whittall, the frustration and blame and attribution for nothing moving forward is mounting.

And just as Andy Adams stood front and center 10 years ago leading the tribe of unit owners away from Klauber, he is now the rarely seen target receiving the blame for standing in the way of the majority of owners and Unicorp and anyone who wants to see the St. Regis Resort rise.

The Colony Association President Jay Yablon wrote two days ago to all of the unit owners, including Adams, that the greed of four or five holdouts is holding up the ability for 150 other owners to move on and for the site to be rebuilt.

Yablon wrote, “…So the clock is now ticking. Everyone who wants out is less than two weeks away from a full price payday if Adams gets on board.  Every day that goes by with Andy Adams continuing to hold out for an obscenely disproportionate benefit is one day more that all the other owners will wait to get paid full price, one more day they are accruing assessments, and if their interest is not in the money but in getting back to the Colony property, one less day that they will be able to do so.

Andy, it is time. As the developer selected by 8 of 9 Board members and joined by almost all unit owners except you, Chuck has called your hand.  As President of the Association, I am also calling your hand.”

A long quote, but it shows the usually demure and diplomatic Yablon dramatically increasing the pressure on Adams. Next, Unicorp President Chuck Whittall weighed in with a letter of his own to the unit owners, including Adams.

Whittall wrote, ”There will never be enough to satisfy these holdouts. Because enough is never enough.  Luckily society as a whole will judge and recognize this and we can get relief.  Hence the termination suit for equitable relief.

Soon enough we will be in front of a magistrate and he will see the situation for what it is and put an end to this madness and the greed in front of us will be met with fairness and they will get a fraction of their bounty they seek. But it will be fair to all.

So I say to all the owners who have joined. The 150 of you. Not the 4-5 holdouts.  Stand with me and I will pay for the entire cost of this legal battle. It may take a bit of time. Not too long. But it will be worth the good fight to win and not see the few take advantage of the many. I promise you we will prevail and then we can drink Bloody Mary’s and celebrate together.“

 

Peyton Place

Will Adams respond to the slings and arrows? Will Adams take $22 million that Whittall had offered? That offer may now be off the table.

Is Adams reeling from all of the pressure like Tessie in the Lottery?

Likely Adams is immune to words and postures. Perhaps his goal is to push for failure and further devaluation of the assets. In the end, the value of the 17.3 acres on the Gulf is the land and the development rights.

Now that the development rights are in hand we will see more and more of this pressure cooker atmosphere.

It is hard to gauge staying power on Longboat Key when it comes to the Colony. The resources of Adams and Whittall are considerable. The patience of the community and the Town is short.

As one spectator said of the Colony and Longboat Key: It is our version of Peyton Place — sadly with very little sex to add spice to this endless drama.

Colony dispute heading back to courts

Six condo owners dismiss developer’s Friday deadline to accept deal

Developer Chuck Whittall’s deadline for a half dozen condo owners in the defunct Colony Beach & Tennis Resort to agree to buyouts passed Friday. The holdouts stood firm in rejecting Whittall’s offer, though the other 160 owners were on board.

“Basically, this is just a ploy by Chuck Whittall to force us to sell,” one of the holdouts, Blake Fleetwood, said Friday. “He’s trying to turn the owners against us. He’s trying to muscle us.”

“The saga will continue,” said Jay Yablon, president of the homeowners’ Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association. “We’re doing all we can as owners.”

With his ultimatum ignored, Whittall, president and founder of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments, said he will proceed with a lawsuit that would strip the holdouts of the ability to halt the redevelopment of the property.

“Well, there’s only six people holding out,” Whittall said Friday afternoon. “I have a legal arsenal coming at them to dissolve the colony. At the end of the day, we will construct a new resort. We will prevail.”

Unicorp’s suit seeks to dissolve the condo association without its members’ consent on the grounds that the property is derelict and a threat to public safety. The usual procedure requires 95 percent of the members to agree to terminate the association.

The six holdouts own 85 units out of 237 total. One holdout, Tennessee investor Andy Adams, owns 74. Fleetwood owns two beachfront units. Unicorp already owns 25 condos and all of the defunct resort’s commercial and recreational property.

Whittall’s legal plans didn’t impress at least two of those involved in the long-closed resort.

“The termination suit is worthless,” Fleetwood said.

The association as an entity cannot be involved in the lawsuit, Yablon said.

Whittall’s buyout offer included payments of $170,000 for each condo, with an extra $100,000 for units in the mid-rise building and a $200,000 bonus for beachfront units — a $40 million-plus package.

The Longboat Key Town Commission voted March 16 to approve Whittall’s plan for a 166-room hotel, 78-condominium St. Regis Hotels and Residences. Three five-story buildings would occupy the 17.6-acre site.

Fleetwood said his group is appealing the commission decision to the 12th Circuit Court over alleged violations of the town code.

As in previous commission hearings, the majority of the public speakers at the March meeting supported the plan in hopes that the Colony property would be revived after being allowed to decay for so long. The condo association board has already signed a development agreement with Unicorp.

Whittall wrote in a March 29 email to unit owners that the holdouts would make “enormous returns at the current offer. Well, well beyond any expected market or investment return.

“However, it’s just not enough for them. They have the disease of more. … So all the rhetoric you hear is really just a front for greed.”

But Fleetwood countered Friday: “I’m calling Chuck Whittall greedy.”

StarFlyer: World’s tallest swing ride sets new opening date

Thrill seekers will have to wait about three weeks longer to experience the world’s tallest swing ride.

The developer, Unicorp National Developments, LLC, is announcing a new June 1, 2018 debut.

“Kids will be out of school,” Unicorp president Chuck Whittall told us, hoping for a solid morning turnout.

The StarFlyer stands at 450 feet, which is 50 feet taller than the neighboring Orlando Eye. A concrete base the weight of about four Boeing 747s anchors it down. Two dozen guests can ride at once, swinging at 60 mph.

As of now, the building at the base will house a StarFlyer cafe, an ice cream shop, Westgate, and, of course, the attraction itself. Whittall describes the buildings as “Apple-esque,” meaning they’ll have a modern design with grays, and greens and glass.

Be sure to tune in to Spectrum News on June 1 for opening-day festivities.

‘StarFlyer’ spinning swing tower nearing completion

 – Another new thrill ride is set to open along International Drive in the coming weeks.  Originally slated for a May 11 opening, the date has now been pushed to June 1.

The StarFlyer is a spinning swing that will stand over 400 feet tall, seat 24 riders in 12 double seats, spinning at 40-60 miles an hour — sickness bags not included.

This StarFlyer will be the tallest in the world, says the developer of the attraction, Orlando-based Unicorp National Development Inc. The StarFlyer is located at The Vue at 360 complex, which is near another one of Unicorp’s properties, I-Drive 360, home to the 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye.

Fleetwood appeals Longboat Key’s approval of St. Regis project

Blake Fleetwood, an owner at the former Colony Tennis & Beach Resort, this week filed an appeal of Longboat Key’s approval of a plan to redevelop the once-iconic spot into a St. Regis Hotel and Residences.

The appeal, in the form of a lawsuit filed Monday in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, claims Chuck Whittall and Unicorp National Developments Inc. did not have standing as “the landowner” to seek the town’s approval to redevelop the 17.6-acre site at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

“[T]he Town properly requires that ‘the landowner’ of the subject property, in its entirety, file and sign the application, directly or through the landowner’s agent,” the lawsuit says. “That was not done in this instance.”

Fleetwood’s attorney, Daniel Lobeck, testified to this same argument before the Town Commission at its quasi-judicial hearings in March when the project was approved. Lobeck contended that because Unicorp did not own all the land at the Colony, the developer did not have authority to seek a land use change.

“I’m trying to get Chuck [Whittall] flat out to come to a compromise, to come to a settlement and to follow the condo laws of Florida and don’t try to take someone’s home without their permission,” Fleetwood said.

Town Attorney Maggie Mooney-Portale, at the time of the hearing, assured commissioners of her confidence that Unicorp had standing to apply for redevelopment of the property.

Whittall said the appeal is “riddled with lies and misstatements,” and he hopes to have the case closed within nine months. Fleetwood said the same of Unicorp’s application for development.

“We think this is a bogus appeal,” Whittall said. “It’s just upsetting to us that people like Blake [Fleetwood] continue to try to frustrate the process.”

Unicorp, through its managing companies, owns 31 of the 237 Colony units. The Orlando-based firm also obtained an affidavit appointing Unicorp attorney Brenda Patten “to act on [the Colony Condominium Association’s] behalf as a representative of owners,” according to the lawsuit.

That November decision to appoint Unicorp as a representative of the association was approved by a vote of 8-1. Fleetwood, who voted against authorizing Patten as an agent of the board, owns two units.

The appeal, filed April 16 in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, also contends Unicorp did not identify “each and every person having an ownership in the subject property.”

Fleetwood claims in the lawsuit that Breakpointe LLC — managed by Andy Adams, who owns more than 70 units — was not “fully” identified in affidavits filed by a Unicorp attorney and Patten.

Breakpointe was not included in a list of outparcel owners submitted to the town. That omission, “whether inadvertently or to hide the fact that Respondent Unicorp could not argue that it had all of the ownership interest in the subject property,”  was later corrected by Patten, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also claims Fleetwood was denied due process when the town gave Unicorp authority to demolish all buildings at the site, even those it does not own, upon the issuance of a demolition order by the town before an appeal could be filed.

“In sum, this is a classic case of putting the cart before the horse,” the lawsuit says. It asserts Whittall should own all the land before he is permitted to build on it.

Fleetwood has asked the court to “quash and reverse” the Key’s approval of the St. Regis project.

“We basically get two bites of the apple, if we lose in the 12th Circuit we’re going to take it to the appeals courts,” Fleetwood said. “We intend to win on the first

I-Drive’s high-flying StarFlyer debut pushed to June

The high-flying StarFlyer thrill ride on International Drive needs a little more time to prepare for its debut.

Officials with Orlando-based Unicorp National Development Inc., which owns the Vue at 360 complex where the ride will be located, said Wednesday that the 450-foot-tall attraction will open June 1.

Last month, officials had expected to open May 11.

Reasons for delays include an incomplete railing that will surround the ride, as well as unfinished landscaping features, Unicorp President Chuck Whittall said.

“We only have one chance to open this right,” said Whittall, who said a ride will cost $12. “We want to make sure it opens perfectly. We are excited.”

The attraction, which will spin riders about 400 feet in the air at up to 60 mph, will open with a car show and music during an eight-hour party on opening day that will start at 2 p.m.

The project has a crew of about 50 workers putting finishing touches on it, and StarFlyer will employ about a dozen people when it opens, Whittall said.

Once operational, it will be the tallest StarFlyer ride in the world and one of the tallest structures in Central Florida.

“It’s going through certification now,” Whittall said.

A contest that will ask visitors for the most compelling story will award 12 people a spot on the attraction’s first ride.

The StarFlyer will be 50 feet higher than the nearby Orlando Eye and three feet shorter than the Hyatt Regency Orlando.

A tweet on Tuesday by the management company revealed the new date.

“We know you’re a star, now you can fly like one. This June: Swing on the #Starflyer450-feet above Central Florida, then celebrate at @thevue’s sparkling new bar.”

This StarFlyer, a product of Austria-based Funtime, will be the tallest in the world. The project is just south of the intersection of I-Drive and Sand Lake Road and directly north of Unicorp’s I-Drive 360, where the 400-foot Orlando Eye and other attractions operate.

Longboat developer backs off on Colony density request

“We heard the community loud and clear,” Whittall says.
by: Eric Garwood Managing Editor

Developer Chuck Whittall, in an email to Longboat Key Town Commissioners on Wednesday afternoon, said he is no longer seeking an amendment to zoning rules in preparation for redevelopment of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort and will proceed with a project that fits existing regulations.

“We heard the community loud and clear,’’ he wrote in his email.

Residents over the past week have written dozens of emails to Town Hall, expressing opposition to the zoning plan. Whittall began answering some of those emails, stating the benefits of his plan personally to those expressing opposition.

“I think it was a wise move on his part,” District 2 Commissioner George Spoll said of Whittall in an interview Wednesday night after hearing the news. “I believe the vote would have not carried it though.”

Whittall’s Unicorp Developments Inc. sought a change in zoning that would have allowed six units per acre on the 17-acre site on Gulf of Mexico Drive. Under town regulations, 4.5 units per acre is allowed, if developed as Unicorp proposed as a Planned Unit Development. Developed as a PUD, the project would have enjoyed flexibility in factors such as height and site planning not available in a conventional proposal. Whittall’s company was seeking the same density in a PUD as would be available under normal development circumstances.

The new proposal, which is expected to be submitted on Friday, will consist of 78 condo units and 166 hotel rooms, a reduction of 24 units from 268 to 244. Parking accommodations will not change, resulting in more available spaces for special events. The footprint of the plan likewise will not change, though floorplans of individual units will change and increase in square footage.

Mayor Terry Gans, who represents district 3, said he thinks it would have been difficult to get four commissioners to approve the zoning code change. This approach is more “realistic,” Gans said.

“We’ve been dealing with this for a long time, we have a responsibility to get something suitable for what’s currently a blighted property to be complimentary to everything that’s on Longboat Key,” Gans said of the site of the former Colony. “I feel we’re closer now than we were in a long time.”

At a Town Commission workshop on Monday, Whittall said the “penalty” in the town codes would not inhibit him from developing the site of the former Colony, but the loss of revenue would prohibit him from building a project of the caliber that he’s proposed.

Whittall and his company have submitted a new plan, which will be put before the town’s Planning and Zoning Board, and ultimately the Town Commission.

“We have now given the community everything they asked for and we pray that the plan will be approved at the Feb 22 PZ hearing and the March 5th Commission,” Whittall wrote.

“The developer is finally living in the real world,” Gans said. “This is an opportunity for us to consider doing something that makes longboat better.”

Whats the plan, now?

Expected to be submitted on Friday, Unicorp’s new plan for the redevelopment of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort consists of 24 fewer units:

  • 78 residential condominiums
  • 166 hotel rooms
  • No other alterations to the existing plan. Individual unit floor plans will be altered to take up the additional square footage.

Planning Commission OKs a piece of 888 W. Big Beaver

TROY — Another piece of a mixed-use center on Big Beaver Road has fallen into place.

The Troy Planning Commission unanimously approved a one-story, 18,475-square-foot building, the last component of the mixed-use development at 888 W. Big Beaver Road, at its Jan. 9 meeting.

Last February, the Planning Commission unanimously approved conceptual plans for a development and an eight-story parking deck on 12.8 acres at the City Center Building, 888 W. Big Beaver Road, east of Crooks Road.

The concept plan called for two 8,500-square-foot buildings, which Jason Krieger, the architect for the developer, said they decided recently to change into one building.

“This is the last piece of the puzzle in this development,” Krieger said.

The Troy Planning Commission unanimously approved the plans for Zen Apartments at its Sept. 12 meeting. Work on the building has not started.

The units will range from 700 to 1,300 square feet. The apartment building will feature an eight-story, 272-unit apartment building with studio, and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. It will sport an outdoor pool, a zen garden, an 8,000- to 9,000-square-foot clubhouse, a business center, a workout room and a gameroom/lounge. The plans feature a parking deck connected to each floor. The apartment complex will front Wilshire Drive.

The old parking deck was demolished in September. Work on the new deck is underway.

The new two-story Fidelity Investments building on the site is finished, and the Shake Shack restaurant opened on the site in October.

Unicorp National Developments purchased the building for $21 million in an auction in 2016. The Melting Pot and Morton’s The Steakhouse are currently located in the approximately 24,000-square-foot building.

The City Center Building was foreclosed on at a value of $23.7 million in January 2014. Troy City Assessor Nino Licari said the building is between 55 and 60 percent occupied. New World Systems was formerly located there, until it relocated to a site on Long Lake Road in Troy. Volkswagen of America also formerly had offices in the building.

Unicorp President Charles Whittall told the Planning Commission last February that the company was investing $150 million in the mixed-use site, which he said would include a five-story apartment building, a decorative internal street, retail space and restaurants — namely, Shake Shack, Yard House and Seasons 52.

Krieger said new tenants in the 18,475-square-foot building include Pure Sleep and City Barbecue restaurant, and that five total tenants are planned. It was not clear if Pure Sleep is relocating from a location on Big Beaver Road, near John R Road.

Planning Director R. Brent Savidant told the Planning Commission that the plaza in the interior of the development “makes it a really nice space. The owner is delivering with this development. It’s exciting.”

“There are very unique aspects to this design,” said Planning Commission Chair Ollie Apahidean.

The Colony: How did paradise on the beach devolve into lawsuits, bizarre plans and inaction?

I am tired of Colony metaphors. Tired of psychoanalysis. Tired of seeing plans like so many overbuilt sandcastles appear before us and then wash away in waves of resident protest.

Last and not least, I resent this whole charade of the “text amendment.”

These emotions sound personal, but they are not. What we are going through collectively watching and waiting for the Colony to redevelop is not a useful exercise in community soul-searching.

Rather, we are dividing ourselves due to the abject failure of our very Town Commission — a majority of whom walked into their posts unchallenged — to fashion a fair and meaningful zoning district to embody not only the outer extant of what we want to see on the site, but also to define the very fundamentals such as density, height and ultimately — market value.

Let’s play out what this means.

 

A brush with history

The Colony failed more than seven years ago. It now seems like a landscape out of another era.

The Sunday brunches, the tennis greats, the beachgoers plying the paths through the sand to the tan prayer rug that stretched from the pool and Monkey Bar to the dappled Gulf all are receding into a Technicolor glow. Children camps and laughs and screams of joy are now replaced by gnawing rats.

The Colony once offered a sense of coming home even for visitors. It became an apex for so many lives to spend time each year at the Colony.  And Murf Klauber — inimitable, colorfully clad and omnipresent — had enough energy to keep the ownership structure functioning like a family with his paternalistic and intense grip on every aspect of operation.

And then it failed.

Some say it was the mutiny of the unit owners who objected to his financial assessments.

Some say it was the Iago-like friendship Andy Adams had with Klauber. Adams wanted to expand his rights in joining two units at the midrise and that ultimately led to the denouement.

Others say it was the lapping waves of time that rendered the structures old and dilapidated and the accumulated deferred maintenance collapsed the way a wall shudders when termites reduce solid pine to a honeycomb of sawdust.

 

The suits enter the room

Then our community saw the final death of the Colony day by day. It was like watching cancer metastasize in slow motion. Murf only rented a small number of rooms as the unit owners dissented and defected. The restaurant hours contracted to a few meals a week. And then, it was over.

Soon the activity and the life at the Colony was traded for so many blue suits arguing in a courtroom. Mismanagement, conspiracy, missing money, agreements ignored all became fodder as the days and months and years passed.

And this is where our town, instead of acting with leadership, mimicked the inaction at the Colony. We did next to nothing.

 

The greedy owners

It is popular to blame it all on the owners. It is popular for some to blame it on Murf and his sometimes-intractable nature.

Some say the market for tennis collapsed and the Colony never adjusted and reimagined itself for the next generation.

In many ways the daughters of memory can debate these thoughts forever. What is tangible is the Town, as said, did nothing.

And by that I mean we knew someday — probably years in the future — the ownership issues would end and a developer would come forward.

Many years ago, our then Town Attorney suggested the Town ought to decide what it wants to see or encourage on the site and then zone and create regulations to both encourage the desired outcome and to offer clarity for both residents and the property owners. We did the opposite.

 

Murf still plans our Town

The Town grandfathered the existing units. It is as if the Commission says the 237 units that failed after 50 years is what makes the most sense on that site. And instead of creating a zoning district that allowed a new endeavor, the Town merely changed its own rules to allow the grandfathering — which was supposed to expire each year — into a perpetual allowance.

In essence, our Town has said, “Murf Kluaber’s plan for the site is what we want and we will not even create a proper zoning method to allow that — we will simply say you have the right to rebuild what you have.”

Then there is the issue of the underlying zoning being 6 units per acre. That was enacted in the 1980s and mathematically allows 103 residences or hotel rooms on the site.

And then the Commission has a strange pool of tourism units it can allocate if and when it desires.

So with this hodgepodge of methodologies, both applicant and residents might see anything from 40 to 65 feet tall. They could see 103 residences or as many as 237 grandfathered units plus an addition 165 units from a tourism pool. They might see Chuck Whittall’s plan of 103 residences plus 165 tourism units from the pool. Or Whittall could get approved the 103 residences and the Commission not allow the tourism units. It is all based on loose and subjective criteria.

And how does a developer negotiate a deal with unit owners not having any clear idea what will be granted or allowed?

How can Longboaters — especially neighbors — have any certainty whether they will be living next to a bustling resort of 237 grandfathered units or up to 402 units if the tourism units were granted?

The strangeness goes on and on.

Will Whittall go away or simply sit on the property if he does not get his text amendment? Is it a deal maker or deal killer? Is that what Preserve Longboat Key wants? Probably not.

And if the Text amendment is denied and Whittall still has enough profit and resources in his plan to deliver his vision, than would not denying the text amendment help preserve the low-scale charm of the island?

 

A compromising position

The problem is the community and Whittall should not be in this position.

It leaves residents in fear of possible outcomes instead of embracing the very moment we might be on the cusp of seeing a new resort rise from the termite dust.

It also leaves an applicant growing cynical. Whittall could do exactly what we do not want to see and simply wait it out until a Commission comes along that might say, “yes” to his plan.

This is not clarity. This is not proactive planning and zoning. This reminds me of Hamlet.

Hamlet was handed too great a destiny. His heart was in the right place, but the demands of his father’s ghosts plunged him into a moral crisis and ultimately inaction. In the wake of that inaction, Ophelia kills herself in anguish.

This Commission resembles so many small-town Hamlets. They are charged with one of the most important tasks of their community. They need to steer a ship and bring light and clarity to the great injustice we all are suffering through — the moribund and decrepit Colony.

 

What to do…

I find it hard to get on bandwagons. I do not wave flags for developers, but at the same time I see the rallying cry of Preserve Longboat Key as short sighted.

Both are right and wrong.

I believe Whittall and Unicorp can develop a great resort minus the 26 units that are at stake. But we run a risk. I do not know that for sure. I also have little to no confidence that the pecuniary nature of some of our Commissioners will likely not grant him the tourism units.

On the other hand, I do not see the 26 units he does not want to lose in the process as destroying the ambiance of the Key. Could the opponents be enjoying an inflated sense of purpose in being reflexively against anything and everything — even a single unit if it makes sense?

At this point we would hope the applicant would present his best and final plan. And at this point I would love to see the Commission debate, discuss and react and help shape that plan in a way that shapes the deal without destroying the deal.

 

The vote will go like this…

I will take a realist tone. Mayor Terry Gans, and Commissioners Jack Daly and Irwin Pastor will likely support the text amendment. Commissioners George Spoll, Jim Brown and Randy Clair will fight it. The Commission will forward it along on Monday and then try and kill it at a vote in February. And that leaves Commissioner Ed Zunz as the presiding judge and jury.

Can you imagine destiny and our future devolving to this scenario?

Is this the best we can do for our residents as well as those investing hundreds of millions of dollars?

My suggestion on Monday is to not get too caught up in the text amendment debate. It is little more than an apparition. It is little more than yet another ghostly and flimsy reminder of the work that must be done on this island.

We need an era of true long-range planning. We need codes that protect us and offer clarity.

The best we can hope for this spring is to steer clear of lawsuits.

And let’s all dream of that day when a new Colony or St. Regis or some Palace by the Sea opens. Maybe Murf will still be alive to raise his voice in joy.

But we may have to do one thing before that dream arrives: vote for a Commission that can lead us somewhere other than into a courtroom.

Tags: 

Make Longboat special

They’re back, and doing it again. Longboat Key’s ardent anti-development, anti-traffic forces are stoking their constituents to kill Unicorp National Development’s latest redevelopment proposal for the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property.
by: Matt Walsh Editor & CEO

The Longboat Key Town Commission is expected to discuss Monday afternoon in the John Ringling Room at the Longboat Key Club Unicorp’s request for an amendment to the zoning code. The commission’s vote — if it conducts one — will not be binding, but it likely will be a telling signal for the ultimate fate of Unicorp’s current plan.

Here we are again. It is déjà vu — the standard resistance that has characterized Longboat Key for 35 years. “I have mine; you can’t have yours.”

They killed the proposed Floridays hotel on the north end of the Key.

They killed the mixed-use proposal for Whitney Beach Plaza.

They killed the proposal for 10 residential units on the Mote Scientific Foundation property on Gulf of Mexico Drive.

They killed Oscar Parson’s request to convert a commercial penthouse office at Harbour Square to one residential unit.

They killed the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s expansion plans a decade ago.

Memories of PIC

And now, the organized opposition to Unicorp — “Keep Longboat Special” and “Preserve Longboat” — is rekindling memories of the now-defunct Longboat Key Public Interest Committee (PIC). In its heydays in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, longtime Longboaters will remember how PIC fought commercial development on the Key, supporting the town’s labyrinthine zoning, development and sign codes. It was so successful that Longboat Key became known as having the worst business climate and the most difficult place in the region to do any development.

PIC was so successful in its anti-development efforts that it put Longboat Key on a path to destruction in the early 2000s. Shops at the former Avenue of the Flowers center (now the Shoppes at Bay Isles) shuttered one after another. The town’s restrictive zoning ordinances made redevelopment of the town’s other strip centers prohibitive — a condition that remains today. And the real estate bubble of the mid-2000s brought a wave of conversions of resorts to condominiums. We lost the Buccaneer Inn, the Holiday Inn and Holiday Beach Resort, among others.

And then it dawned on the PIC leaders. They saw what they wrought. PIC’s anti-development stance backfired. The negative commercial climate and disappearance of hotel guests meant fewer potential real estate buyers. You could feel and see it: Longboat Key was losing its luster as a premier resort-residential community. If the trends continued, property values would stagnate, if not decline. PIC’s leadership, as well as most Longboat voters and property owners, realized the Key needed a balance of residential, tourism and commercial enterprises.

In 2008, it was almost a shock, but the once anti-development PIC became one of the leading supporters of the charter amendment asking voters to create a bank of 250 tourism units to help bring back visitors and reinvigorate Longboat’s future and real estate market. Voters gave the amendment a resounding yes: More than 80% of voters approved the 250 tourism units.

Remember the consequences

Watch out what you wish for.

We know Keep Longboat Special says it would like to see the Colony redeveloped. But its leaders and the organization’s supporters say they want it essentially to be same size as the previous Colony. They oppose Unicorp’s request for an amendment in the town codes for a change in density from 4.5 units per acre to six units per acre in planned unit developments.

This never ceases to amuse and amaze us: For the past 15 years, Longboat Key essentially has been built out. As a result, the Key has been undergoing widespread redevelopment — particularly in its single-family home neighborhoods. Drive down any street on the north end, or through Country Club Shores on the south end, and you will see lot after lot where property owners have torn down 40- and 50-year-old homes and replaced them, in many cases, with McMansions, or at least with larger, expanded modern homes.

Many of those homeowners never would have purchased their properties had they been required to keep the outdated, rundown, tiny homes on their land. They opted, rightfully, to maximize the value of their land.

Why, then, is it OK for them to do that, but not Unicorp? Why is it OK to approve a density at the Zota Beach Resort of 39 units per acre, but not 15 units per acre at the new Colony? For that matter, why would anyone expect any developer of the Colony property to invest $100 million or more simply to duplicate what was on the property before — for a bygone era?

Surely, the majority of Longboaters would prefer to see a five-star jewel on the Colony property to bring back and create new luster on Longboat Key, on a property that has been an eyesore for nearly a decade. And surely, the majority of Longboaters are rational enough to know that with every cut Unicorp is forced to make, they are cutting into the quality of the project and the aesthetic and economic benefits to the town. It’s pretty simple math: The fewer commercial properties that contribute to Longboat’s tax base means the higher residential property taxes will go.

If “Keep Longboat Special” truly wants to keep Longboat special, we would urge its members to remember history — specifically, the negative, unintended consequences of the Longboat Public Interest Committee’s opposition to development and growth.

Taxpayers and residents have suffered enough — 10 years — with the blight of the dilapidated Colony and millions of dollars in foregone tourist-tax collections. What Unicorp is seeking is only 31 more units on the Colony site than previously existed — 31 units that are part of the 250 units that voters overwhelmingly saw the wisdom of approving in 2008.

Remember the ULI report?

Five years ago, the town of Longboat Key asked a panel of advisers from the Urban Land Institute “to take an objective, big-picture perspective to help inform an update to the town’s 20-year comprehensive plan and vision and to create a roadmap implementation strategy with specific next steps.”

By October of that year, the ULI panel issued a 50-page report and roadmap to implement. One of the summary recommendations was the following.

Now would be a good time for clashing factions to heed the ULI report:

Focus on the future instead of the past.

Taking time to renew the future vision for Longboat Key is absolutely necessary for continued success.

The 1980s-vintage plans and codes not only are out of date, but also perpetuate an unfortunate current pattern of community infighting, with good people focusing on the things that divide instead of working together and making more progress.

The panel’s recommendation is not to amend the town’s comprehensive plan, but to replace it with a new plan tailored to meet the needs of the future.

The panel recommends that the current system of “tourism units” and other complicated aspects of the legacy code be abandoned or suspended and that new zones that reflect the community vision be adopted.

The panelists also strongly recommend developing and adopting modern codes and permit processes to implement those policies in the land development process.

The importance of undertaking this planning and zoning process cannot be emphasized strongly enough.

THE TEXT AMENDMENT UNICORP SEEKS

Current and former members of the town’s Planning and Zoning Board and Town Commission are well aware that the town’s zoning codes are a confusing, vague, inconsistent and sometimes nonsensical concoction of mandates and restrictions that are a recipe for litigation.

Such is the case with the text amendment Unicorp Development is seeking to the town zoning code. Here is the summary:

The Colony property is in a T-6 zone — allowing development of six units per acre, either residential or tourism units.

The town codes for planned unit developments, a category in the comprehensive plan created to give developers more options, allows for only 4.5 units per acre.

It makes no sense. While PUDs are intended to provide flexibility, in fact it is more restrictive.

Unicorp is asking the two be consistent — surely, not an unreasonable request. It would amount to allowing 31 more units on the Colony property than previously existed.

Longboat commission workshop moved for talk of Colony density plans

Commissioners suggest a larger venue for their January workshop in anticipation of a larger turnout.
by: Bret Hauff Staff Writer

Town commissioners are scheduled to hear from the developer of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort — at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22 in the Longboat Key Club’s Islandside John Ringling Room — for the first time since voters rejected its past hotel proposal.

But Unicorp President Chuck Whittall, who’s paying to rent the venue, according to Town Manager Tom Harmer, isn’t attending the regular workshop meeting to talk about his plan for developing the property.

The meeting has one agenda item: A zoning code change that allows developers seeking tourism pool units relief from lower density requirements when pursuing a planned unit development designation.

The planned unit development process, often referred to as PUDs, allow developers flexibility in certain zoning codes to encourage creative design and land use, permit diverse building locations and preserve natural and scenic open space, according to town codes.

But as the code is written, developers seeking PUDs must forfeit zoned density in what town staff have called a “trade-off” for flexibility.

The site of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort is zoned for six units an acre — the PUD process shrinks density to four-and-a-half.

The zoning code change Unicorp seeks is the original six units an acre.

Unicorp’s application for developing the site of the former Colony, which the Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to hear at its February meeting, requests 165 units from the tourism pool, which would use all remaining units from the pool.

But Unicorp is not appearing before the commission to talk about its development application. The workshop meeting Monday is only for discussing the zoning code change, although that amendment is crucial to Unicorp’s plan to build a 166-room St. Regis hotel with amenities.

Without the zoning code change, Unicorp’s application as it has been submitted to the town would be null and void.

No official vote can be taken at the workshop, but it will be open for public comment.

A workshop consensus is a recommendation for what the commission should do at its regular meeting. It’s not binding, either.

The next scheduled regular meeting Feb. 5 is the earliest the zoning amendment could be heard before the commission for an up or down vote.

The zoning text amendment ordinance, or the official document the town will vote to approve or deny, must be voted for at two regular meeting before it can be enacted.

This is the process for any ordinance brought before the commission, whether it be an ordinance establishing a budget or an ordinance for sign codes.

But these kinds of changes are often brought before the board as town staff sees fit — Unicorp asked town staff to write an ordinance to amend the zoning code and bring it before the town, the first time a property owner has done so since 2005, according to town planner Maika Arnold.

Town staff recommended denying the ordinance.

The town commission will hear regular town business at 9 a.m. Monday in Town Hall.

Unicorp’s proposal for redevelopment
The next steps

Colony gets its first nod from Longboat P&Z Board

The rumble of conversation in the Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside ballroom on Tuesday broke with the pounding of a gavel — the Planning and Zoning Board meeting was underway.

At stake: The fate of three island projects. On hand: More than 85 people who turned out to hear the seven-member board hear testimony and comments from residents, town staff, developers and their representatives.

The Board quickly OK’d two applications, one from Longboat Key Historical Society Inc. for rezoning a residential lot at 521 Broadway St. for use as a base and museum; the other from Resort at Longboat Key Club to reroute Longboat Club Road north into the Islandside golf course driving range as part of an long-awaited hotel expansion.

But Unicorp National Development Inc.’s request to amend the town’s zoning code, which precedes its application for building a 166-room, 102-condominium St. Regis Hotel and residences on the 17.6-acre site of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, was the reason for the special location and larger-than-normal attendance.

“This text amendment (of the zoning code) is foundational to the proposal for development,” said Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons.

The Planning and Zoning Board approved the amendment, over town staff’s recommendation to deny it, by a vote of 4-3. From here, the zoning proposal heads to the Town Commission, which could hear it and take its first vote at its Feb. 6 regular meeting.

Planning and Zoning discussion of Unicorp’s site plan application is scheduled for Feb. 20, after the outcome of the Town Commission’s first vote on text amendment is known. Ultimately, if approvals continue, the site plan and the zoning amendment could come together for a vote in March.

What Unicorp wants

The crux of Unicorp’s request is the difference between what density is allowed in a planned unit development and allowed under conventional zoning.

A PUD allows developers a measure of flexibility not available in conventional zones, something Unicorp hopes to take advantage of. But, town rules limit density in such an arrangement to 4.5 units per acre. Unicorp wants six, which the property is zoned for without the benefit of a PUD. Unicorp is also seeking the town’s 165 remaining units in its tourism pool.

Unicorp attorneys Brenda Patten and Robert Lincoln argued for more than 35 minutes against the town staff’s denial recommendation.

In their report to the board, town staff wrote: “Staff is of the opinion that there is no compelling reason to change the PUD density reduction requirement as proposed in the text amendment solely for tourism pool units, as the impact of this text amendment is to provide additional privileges to developers seeking units from the tourism pool.”

The staff report also suggests that if the town allocated the remaining tourism units to Unicorp, that the zoning amendment could be seen as site specific — a decision the staff and board made clear they would like to avoid.

Seventeen members of the public commented on Unicorp’s request for the zoning amendment, less than half of whom identified themselves with Longboat Key addresses. Many of those who presented and identified themselves as residents elsewhere offered their opinion as planning, engineering, development and law professionals in favor of the town adopting the text amendment.

Michael Saunders, a longtime Sarasota-area Realtor and island resident, supported the Planning and Zoning Board’s approval of the zoning amendment.

“This is going to bring a major hotel, which will replace what used to be a beacon and an anchor of Longboat Key,” Saunders said.

But most Longboat residents spoke in opposition of the amendment.

“Changing the law of the town to accommodate one applicant is a bad idea,” said David Lapovsky, president of the nonprofit organization Preserve Longboat, which led the opposition to Unicorp’s former development plan rejected by more than 80% at referendum earlier this year.

Change in Orange code may hit mom-and-pop liquor stores

George Knightly’s children figured that, one day, they would inherit the family-owned liquor business their dad started 20 years ago. They’re not so sure now.

Orange County commissioners may repeal or change a rule that protects businesses like theirs — called package stores — by forbidding other liquor retailers from opening closer than 5,000 feet of an existing store.

“I see the end of our business pretty soon with this,” said Bryan Knightly, 34, who works in the five Knightly Spirits stores in the county.

George Knightly predicts Wal-Mart, Walgreens and other retail behemoths, some now holding liquor licenses in escrow, will muscle into an independent store’s turf if the distance rule is changed.

“It will kill us and others like us,” he said, adding that he thinks his business will lose its two busiest stores.

Other mom-and-pop liquor shops in unincorporated Orange fear they, too, will be hurt, especially those in top-shelf locations.

Many pleaded with commissioners during a recent meeting to rethink any changes, including shrinking the separation distance to as little as 1,000 feet. At that distance, a rival could open in the same plaza.

Those in favor of a change describe the existing rule as “anti-competitive,” arguing it protects some businesses at the expense of others. They also argue the lack of competition forces consumers to pay more for booze.

“I’m a business guy,” said Chuck Whittall of Unicorp National Developments. “I believe in competing in a fair marketplace, and they should as well.”

He pointed out the county doesn’t limit the number of dollar stores, fast-food restaurants, gas stations or groceries — only liquor outlets.

Whittall, whose company built the Orlando Eye, the 400-foot-tall wheel in the tourist district, wants to add a liquor store at International Drive and Sand Lake Road, but the rule forbids him.

“This should be market driven,” he said.

Whittall suggested he might ask Orlando to annex his entertainment complex into the city if the county rule is not changed. City code does not require separation. Liquor stores can be side-by-side in the City Beautiful.

Some county leaders, including Mayor Teresa Jacobs and commissioner Victoria Siplin, have said the liquor rule may need “tweaking.”

Established in 1956, the county’s separation rule survived a constitutional challenge that went all the way to the Florida Supreme Court in 2001.

Costco had sued because the rule — and nearby independent retailer Liquor Plus — prevented the wholesale giant from adding a package store at its members-only warehouse on South Orange Blossom Trail.

Except for Florida’s three dry counties, only Baker County near Jacksonville mandates more distance between liquor stores than Orange.

The rule was intended to prevent liquor stores from clustering in high-traffic areas. But it has also limited competition in Orange and so has made a state-issued license in Orange much more valuable than one in Orlando, Winter Park or neighboring Lake, Osceola and Seminole counties, all of which are less restrictive.

George Knightly, a founding member of the trade group Florida Independent Spirits Association, said a license in Orange County can cost $250,000 or more.

Shrinking the required distance between stores to 1,000 feet would match the rule separating a liquor establishment from a church or school.

Because of the rule, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits has often settled for “B” locations rather than its preferred sites, said Kurt Ardaman, a lawyer for the company, which operates more than 20 stores in Orange.

Changing the rule would punish ABC, founded in Orlando in 1936. It would face new competitors, said Jess Bailes, a vice president.

“Every grocery store has a liquor store now,” he said while addressing county commissioners recently. “It’s changed our world.”

Ted Edwards, who lost his re-election bid for commissioner in November, said he struggled with supporting a change that could hurt businesses which had played by the county’s rules for decades.

“I don’t think it’s fair to those who relied on it, but times are a-changin,'” he said.

Young Yim, owner of the only package store around the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, said he banked on the rule’s protection when he bought his license and its strategic location in August 2014.

He did not disclose how much he invested, but he told commissioners, “If you cut down the distance, we’re losing a lot, a lot of money.”

Both Walgreens and Publix, each of which have liquor licenses they could transfer from other Central Florida locations, own stores close to Yim’s package store.

According to records with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, the state has issued 99 licenses for package stores in Orange County, 49 of them in unincorporated parts of the county.

Bessam Maali, owner of Metro Liquors, said he was forced to close his small store on Kirkman Road when neighboring Wal-Mart opened a bigger one 50 feet away.

“They say the backbone of America is independent, family-owned stores,” he said at a county commission meeting. “Well, if you take ’em out, one vertebrae at a time, what happens is it’ll collapse.”

Unicorp’s Chuck Whittall: Here’s what’s next for I-Drive 360 hotel plans, more

As I-Drive 360’s plan for a hotel with a brand that’s new to the tourist corridor gets closer to reality, subcontractors and vendors wanting a piece of the action should keep an eye out for bid packages expected to come out within a couple of months.

Unicorp National Developments’ Chuck Whittall, who developed I-Drive 360, said plans for a $30 million Element hotel at I-Drive 360 are on schedule for an early 2018 groundbreaking and the hotel will open in summer 2019. That’s just in time to capitalize on the surge of tourists coming to town for the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which also is set to open in 2019.

Whittall said Welbro Building Corp., the contractor for the hotel, should begin seeking subcontractor bids in February or March 2018.

Unicorp originally filed plans for the hotel with Orange County in August, saying it will be a Marriott family brand with 165 rooms in the Gooding’s Plaza next to the I-Drive 360 complex. The Elements brand is new to Orlando, and in Florida it can be found only in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola, as of now. Executives with Marriott could not be reached for comment.

In addition, Whittall has plans for more new lodging in that area. “We are still looking at doing a hotel behind the [Coca-Cola Orlando Eye observation wheel in the I-Drive 360 complex].”

Hotel development has been growing to keep up with increases in visitation to the region.

According to Visit Orlando data, the Orlando’s tourism industry experienced growth during the first half of 2017. Hotel occupancy reached 81 percent for the first half of this year, a flat change from the previous year. Average daily room rates were $125.23, up 4.4 percent for the same six-month period. In addition, attendance at the Orange County Convention Center was up 17.6 percent to 1.07 million attendees.

As a result, the demand for more hotels is still there for projects like the planned Element hotel at I-Drive 360.

Meanwhile, Unicorp also is in early stages of working on a $100 million expansion plan to add apartments and more attractions to the I-Drive 360 complex. That includes adding up to 500 apartments on an existing parking lot behind the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, plus a new zip-line ride, another tower thrill ride attraction, a rope obstacle course and an indoor flight simulator.

I-Drive 360 is a major draw for tourists visiting Orlando. The southern end of the popular International Drive tourist corridor has welcomed many new additions, including the I-Drive 360 attractions, Mango’s Tropical CafeAndretti Indoor Karting & Games and more.

Orlando Eye developer submits plans for luxury lakefront homes

A well-known Orlando developer is moving forward with plans to put 13 multimillion-dollar homes on the last large developable land tract off the Butler Chain of Lakes.

Unicorp National Developments Inc. on Sept. 12 filed a preliminary subdivision plan in Orange County to build a 13-lot single-family development on 16.59 acres of The Hubbard Estate.

The development would be inside Arnold Palmer‘s Bay Hill community just west of the golf course on the shores of Lake Tibet in Orange County, Orlando Business Journal previously reported.

Unicorp has selected a couple of builders, including Jones Clayton Construction Inc., which provided renderings of the first speculation home that will be built in the neighborhood at 9000 Hubbard Place. A name for the subdivision has not been finalized yet.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall previously told Orlando Business Journal the home prices would range from $5 million-$15 million.

The preliminary subdivision plan will go before Orange County on Oct. 11.

The owners of The Hubbard Estate — the 2012 Hubbard Family Trust — authorized on June 13 Orlando-based Bio-Tech Consulting Inc. to make a conservation area determination on behalf of Unicorp, OBJ previously reported.

Jones Clayton Construction was not immediately available for comment.

Unicorp is the developer behind the I-Drive 360Westside Shoppes, the Starflyer under construction on International Drive, and a host of other projects.

Former Colony property development: a work in progress

Longboat Key’s Development Review Committee will talk about the Colony redevelopment plan on Friday. Not everyone is sold on the project yet.
by: John McGuire Staff Writer

The town of Longboat Key, in the form of its Development Review Committee, will discuss and make comments on the redevelopment plan for the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort at 9 a.m. Friday in Town Hall.

The committee, which consists of Planning, Zoning & Building Director Alaina Ray, Planner Maika Arnold, Planner Steve Schield,  Fire Marshal Lou Gagliardi and Public Works Director Juan Florensa, will comment on Unicorp’s plans following an initial review of the proposal. The meeting is open to the public, though members of the public cannot participate.

After what could be a series of similar meetings, the proposal will go before the Planning and Zoning Board. The board will review the plan, then forward its recommendation to the Town Commission.

Here’s where the proposal stands:

The Neighbors

Developer Chuck Whittall aims to harmonize his July proposal for the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort site with residents of Tencon and Aquarius.

Speaking on behalf of Aquarius residents, Frank Morneau this week said his community has decided that moving forward with Unicorp’s new proposal is in its best interests and that of the entire town.

On the other side of the property, Tencon Beach Association President Dennis Haley has reservations.

In April, Whittall’s company, Unicorp National Developments Inc., entered into a contract with residents of Aquarius and Tencon. The contract extends “membership privileges” at a future resort on the property.

In July, Whittall submitted a plan that calls for a 166-room five-star hotel, to be operated by St. Regis, and 102 residential condominiums, for a combined 268 units. But, the July plan negates the building setbacks agreed upon in the April contract, which specifies no building will be constructed within 70 feet from the property lines.

Unicorp’s new proposal includes building setbacks of 150 feet from the beachfront line and 45 feet from the neighboring properties.

After discussing the proposal with Haley, Whittall said he is working with his engineers to increase the building setbacks from the Tencon property line. Haley did not return multiple calls seeking comment.

Litigation Cleared

Earlier this month, Whittall announced clearing a hurdle with another group of stakeholders — the Colony Association. On Aug. 7, Whittall and Colony Association President Jay Yablon announced the end of years-long litigation between Whittall’s company and the association.

“All litigation has finally been resolved after seven years and brought to an amicable peaceful end that paves the way for a new resort to be developed at the former Colony,” a joint statement from Whittall and Yablon read. “This settlement is effective immediately. It is not contingent or dependent on any future events.”

Last fall, Whittall agreed to pay Colony unit owners between $130,000 to $200,000 per unit. Despite the failure of the March referendum that would have allowed the development of Whittall’s initial proposal for the site, Whittall affirmed at a meeting between himself and the Colony Association’s development committee in April that he will keep intact the agreed-upon price for units. Sales agreements, though, have not been executed on the outstanding units.

Whittall also agreed to dismiss the appeal of the recent recreational lease ruling in exchange for the Colony Association waiving its sanctions recovery, resulting in final closure of those disputes.

Ballroom Concerns

Despite Whittall scaling down the building heights and density from his original proposal, Preserve Longboat President David Lapovsky said his group remains concerned about aspects of the plan, including the size of the resort’s proposed meeting spaces.

The size of the resort’s ballroom, which Lapovsky often refers to as a “conference center,” was a central issue in Preserve Longboat’s campaign against Whittall’s initial proposal, which called for a 20,000-square-foot ballroom. The size has been reduced by half, but Lapovsky noted the new plan also includes 6,700 square feet of meeting rooms and 2,750 square feet of board room space.

Lapovsky is concerned the additional square footage will be used to augment ballroom space, coming close to the original 20,000 square feet. Crowds and traffic are the group’s key objections.

Whittall said potential uses for the combined 9,450 square feet are still being determined.

Remaining Units

Of the Colony’s existing 237 units, Unicorp owns 25. Whittall’s company needs 90% approval from unit owners to terminate the Colony Association, which is essential to pressing ahead with development. Whittall said his company is moving forward with buying units and working to finalize a deal with Andy Adams, who controls 75 units.

 Prev Article
Amore to open in September

Whittall on Colony: ‘We have listened to Longboat’

All of Longboat seems to agree on one sentiment: a rebuilt Colony resort is a great benefit to the island. But how we get there, what size, what height and whether it should be mixed use or solely tourism are all questions that have as many answers as Longboat’s 7,000 residents.

Only last March, Unicorp asked voters to allow 180 residential units to be added to the 237 hotel rooms that are allowed on the site. More than 80 percent of the voters said, “no.”

This week, Unicorp is back with a proposal for redevelopment that can be allowed by the town without voter approval. In short, it has been scaled back in both unit count, height and setbacks. Unicorp President Chuck Whittall spoke with Longboat Key News on Friday about the plan. Here is what he had to say:

 

What did you learn about Longboat Key and its residents following the defeat in March?

The town made it clear it is very nervous about traffic. The plan they voted down would have increased traffic and we had proposed ways to offset that. This plan will not add any traffic over what existed in the previous Colony. It is traffic neutral. We have established that through an extensive traffic engineering study by Kimberly Horn. In fact, if someone rebuilt the Colony at the same number of units and made it all tourism, it would have equal or more traffic than what we are proposing. Essentially, by having less tourism units and allowing the residential units, it decreases the traffic.

 

What has been done with the size and scale?

Before we proposed 120 feet in height and 11 stories. Now we have scaled it down to five stories and a maximum of 65 feet.

 

Why 65 feet?

We met with the town planning department staff and they told us that is what is allowed in the zoning district. We have also decreased the setbacks on the front and the side and the setbacks will be greater than what the town code requires. We also cut the density and are asking for 268 units which ends up being 15.3 units per acre. The Zota Beach Resort, which the town approved, is over 40 units per acre.

 

What is it you need from the town, or where are you departing from codes?

I think we are asking for a floor area ratio departure and primarily we are asking for the allocation of tourism units out of the pool that the commission controls. The reason we have offered two different paths is the town can then decide whether it wants to use up all of its tourism units, or try and preserve them and allocate them somewhere else.

 

How is it guaranteed that the hotel will be a St. Regis? Can that change?

We have a signed term sheet with St. Regis. It is a long-term agreement. We will commit to the town that the hotel will be a five-star hotel. There are only 11 St. Regis hotels in the United States and the only other five-star hotel on the west coast of Florida is the Ritz Carlton in Naples.

 

What does that mean in development standards or when it comes to the development outcome when you say it will be a five-star hotel?

The difference is multi-fold. There will be significantly more plush landscaping and water features, and all of the rooms in the hotel will be built to a higher standard with specifically more selective construction materials.

 

How large do you expect the condominiums to be? And at what price point?

The condominiums will average 2,800 square feet and we plan to bring them to market between $3 million to $7 million. The average room rate for the hotel will likely be $700 per night.

 

Although you can legally represent the Colony and apply for the project, isn’t it true you do not control all of the assets and specifically Andy Adams still owns a majority of the units?

It’s the chicken or egg. If the town turns us down to build this, why would I want to buy Andy’s property? Andy Adams is a willing seller, but we just have not agreed on a price. It is not the town’s job to base an approval on whether one individual will sell or not. This is the way business is done. Ninety percent of our developments we build at Unicorp are based on getting an approval. We are the only entity situated to redevelop the Colony. I own 10 percent of the Colony units, all of the commercial units and commercial property. The property cannot be redeveloped without what I have. The same can be said of Andy Adams. But his goal is not to redevelop the property and ours is.

 

Why not just build a Colony tourism hotel resort, which is closer to what existed on the site?

We cannot just build a hotel and make it financially work. But additionally, the current Colony could  not be built given the town’s codes. It would not meet open space requirements, it does not meet FEMA standards and many of the buildings are beyond the erosion control line.

 

How will residents be able to use the site?

Residents and visitors will be able to use all of the restaurants, the tiki bar and piano bar and lounge, also all of the resort amenities can be used with a visit to the spa.

 

So what’s next?

We will attend a development review meeting with the town in the next month. We will then start addressing the town’s comments on the proposal. We have received approval from Aquarius residents, our neighbors to the north, and we are close to working everything out with Tencom to the south. I plan on having a residence at the Colony and have taken an extremely personal interest in the project.

Fate of revamped Colony plan in hands of Town Commission

A scaled-back Colony redevelopment plan is in the hands of Town Hall on Longboat Key and this time, the commission, not voters, will have the final say.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall submitted an application to redevelop the 17.6-acre site into a resort proposing 166hotel rooms along with 102 residential condominiums.

The proposed hotel will be flagged as a St. Regis and the associated amenities including two restaurants, a spa, a ballroom, meeting rooms, as well as swimming pools and a saltwater lagoon will be available to both hotel guests and condominium owners.

Whittall submitted this plan after more than 80 percent of Longboat Key voters said no last March when asked in a referendum to allow 180 residential units to be added to the site. The plan that was voted down requested a total of 437 units and 110-foot building heights in the residential towers.

Whittall says he heard clearly and understands how important it is to keep the building height within the 65-foot limit of the existing zoning allowed on the property.

The submitted application specifically requests the following:

• 17.6-acre site

• 102 residential condominiums

• 166 room St. Regis Hotel

• Maximum height of five stories and 65 feet

• 15,700 square foot spa

• Two restaurants

• A lounge and a lounge bar

• 10,000 square foot ballroom

• 6,700 square feet of meeting rooms

• 2,750 square feet of board rooms

• Meandering saltwater lagoon

 

The residential condominium units will have private swimming pools, parking and amenities separate from the hotel facilities but will be able to utilize the services of the hotel staff on demand.

As for situating the parking, Whittall proposes that the hotel as well as the condominiums will be constructed “on top of a single podium which will enclose the parking below.”

The application states that the podium will be one-story in height and heavily landscaped and it is stated that it will be “barely visible” from Gulf of Mexico Drive and adjacent properties.

Part of the concern some commissioners expressed about redevelopment at the Colony and on Gulf of Mexico Drive in general, is the height and impact when seen from Gulf of Mexico Drive, Whittall has proposed a setback between 176 and 228 feet from the thoroughfare. The application states that only the mid-rise structures will be visible from Gulf of Mexico Drive and neighboring properties.

 

How to get there…

Over the past several months, Unicorp followed the Town of Longboat Key as the commission sought to address non-conforming units as well as develop a Planned Unit Development (PUD) process. This process was the one Unicorp intended to use in its application for the redevelopment for the Colony. But after the town commission halted its efforts on May 1, 2017, Unicorp decided to move forward using the town’s existing regulations and zoning code amendments.

To accomplish its redevelopment plan, Unicorp is proposing two separate regulatory paths and hopes the commission will embrace one.

In short, path one uses 165 tourism units from the tourism pool the town created following a public vote several years ago and adds them to 102 residential units and one tourism unit that are allowed under existing zoning at the property today. The Town Commission has the authority to allocate these units at its discretion to existing tourism properties. Under this scenario, Unicorp would not use any of the grandfathered Colony units.

The second option for approval that Unicorp proposes is to request a code change to allow the 237 existing grandfathered Colony units (that is the size of the historical Colony and the town has grandfathered them). The code change would allow Unicorp to use the 237 grandfathered tourism units as either residential or tourism and then Unicorp would ask for only 31 tourism units from the existing pool that the commission controls. In either scenario, the same development will be built with the distinction being that the first option would use up all of the tourism pool, and Whittall says that may be desired by the town.

Town Planning and Zoning Director Alaina Ray told Longboat Key News that the application will take several weeks for staff to review. Ray said there will likely be back and forth suggestions and changes made to the plan to bring it in conformance with code. She added that she will in the end, provide a recommendation of ‘approve,’ ‘not approve,’ or ‘approve with conditions’ to the Planning and Zoning Board, which will be the first town board to consider the proposal.

Whittall hopes to have the plan considered by the Planning and Zoning Board at its Oct. 17 meeting and next by the Town Commission at its Nov. 6 regular meeting.

 

Backstory

The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort was officially created by Murf Klauber in 1972 and operated continuously for 38 years before closing due to a legal battle between Klauber and the unit owners. Since then, it stands shuttered and dilapidated and has been deemed a public nuisance by the town and veered close to demolition.

Unicorp and Colony Association End Litigation

The two parties have been involved in legal disputes since 2010.
by: John McGuire Staff Writer

A years-long legal dispute involving the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort has come to an end.

The announcement was made through an Aug. 7 email, signed by developer Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments, and Jay Yablon, president of the Colony Association.

“All litigation has finally been resolved after seven years and brought to an amicable peaceful end that paves the way for a new resort to be developed at the former Colony,” the statement reads. “This settlement is effective immediately. It is not contingent or dependent on any future events.”

Last fall, Whittall agreed to pay Colony unit owners between $130,000 to $200,000 per unit. Despite the failure of the March referendum that would have allowed the development of Whittall’s initial proposal for the site, Whittall affirmed at a meeting between himself and the Colony Association’s development committee in April that he will keep intact the agreed-upon price for units. Sales agreements, though, have not been executed on the outstanding units.

Of the 237 units, Unicorp owns 25. Whittall’s company needs 90% approval from unit owners to terminate the Colony Association. He said his company is moving forward with buying units and working to finalize a deal with Andy Adams, who controls 75 units.

Whittall also agreed to dismiss the appeal of the recent recreational lease ruling in exchange for the Colony Association waiving its sanctions recovery, resulting in final closure of those disputes.

In July, Unicorp submitted a new proposal for the 18-acre property with the town. It includes a 166-room hotel, operated by luxury hotelier St. Regis, along with 102 residential condominium units.

Yablon said the Colony Association supports Unicorp’s plan.

“We are excited about the opportunity to finally get families back on the beach again, enjoying the sunsets, and contributing to the community life of Longboat Key,” the Aug. 7 statement reads. “It is everyone’s goal to begin construction in the middle of 2018 with an opening early in 2021.”

Before that can happen, though, the town will have its say.

The earliest date the proposal could go before the Planning and Zoning Board is at the group’s Oct. 17 meeting. The board will review the plan, then forward its recommendation to the Town Commission as early as November for a decision.

The two regulatory paths proposed by Unicorp to move forward with the project require amendments to the town’s zoning code, but not a referendum.

Also, immediate neighbors of the Colony property aren’t fully sold on the plan, either.

In April, Unicorp entered into a contract with residents of Aquarius and Tencon, extending “membership privileges” for residents of the two properties in exchange for support of a Unicorp project that meets certain criteria.

Dennis Haley, president of the Tencon Beach Association, said some of the parameters have changed.

“I’m just extremely disappointed,” Haley told the Longboat Observer. “This is just not the agreement we reached.”

The new plan changes the building setbacks agreed upon in the contract, which specifies no building will be constructed within 185 feet of the beachfront erosion control line or 70 feet from the property lines of Tencon or Aquarius.

Unicorp’s new proposal includes setbacks of 150 feet from the beachfront erosion line and 45 feet from the neighboring properties.

Whittall said he plans to meet with Haley to discuss the new proposal.

“I hope that means that there’s something that can be done,” Haley said.

Frank Morneau, speaking on behalf of Aquarius, said he will wait to comment on Unicorp’s new proposal until after Haley and Whittall meet.

St. Regis Will Run The Colony Property on Longboat Key

The high-end luxury brand is slated to operate the long-abandoned 18-acre beachfront site.

LONGBOAT KEY — Southwest Florida is about to get a boost in travel luxury it hasn’t seen since the Ritz-Carlton opened here in 2001.

St. Regis is slated to operate the long-abandoned 18-acre beachfront site of The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key, its Orlando-based owner said Tuesday.

The high-end luxury brand of Marriott International Inc.‘s Starwood Hotels and Resorts operates 61 hotels worldwide and just one other in Florida. In addition to that property in Miami, St. Regis’ portfolio includes such exotic destinations as Cairo, Bali and Bora Bora.

A name like St. Regis adds validity to the area in the deeply competitive travel world. The industry notices when a property like a Ritz-Carlton opens, said Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County. She remembers being at conferences and in meetings in the months leading up to the Ritz-Carlton’s opening, and there’s a buzz that comes with it.

Opening a property like that in a destination is the equivalent of driving up in a Bentley. It’s a status symbol, and it immediately leaves an impression about the area.

“With a brand like that for Longboat Key, it would cement the stellar reputation that they already have,” Haley said.

It’s a Cinderella story of sorts for a piece of premier beachfront property at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Dr. that deteriorated while caught in a six-year legal battle. Originally constructed in 1973, the Colony’s complex of wood-frame, two-story townhouses and one mid-rise building held a reputation as one of the top tennis resorts in the country. It closed in 2010 amid a legal fight that pitted owners of its condominiums against managers of the property.

Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. purchased the property a year ago for $22 million. The site drew attention from a number of high-end hotel operators, said Chuck Whittall, Unicorp’s president, but Marriott International Inc., which also owns the Ritz-Carlton, made St. Regis a strong fit for the project.

“They’re a unique brand and they haven’t flooded the country and the market,” Whittall said.

The property will feature a spa, resort pool, adult pool, lazy river and salt water lagoon as well as a tiki bar, beach restaurant, three-meal restaurant and an evening-only, chef-driven restaurant.

Whittall initially pitched a development of 180 hotel rooms, 180 residential units and 67 timeshare units but residents expressed concerns about traffic, and voters in March overwhelmingly dismissed the density increase proposed for the property.

The project has since been scaled back to a five-story, 165-room St. Regis hotel and 103 residential condominiums. Those plans are due to go before the Longboat Key Commission in November.

If everything goes according to plan, Unicorp will break ground on the project in the middle of 2018. Whittall said he anticipates 30 to 36 months of construction, and he intends to open the resort in 2020 or 2021.

“We’ve scaled the project down,” Whittall said. “We’re building to the height that’s determined by code. I think we’re bringing something into the town that the community wants.”

 

A much better plan

Orlando developer Chuck Whittall learned a costly lesson about Longboat Key: Learn about it before you leap. With his newest development plans, Whittall clearly listened. It make sense.
by: Matt Walsh Editor & CEO

What’s the saying: You learn from your mistakes? Often, those mistakes, especially the most costly mistakes, become the lessons that sink in the most and you never forget.

You might say Chuck Whittall, the Orlando developer trying to redevelop the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property, likely won’t forget the lessons he learned on Longboat Key. To be sure, he paid a dear price.

Here’s one: He should have listened before he leaped.

You probably have heard this said about developers: They all love their projects and think everyone is going to love their projects as much as they do.

That’s pretty much what happened when Whittall, in his enthusiasm and eagerness to propose a magnificent development for a magnificent piece of beachfront property, unveiled his original plans for a redeveloped Colony.

It was magnificent, all right. A grand vision — perhaps a grand vision for, say, Orlando or Miami. But not for Longboat Key.

And he did what developers often do. After unveiling his gleaming, five-star, high-rise plans, he tried to sell it to an audience he didn’t really bother to get to know. He held meeting after meeting with Longboat residents, attempting to convince them that 12-story buildings and 180 more residential units, on top of the original 237 tourism units on the property would be a great fit on Longboat Key.

We all know — especially Whittall — how that went over. Eighty-seven percent of Longboat residents who cast ballots last March essentially said: Go back to Orlando.

Or, to put it more politely, Longboaters sent the message they don’t want grand magnificence. They want Longboat — a development that fits the style and character of Longboat Key. We’re not South Beach; we’re not Orlando Resortville.

Whittall learned.

That was clear when he unveiled last week his latest iteration of the Colony redevelopment. At these early glances and reading of it, Whittall’s newest plans are much more in line with the scale of Longboat Key.

Don’t fret about traffic. For those who lived on Longboat during the heyday of the Colony — when it was the No. 1 tennis resort in the world — you remember how it contributed to the heartbeat and life of the Key. Not only for its unit owners and the visitors who stayed there, but also for the residents who wined and dined at the Colony Restaurant. The Colony was one of the jewels that gave the Key life. Its patrons and Longboat residents didn’t harp about traffic. They enjoyed the resort.

Whittall’s newest design looks like it could do the same. It may be larger than the original Colony by 31 units (268 vs. the original 237), but more than a decade ago, when Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber, owned the resort, he was scheming even then about how to expand the Colony to stay competitive. A slight expansion was inevitable.

Look at Whittall’s plans this way, too: He is proposing again a mix of tourism and residential units. But in his new version, there would be 71 fewer tourism units than in the original Colony (less traffic).

And let’s not deny: Longboat residents would be proud to have a St. Regis hotel flag on the island. (Think how that helps your property values.)

But, of course, this is not a done deal.

Whittall still needs to secure the support of one of the toughest holdouts among Colony unit owners, Andy Adams, the man who holds veto power over every development plan.

What’s more, Whittall’s development applications with the town indicate his plans will need zoning amendments — always a complicated proposition on Longboat Key.

Likewise, from the town’s perspective, there’s also the question of whether Whittall’s proposed residential units will need voter approval. We can expect some protracted legal discussions over that one.

As this long saga continues to unfold, it certainly looks now that, on paper, Whittall has a plan that makes sense. He showed a willingness and commitment to listen and work with Longboat residents and the town. We hope the town and Longboat residents reciprocate.

Colony developer has a new plan for the shuttered Longboat resort property

Chuck Whittall has submitted a new proposal for the site on Monday, July 24. This one includes a big-name luxury flag.
by: John McGuire Staff Writer

The developer of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort on Longboat Key has filed a new proposal for the property with the town, and this one will not require a referendum.

“We’re extremely excited,” said Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments. “It’s going to be beautiful.”

Unicorp submitted the plan for the nearly 18-acre site on Monday. The proposal includes a five-star 166-room hotel, operated by St. Regis, and 102 residential condominiums, for a combined total of 268 units.

St. Regis is a five-star luxury brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which is part of Marriott International Inc. — the world’s largest hotel brand. There are 60 St. Regis hotels worldwide, including 11 in the United States. There is one St. Regis location in Florida — the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami.

Another subsidiary of Marriott International is Ritz-Carlton, which operates a location in Sarasota. Because of this, Whittall believes the management of St. Regis will be able to approach the project with a firm understanding of the local community.

“St. Regis was just a really good fit,” Whittall said.

Whittall said Unicorp has a signed agreement with the hotel company and they are now in the process of negotiating a management agreement.

The proposal includes two restaurants, a 15,700-square-foot spa and a 10,000-square-foot ballroom. Whittall had previously proposed a ballroom of 20,000 square feet for the property.

Like the ballroom, many details of the proposal are scaled down from Whittall’s original proposal, which failed in a March referendum by 87% of the vote. The former plan included a total of 417 units and a maximum building height of 12 stories.

The new plan’s maximum building height is five stories, reaching no higher than 65 feet over flood elevation, which is the maximum allowable height for new construction on the Key.

Also included in the proposal are 6,700 square feet of meeting rooms, 2,750 square feet of board rooms and a “meandering saltwater lagoon.”

Two-path approach

Planning, Zoning and Building Director Alaina Ray noted that any development including more than 103 units is considered nonconforming for the property’s zoning district.

With this information, Unicorp is pursuing two regulatory paths to make the proposal a reality, each of which would require a zoning code amendment to allow the property’s existing units to be used for either tourism or residential purposes, according to the proposal.

The first path requires the use of the 165 remaining units in the town’s tourism-unit pool. Zota Beach Resort, which opened in June, used 85 of the 250 total units in the pool. Voters decided to create the pool in 2008 to allow for flexibility in development of tourism on the Key.

The second path requires 31 units from the tourism pool, then using a zoning code amendment to convert the property’s 237 grandfathered units to either tourism or residential use.

Any zoning code amendment or use of the tourism-unit pool will require approval from the Town Commission.

The earliest date the proposal could go before the Planning and Zoning Board is at the group’s Oct. 17 meeting. The board will review the plan, then forward its recommendation to the Town Commission as early as November for a decision.

Pending approval from commissioners, Whittall hopes to break ground on the project within a year.

The developer noted that he has been pursuing development of the former Colony property for five years, and during that time, he’s learned a great deal about what the people of Longboat want for the site.

Whittall said he understands residents’ concerns regarding traffic. Included in his company’s proposal is a traffic study from Kimley-Horn, which concludes that the development will have a minimal impact on peak-hour traffic. The proposal also states that the resort will implement a parking fee to “discourage hotel guests and visitors from using personal vehicles.”

In addition, Whittall’s company will be involved in implementing short- and long-term traffic solutions through the Barrier Islands Traffic Study, a $942,000 project of the Florida Department of Transportation, designed to determine ways to improve the flow of traffic to, from and on Longboat, Anna Maria Island and Lido Key.

“Unicorp will participate in the traffic study as a key stakeholder and can contribute financially once strategies are developed,” the proposal reads.

Whittall hopes the community will embrace the new plan, noting that he believes the resort will bring visitors to support businesses, raise property values and “get rid of an eyesore,” referring to the property in its current state.

“We hope to be able to move ahead with the project that we believe will be good for the community,” Whittall said.

 

Next Door

In April, Unicorp entered into a contract with residents of Aquarius and Tencon, the two condominiums immediately neighboring the former Colony property. The contract extends “membership privileges” for residents of the two properties in exchange for support of a Unicorp project that meets certain criteria, including a total unit count of no more than 268 total units.

Membership privileges include access to the future resort’s amenities, which in the proposal include:

– Two restaurants

– 15,700-square-foot spa

– Lounge and lounge bar

– Salt water lagoon

2017 Structures Awards Developer of the Year: Chuck Whittall, Unicorp National Developments Inc.

Orlando Business Journal | Anjali Fluker

 Chuck Whittall would love to take a moment to stop and pop some champagne bottles to celebrate milestones on his Central Florida projects — but he doesn’t really have much time.

The president of Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. has more than $200 million worth of construction in the works throughout the area, and more beyond the region’s borders.

Unicorp’s current projects in various stages of construction include luxury apartments, shops, restaurants and a 450-foot-tall swing tower ride with a 3,500-square-foot retail building at its base on Orlando’s International Drive.

These projects bring new, upscale housing stock and retail offerings to Central Florida, and they have a positive impact on the local economy.

For example, the $100 million, mixed-use Griffin Farm at Midtown — being co-developed by Project Finance & Development LLC — will turn a former Lake Mary cow pasture into a thriving city center with homes, shops, restaurants and a new niche grocery store.

And that doesn’t even include Unicorp’s out-of-state projects, including a $200 million redevelopment of a 300,000-square-foot office complex in a Detroit suburb or the luxury resort development in the town of Longboat Key on Florida’s west coast.

It’s all in a day’s work for Whittall, who was named Developer of the Year in Orlando Business Journal’s 2017 Structures Awards.

Here, Whittall shares more on his noteworthy year:

What have been some project highlights for you in the last 12 months? We have had some crazy great projects. We started construction on Griffin Farms in Lake Mary, and Westside and Venetian Isles in Horizon West. The projects together are well over $200 million in value. We also have our Davenport Wawa and Chick-fil-A, and we completed our $35 million Lakeside Crossing project [in Winter Park]. We have also started the Starflyer, which will be the world’s tallest swing ride. And then we bought the high-rise Volkswagen headquarters in Michigan, called the Troy City Center, and we are redeveloping the property. We just opened Eddie V’s there and will be opening a Yard House, Seasons 52, Shake Shack and various other restaurants and retailers. We are also adding 300 luxury apartments.

What project has been the most fun for you? It’s been Lakeside Crossing. We enjoyed turning the old Best Western Mount Vernon Inn into a must-go-to destination with restaurants and bars. It’s a bit more of a hip place for someone to have a sip of their favorite cocktail. It’s doing great.

Which project has been the biggest challenge? Our development in Longboat Key. It’s going to be a 165-room luxury five-star hotel with 103 condos. It’s difficult to navigate through the waters of change, even though we think it’s a great change for the town.

What’s one thing you would have done differently in the past year? I always want to make sure I appreciate every day. Sometimes I forget to live in the moment. You should always enjoy and celebrate the current moment of your life. So I would celebrate more today and not look as much to tomorrow.


Closer look

Here’s a look at Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s active Central Florida projects:

Chuck Whittall meets June 1 payment deadline

The developer hopes to submit a plan for the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort property on June 26.
by: John McGuire Staff Writer

Chuck Whittall is one step closer to developing the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort property.

The president of Unicorp National Developments, who intends to submit a new proposal for the site on June 26, met a milestone deadline last week: the developer had until June 1 to pay $22 million to Colony Lender LLC or risk losing control of the former resort’s recreational facilities.

On June 2, Whittall told the Longboat Observer he had met his obligation.

“It’s done,” Whittall said. “It’s finished.”

In July 2016, Whittall announced his company’s $22 million acquisition of Colony Lender LLC’s 2.3 acre recreational property at the former Colony Beach and Tennis Resort. A federal court document dated March 16, 2017 affirmed the June 1 deadline.

“Colony Lender reports the purchase price remains unpaid by Unicorp, and that unless the price is paid by June 1, 2017, Colony Lender can regain (by foreclosure) or can sell (“voluntarily and independently”) the debtors’ assets for Colony Lender’s benefit,” the document reads.

Colony Lender LLC principal David Siegal confirmed that Whittall had met the deadline.

“Chuck Whittall paid his obligation,” Siegal said. “So that’s over.”

In that same court document, U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday affirmed a bankruptcy judge’s ruling that Colony Lender LLC had not acquired a recreational lease associated with the property. Colony Lender sued unit owners in 2014 seeking more than $5 million in damages and back rent on the lease. Earlier this year, Siegal said he will continue to appeal the case unless unit owners come to a final agreement with Whittall for redevelopment of the property.

At an April meeting with members of the Colony Association’s development committee, Whittall said he would keep intact his initial offer to unit owners ($130,000 to $200,000 per unit) and agreed to dismiss the appeal of the recent recreational lease ruling in exchange for the Colony Association waiving its sanctions recovery, “resulting in final closure of those disputes with no further legal costs.”

After the discussion, Colony Association President Jay Yablon said in an email to unit owners that the committee would schedule a public board meeting to discuss these new developments.

“It will be the committee’s recommendation to the board and to the owners to continue the present development agreement with Unicorp, as necessarily amended to address these positive changes,” Yablon wrote.

Whittall said he is looking forward to submitting a new proposal for the property. The plan will include a maximum building height of 65 feet above elevation, Whittall said, and meet all of Longboat Key’s setback and open requirements.

“It’s still going to be a five-star resort,” Whittall said. “It’s going to be an awesome plan.”

June 1 Deadline Approaches for Colony Payment

Chuck Whittall says he intends to meet milestone to pay $22 million.
by: John McGuire Staff Writer

Chuck Whittall faces a deadline in two weeks to pay $22 million to Colony Lender LLC or risk losing control of the former resort’s recreational facilities.

The president of Unicorp National Developments, who appeared Monday before the Longboat Key Town Commission, told the Longboat Observer he will meet his obligation.

“The plans have not changed,” Whittall said.

In July 2016, Whittall announced his company’s $22 million acquisition of Colony Lender LLC’s 2.3 acre recreational property at the former Colony Beach and Tennis Resort. According to a federal court document dated March 16, 2017, the deadline to pay is June 1.

“Colony Lender reports the purchase price remains unpaid by Unicorp, and that unless the price is paid by June 1, 2017, Colony Lender can regain (by foreclosure) or can sell (“voluntarily and independently”) the debtors’ assets for Colony Lender’s benefit,” the document reads.

Colony Lender LLC principal David Siegal said he does not foresee a problem. “I have no reason to believe it will not be paid,” he said.

In that same court document, U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday affirmed a bankruptcy judge’s ruling that Colony Lender LLC had not acquired a recreational lease associated with the property. Colony Lender sued unit owners in 2014 seeking more than $5 million in damages and back rent on the lease. Earlier this year, Siegal said he will continue to appeal the case unless unit owners come to a final agreement with Whittall for redevelopment of the property.

On Monday, Whittall, who plans to file a new proposal for the property with the town on June 26, presented the commission with two proposals for the property: one with maximum building heights of 80 feet, the other 65 feet. The developer said he was hoping to have a “collaborative discussion” with the commission to determine “what works well for the entire island.”

“I just don’t want to bring something in where you’re going to vote no, no, no, and I didn’t know why,” Whittall said. “We’re just trying to get your input.”

At the conclusion of a procedural discussion, Mayor Terry Gans told Whittall the commission would not be able to answer his question.

“Whatever the context, I am not sensing a consensus to give consideration along the lines you requested,” Gans said.  “I think that’s about it.”

New Longboat rules to affect Colony, building heights and rebuild rights

STEVE REID
Editor & Publisher
sreid@lbknews.com

How tall should the future Colony be? What if the Islander Club or Islands West or Sanctuary or Seaplace wishes to redevelop? Should they be allowed to rebuild at their current height? What should the setbacks be? What about the underlying density and number of units?

All of these questions and numerous other issues come into play in a land use ordinance the Town is considering on Monday afternoon, known as the Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance.

The stakes could not be higher.

The future look of the Key, the evolution of property values and the protection of development rights all intersect.

Right now, the proposed ordinance limits redevelopment of multi-family and tourism structures to a height of 65 feet. A month ago, the ordinance in an earlier form posited a maximum height of 80 feet. At issue is dozens of buildings on the south end of the island already exceed 80 feet and what their rights under the proposed ordinance would be, remain in question.

Adding to the crucible of contention is that Unicorp President Chuck Whittall, who has a redevelopment proposal in play, has gotten scores of Colony neighbors at the Aquarius and Tencom properties to agree to a redevelopment plan that proposes 80-foot buildings with increased setbacks.

 

Genesis of the effort

In 2015, the town Planning and Zoning Board and Town Commission sought to deal with the non-conforming properties on Longboat Key. These non-conformities were created in 1984 when voters down-zoned the Key to a maximum of six units per acre. A large percentage of properties then and now exceed that density, and some are now getting close to the age of needing redevelopment.

In 2008, voters approved a referendum allowing those properties to rebuild at their existing unit levels, but only to the cubic size of the existing units. The PUD ordinance being considered on Monday will allow an expansion of those rights to allow larger units at the current density levels with the primary restrictions being setback and height limitations.

Currently, the only way these properties can become conforming would be to rebuild at lower unit counts. The purpose of the PUD ordinance, according to its advocates,  is to allow them to rebuild, keep their units, and build something that makes sense in today’s market.

The debate over height was initially  resolved in the Planning and Zoning Board, which recommended a maximum of 80 feet over base flood elevation. That height would have allowed approximately seven stories over parking.

The Town Commission when it considered the ordinance on March 22, 2017, cut the height back to 65 feet. Sixty-five feet is the current maximum allowed without a PUD process.

Mayor Terry Gans said he is concerned with the idea of adopting a PUD ordinance that puts in a 65-foot restriction.

“The idea is to encourage innovative design and the restrictions are supposed to come from staff, the Planning Board and the Town Commission. I am very uncomfortable putting in a 65-foot restriction which is an arbitrary number and I’m afraid we will not be doing what is best for the island,” said Gans.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall said that Commissioner Jim Brown originally made the case for 80 feet in the Planning and Zoning Board and that he can build a superior redevelopment at the Colony with the additional height. His argument is that if he can build to 80 instead of 65 feet, he can increase setbacks to 70 feet on the sides of the Colony property and 185 feet from the erosion control line and 200 feet from Gulf of Mexico Drive, which he says will create greater buffers and landscaped areas. Whittall said today, without the PUD ordinance he can build 65 feet high with only 35-foot setbacks.

“The town will get a substantially better project. They should really consider treating projects over 15 acres separately in an ordinance rather than a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Whittall.

Whittall said his plan for the property after losing his request to add more density in a March 2017 referendum by more than 80 percent, is to build 103 residences and 165 hotel rooms. Whittall says this will create less traffic than the 237 hotel rooms allowed today, and he can pay the existing unit owners an agreed upon amount that has been approved by the Colony Association Board of Directors.

When asked if he can still accomplish his project within a 65-foot height limit, Whittall says “yes,” but the buildings will be situated far closer to Gulf of Mexico Drive and the neighboring properties and it will lack the same level of landscaping.

Over the past week, scores of Aquarius owners have written the town saying they no longer oppose Whittall’s plan and believe his latest proposal makes sense for them and the community.

Whittall, on the topic of building height, says there are over 59 buildings on Longboat Key that are 80 feet or taller. In his view it is a choice between going vertical or horizontal and that the neighbors at the Colony prefer increased setbacks and vegetative buffers.

 

Opposition in place

Other residents, including Carla and Pete Rowan of Keep Longboat Special, say they think residential development only on the site would be a better fit. Other residents, such as Roy Nevins, believe that 65 feet is reasonable and that a maximum 80-foot height, “would be a disaster for Longboat.”

The Longboat Key Commission has been flooded all week with letters supporting Whittall’s plan and his 80-foot height request as well as others opposing the measure.

It is anticipated the Monday meeting, which starts at 1 p.m., will be attended by residents arguing both sides of the issue.

Others have suggested that the town needs to spend more time considering the impact of the ordinance, and avoid the pressure to move forward with something that will define both the future of the Colony and many other redevelopment options on Longboat Key.

Colony developer and neighboring residents agree on plan for the property

A contract between the two parties includes “membership privileges” for immediate neighbors.
by: John McGuire Staff Writer

When the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort was in its 1970s heyday, Aquarius resident Frank Morneau remembers coming and going through a private entrance between the two properties to buy a morning paper or visit the dining areas. His children took tennis lessons at the resort.

In a contract obtained by the Longboat Observer, Unicorp National Developments and the Colony site’s next-door neighbors, the Tencon and Aquarius condominium communities, have reached an agreement to return similar perks if the resort comes to fruition.

In that same document, Unicorp details the proposed size and scope of the development and asks for the support of Tencon and Aquarius residents.

For Morneau, the contract represents nothing more than status quo.

“This isn’t something new,” Morneau said. “This isn’t something we were bribed with.”

Aquarius and Tencon residents attended a Town Commission meeting earlier this month to request commissioners amend the proposed planned unit development ordinance to allow Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp, to move forward with a plan for the Colony property that would have allowed buildings to reach a maximum height of 80 feet.

The commission had previously moved for a 65-foot height limit. In the end, commissioners decided to delay discussion of the ordinance to further examine the issue.

While residents such as Morneau and Tencon Beach Association President Dennis Haley spoke in favor of Whittall’s plan, speakers such as Tom Meurer, Preserve Longboat vice president and Players Club resident, advised commissioners that the town’s greater good was at stake.

“It does have financial benefits to those two condominiums,” Meurer said.

The contract, dated April 26, lays out details of Unicorp’s new plan for the property. According to the contract, the plan will include no more than 103 residential units and no more than 165 hotel units. It also says the tallest building will not exceed 80 feet. Whittall initially sought 12-story buildings.

Further, Unicorp will construct no buildings within 70 feet of property lines, or closer than 185 feet of the beachside erosion control line. The deal also states that the ballroom will be limited to 15,000 square feet, a 25% decrease from the original proposal.

The contract also states Tencon and Aquarius will “use their best reasonable efforts” to write letters to the Town Commission in support of Unicorp’s plan, as well as attend meetings of the Town Commission and Planning and Zoning Board when Unicorp’s Development Plan or the PUD ordinance is on the agenda.

“Membership privileges” for Aquarius and Tencon residents are included in the document, meaning residents of the two condominiums will have access to the future resort’s spas, pools, restaurants, fitness centers and beach amenities, among other services. While residents will not need to pay membership fees, they will still be billed for costs accrued while using those services.

The contract was signed by Whittall, Haley and David Marsh, president of the condominium association at Aquarius.

Asked about these membership privileges, Haley, like Morneau, said these benefits have long been part of the relationship between the Colony property and its neighbors.

“It was never a determining factor,” Haley said.

Morneau, Haley and Marsh said the setbacks were the biggest positive in the contract.

Haley said Tencon’s condo board gave him permission to negotiate the terms outlined in the contract, though he noted that some residents did not approve of the plan. Morneau said Aquarius residents were kept informed about negotiations “in minute detail” with meetings, emails and phone calls.

Both Morneau and Marsh said, by the end of negotiations, all residents were agreeable to the terms, with the exception of one resident whom they couldn’t reach.

Morneau said Whittall initially contacted residents of the two condos to negotiate Unicorp’s new plan, but Morneau said the final contract was written by a legal team representing the condo associations.

Marsh said he’s tired of the weathered Colony property neighboring his residence.

“It looks like a fair deal,” Marsh said. “It’s much better than what we had before.”

Chuck Whittall Ready to Move Ahead with Proposal for Colony Property

The developer said he will comply with Longboat Key’s 65-foot height limit.

by: John McGuire Staff Writer

June 26.

That’s when Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments, says he intends to deliver a new proposal for the former Colony Beach and Tennis Resort.

Number of units? Between 237 and 268, split between residential condos and tourism units. His initial proposal called for more than 400 units.

Layout? Less open space than originally proposed.

Maximum height? 65 feet over elevation. The initial proposal called for 12 stories, and Whittall previously said he wanted 80 feet over elevation.

“We’re still going to build an exceptional resort,” Whittall said, adding his offer of between $130,000 and $200,000 for Colony unit owners will remain.

Whittall spoke Monday at the Town Commission meeting, at which discussion and an initial vote on an ordinance that includes height limits for new construction on Longboat Key were planned.

But commissioners held off, saying they needed more time to consider all the angles of a Planned Unit Development ordinance, including building heights.

“I can’t do anything but think about this,” Commissioner Jim Brown, an architect, said. “I’m not sure we’re ready to move this forward. This has so many flaws in it.”

One of these flaws, Brown said, is the use of the term “PUD,” which he said will give future developers the wrong impression.

“We’re not flexible enough — and I don’t think we want to be flexible enough — to call these PUDs,” Brown said.

Commissioner Randy Clair said he thinks it would be beneficial for commissioners to examine the wants and needs of property owners before advancing.

“I’d like to have that type of input into our thinking as to whether or not we are addressing the issues that our property owners are concerned with,” Clair said.

Mayor Terry Gans summed up: “What I’m hearing is that the commission has more work to do,” Gans said. “We don’t have our arms around it yet.”

Still, Whittall said he is optimistic. “The reason I’m encouraged is now we have some direction.”

The ordinance , which will now be the focus of a single-topic workshop, includes proposed amendments to the town’s zoning code for planned-unit developments, or PUDs, which are designed to encourage redevelopment of properties through a voluntary zoning process. It’s designed as a means for developments that don’t comply with zoning rules to redevelop into compliance. Existing buildings that exceed the height limit would be allowed to remain as tall.

At a meeting in February, the Planning and Zoning Board recommended allowing an 80-foot height limit for new buildings, as long as buildings were set back 2.5 times the height of the building from Gulf of Mexico Drive. In other words, an 80-foot building would have to be no closer than 200 feet from GMD.

But at a workshop meeting in March, the Town Commission rejected the Planning and Zoning Board’s plan and returned to the town’s 65-foot benchmark.

At the beginning of the meeting, residents of Aquarius and TenCon, the two condominiums neighboring the Colony property, spoke in support of the 80-foot limit to allow Whittall to proceed.

June Haley of TenCon called the state of the Colony “an eyesore” and “an embarrassment.”

Haley urged commissioners to return to the Planning and Zoning Board-recommended 80-foot limit.

“If the commissioners do not reconsider, I dread the thought that we may be faced with many more years of this blight on our community,” Haley said.

Members of community groups like Keep Longboat Special and Preserve Longboat, meanwhile, urged the commission to maintain the 65-foot height limit.

Tom Meurer, vice president of Preserve Longboat, expressed the group’s familiar concerns, including building sizes and the potential traffic caused by Unicorp’s vision for the Colony property.

Meurer stressed that all members of his organization are permanent Key residents.

“We are not snowbirds. We are not renters,” Meurer said. “We are not hotel guests. We are not developers. We’re proud of that.”

Colony developer has agreed to new terms with unit owners, Colony Association president says

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall met with members of the Colony Association on Wednesday.
by: John McGuire Staff Writer

In an email to Colony Beach and Tennis Resort unit owners, Colony Association President Jay Yablon said the property’s developer has agreed to pay owners the originally proposed amount for their units and dismiss legal disputes involving the association.

In a March 14 referendum, Longboat Key voters denied Unicorp National Developments’ original proposal for the property, which included adding 180 residential units to the property’s existing 237 tourism units. Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp, had initially offered owners between $130,000 and $200,000 per unit, but after the referendum results were announced, Whittall said that offer would need to be lowered.

“Obviously with us losing the density we had sought after, it changes the value of the property,” Whittall said the morning after the election. “If you can build less on it, it’s worth less.”

Upon hearing the results, Whittall offered $50,000 per unit to any owner who would be willing to sell immediately. According to Yablon, that’s no longer the case.

Yablon and other members of the Colony Association’s development committee met with Whittall on Wednesday April 19. In his email to unit owners following the meeting, Yablon said that Whittall had revived his initial offer.

“I am very pleased to advise you that Chuck has agreed to keep intact, without any reductions, the consideration paid and all other benefits provided to the unit owners under the present development agreement,” Yablon wrote.

Further, Yablon said Whittall had agreed to dismiss the appeal of the recent recreational lease ruling in exchange for the Colony Association waiving its sanctions recovery, “resulting in final closure of those disputes with no further legal costs.”

As of Friday afternoon, Whittall had not returned calls from The Longboat Observer seeking comment.

Yablon said the committee will schedule a public board meeting in the near future to discuss these new developments.

“It will be the committee’s recommendation to the board and to the owners to continue the present development agreement with Unicorp, as necessarily amended to address these positive changes,” Yablon wrote.

Yablon shared the email with members of the Longboat Key Town Commission, noting that the agreement comes “less than two weeks shy of the tenth anniversary of the first lawsuit at the Colony.”

“We look forward to your assistance and cooperation in finally bringing the Colony back to life with the help of Unicorp and Charles Whittall, whom I expect will remain our business partner of choice in this undertaking,” Yablon told the commission.

New $65M-plus Lake Mary luxury apartments to go vertical this summer

Dirt is moving on a site being primed for a $65 million-plus luxury apartment complex in Lake Mary’s now-developing Midtown district.

Altamonte Springs-based Roger B. Kennedy Construction expects to begin vertical construction in June on Drake at Midtown, an upscale, five-story, 263-unit apartment community that’s part of Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s $200 million Griffin Farms at Midtown mixed-use development.

DeWitt Excavating Inc. in Winter Garden began site work in late February on the site, which surrounds Wheelhouse Lane south of West Lake Mary Boulevard. Maitland-based Slocum Plattts Architects PA is the architect on the project, which is scheduled for a June 2018 completion.

Drake at Midtown will include two clubhouses:

Other community amenities are a 2,180-square-foot swimming pool with spa, built-in gas grills, seating areas, fire pit, oversized checker board, bocce ball court and fountain.

Subcontractors and vendors interested in working on the project are asked to visit Roger B. Kennedy Construction’s online bidroom.

Griffin Farms at Midtown, being developed by Unicorp and Orlando-based Project Finance & Development LLC, also will include a $20 million, 150,000-square-foot specialty grocer-anchored shopping center — possibly a Trader Joe’s— along with a five-level parking garage and Griffin Park, a 128-home, gated “Baldwin Park-like” luxury residential community by David Weekley Homes — the last of which was an honoree for Orlando Business Journal’s inaugural Residential Real Estate Awards.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Griffin Farms at Midtown was held in October on the former cow pasture sandwiched between the city’s two big job centers. The project is expected to create nearly 2,000 temporary construction jobs and 415 permanent jobs, as previously reported by OBJ.

It’s also bringing a much-needed mix of housing to Lake Mary, a fast-growing business hub with big-name employers like Verizon Communications Inc.(NYSE: VZ), Deloitte, AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Kroger Co.’s (NYSE: KR) related Axium Healthcare Pharmacy Inc.

Read more of OBJ’s previous coverage of Griffin Farms at Midtown and come back to OrlandoBusinessJournal.com for updates.

Colony Fate Drives Election Interest

A plan to redevelop the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort site on Longboat Key has inspired huge political interest on the barrier island. Alongside elections for two seats on the Longboat Key Town Commission, voters on Tuesday will decide on a ballot question about a proposal from Unicorp National Developments that could mean the construction of a new hotel and luxury condo project at the former hospitality destination. But since the plan would also call for higher density than ever existed on that land in the past, much less what Longboat Key town code would allow today, voters may send everything back to the drawing board.

The Colony introduced many a Longboat Key resident to the island in the first place. “The Colony had an uncanny ability to attract new people to the area,” recalls Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, “and we miss that to this day.”

Certainly, public interest in the site has led to historic political participation. By the time early voting closed on Saturday, 38.8 percent of registered voters in the Sarasota County portion of Longboat Key had voted early or absentee (Manatee County did not publish results this weekend). By comparison, a town election in March 2015 drew out 30.61 percent of voters. This is before polls even open on Tuesday, and Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections says the Colony plan is the likely reason for the high interest.

A website from Unicorp, which includes artist renderings and scenic videos of the prospective project, showcases the potential final results. If the referendum were approved, it would increase density on the property to add 180 residention units, creating a density of 24.11 unites per acre or 417 total units. Unicorp has announced plans to develop 18 luxury residences, 180 hotel rooms, a 20,000-square-foot spa, a resort restaurant and amenities including a ballroom, tennis club, lazy river and multiple pools. The plans also call for including such beloved sites as the historic hotel’s Monkey Bar from the historic hotel, which closed in 2010.

The plan, though, raised raised concerns among many islands because of a significant increase in density. Peter Rowan, the registered agent for the Preserve Longboat political action committee, notes that the old Colony project had 237 units on property compared to the 417 in the current plan. Rowan says for a new project not grandfathered in before the 1984 code, only 103 properties would be allowed on property. To stick to The Colony’s original density might not draw ire, but the expansion seems excessive. “I don’t think residents here want Miami Beach-kinds of hotels and condos lining Gulf of Mexico Drive,” he says.

Unicorp representatives have told town officials they need not develop at the maximum allowable density proposed in the referendum, and could scale back on hotel rooms and building heights to allay neighbor concerns. Tourism officials now await the results, knowing it’s residents who will ultimately get the final say. “You have to live on Longboat to understand Longboat,” says Haley. “Whether this is the exact proposal or if it needs tweaks, I believe in my heart that Longboat Key needs the Colony. Any barrier island destination needs to continually reintroduce itself so new people fall in love.”

Polls will be open Tuesday on Longboat Key from 7am to 7pm. Commission elections will be held in Sarasota and North Port the same day.

Colony developer reaffirms his lower density promise

Chuck Whittall hopes a statement to town staff will ease concerns of Longboat Key residents.
by: John McGuire Staff Writer

Chuck Whittall on Thursday told city leaders what his new intentions are regarding the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property.

In an email to Longboat Key Town Manager Dave Bullock and Planning, Zoning and Building Director Alaina Ray, the Unicorp National Developments president affirmed specifics regarding his proposed project’s height and density.

“I wanted to go on record with the town and state as I have in several public meetings that we will not request any more than nine stories in height and we will not request any more than an additional 150 residential units,” Whittall wrote.

Whittall’s statement comes less than one week before Key residents vote on a referendum that will either approve or disapprove the developer’s original proposal for the property: the addition of 180 residential units to the Colony’s existing 237 tourism units.

The original proposal also included buildings that reached a maximum height of 12 stories.

In the email, Whittall mentioned that Key residents have questioned his intention to move forward with the lower density proposal, should the referendum win approval, and he hopes his statement will quash these concerns.

“I wanted to tell the public and make this of record,” he wrote.

Whittall announced his intention to decrease the height and density of his project two weeks ago, saying that his decision was influenced by conversations he’s had with concerned Key residents at more than a dozen public meetings.

Political action committee Preserve Longboat Key Inc. hosted a presentation regarding the future of the Colony property at the Longboat Key Club and Resort on Monday evening. The PAC is responsible for frequent emails to Key voters, as well as signs placed up and down the Key, urging residents to vote “no” on the referendum.

During the event, PAC members reinforced the fact that the referendum will approve or deny Unicorp’s original proposal of 180 units, regardless of what the developer’s expressed intentions for the property are.

Election day is Tuesday March 14.

Whittall scales back Colony plan prior to vote

In an eleventh hour change, Unicorp President Chuck Whittall said that after listening to residents at his public forums he will lower the height of the buildings from 12 stories to 9 stories and reduce the number of condominium units from 180 to 108 in his proposed Colony redevelopment plan.

This change in numbers comes only two weeks before Longboat Key residents vote on the Colony density referendum on March 14.

Whittall said he now intends for no building to exceed nine stories and said he thinks keeping the buildings at a height of eight to 9 stories will keep better with the character of the Key, as will reducing the number of condominium units from 180 to 108.

Whittall and his associates held over 12 public forums with residents informing them about the project and he said that this decision is based on the feedback he’s received from the community.

The developer has also confirmed that he will not sell the property if the referendum does not pass. Instead, he will start over with new proposed resort plan.

Kennedy starts work on Unicorp’s Lake Mary apartments

Lake Mary’s Griffin Farms at Midtown project has moved forward with Altamonte Springs-based Roger B. Kennedy Construction starting work on Drake Midtown Apartments being developed by Unicorp National Developments Inc.

Valued at $65 million, the apartments at 114 Longwood Lake Mary Road are the newest addition to Unicorp’s Griffin Farms at Midtown retail project. The hub is planned for 150,000 square feet of restaurants, shops and other uses.

Slocum Platts Architects designed the new residential project, which includes 263 units and two clubhouses. Completion is slated for June 2018.

Goldman Sachs Bank USA provided financing. The Drake project will mark over 1,000 apartment units constructed in partnership between Roger B. Kennedy Construction and Unicorp National Developments during the past four years and including Zen Luxury Living Apartments next to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando.

CBRE Arranges $36.1M Financing for Unicorp

The 258-unit Zen Living community is more than 75 percent leased.
Zen Luxury Living, Windermere, Fla.

Orlando, Fla.—Unicorp National Developments Inc. closed a $36.1 million permanent loan on their latest apartment development, the 258-unit Zen Luxury Living in Windermere, Fla. The nonrecourse, low interest rate, 10-year term loan includes the first seven years interest only with a 30-year amortization thereafter. Zac Brumbaugh, vice president with CBRE’s debt and structured finance group in Orlando, arranged the loan with one of CBRE’s correspondent life company lenders.

“We arranged a very competitive loanit was highly contested among many of our exclusive life company correspondent lendersand Unicorp ultimately selected the terms that were best-suited for their goals and desired structure. We specifically worked with our life companies that compete well on pre-stabilized multifamily, with the ability to lock rate and close very early in lease-up when banks and other lenders cannot,” Brumbaugh said in prepared remarks.

According to Yardi Matrix, Zen Luxury Living includes one-, two- and three-bedroom units with above standard ceiling height. The property features common amenities such as an ambient zen garden, outdoor lagoon lounge, sauna, steam room and on-site spa with massage rooms. Zen has already been more than 75 percent leased at a rate of two units per day and for an average rent of $1,744, as stated by Yardi Matrix. The community was completed this year, after KeyBank provided a $30.2 million construction loan for the project in 2015, according to the same residential report.

Colony developer releases traffic study

An analysis shows the proposal to redevelop the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort will reduce traffic. But how, exactly?
by: Alex Mahadevan News Innovation Editor

In front of more than 45 people gathered for a public forum last week, Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall rolled out a surprising tidbit: The proposed $1 billion redevelopment of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort will mean fewer cars on the road.

Specifically, 37 fewer during the peak traffic time of 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“Our project will actually help traffic, not hurt traffic,” he said at Temple Beth Israel on Thursday.

Whittall is conducting a series of informational forums around Longboat Key in anticipation of a March 14 referendum to pursue more density for the Colony redevelopment project. At last week’s session, Whittall discussed a roughly $6,000 traffic study by engineering firm Kimley-Horn and Associates, the results of which also were posted on the Colony webpage.

But how does the study come to its less-traffic-on-the-road conclusions?

For one, the analysis includes the 180 condominiums for which Unicorp is applying for a density increase to accommodate. The site is already entitled to 237 hotel rooms, and although the Colony has been closed for six years, those numbers aren’t taken into consideration in traffic studies.

“Usually when you have entitlements on a property, it’s already accounted for,” Whittall said after the meeting. “Even though you may not feel it on the road today, it is accounted for, so we’re really just accounting for those trips that we’ll add.”

Representatives from the Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force, which is spearheading efforts to push the Florida Department of Transportation to implement short- and long-term traffic solutions, declined to comment on the study.

“It’s in our best interest to handle traffic,” Whittall said. “If guests come here, and it’s a miserable experience, they’re not going to come back.”

As for the condos, Kimley-Horn used methods from the Institute for Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual to determine that the residential portion of the development would add 97 trips to Gulf of Mexico Drive during the peak afternoon hours.

But, thanks to several investments Unicorp plans — called traffic demand management strategies — that number drops by 134 cars.

Whittall has plans for a fixed-route trolley for all island residents that will run the length of Longboat and a shuttle service that will be available to pick up guests from the airport. Also, the resort will charge for parking, which Kimley-Horn engineers say will reduce new trips 27% compared with a free-parking arrangement.

And not included in the study: Whittall promised attendees at the meeting he would pay for improvements to the intersection of Cortez Road and 119th Street, such as a dedicated lane that would only stop for pedestrians to keep traffic flowing.

“In terms of a private entity paying for improvements, they would do this through our permitting process,” said FDOT spokesman Robin Stublen. “It happens all the time.”

Still, using the same methodology Kimley-Horn used on the study finds that 237 hotel rooms would add about 142 trips during the afternoon rush. That would mean 105 new vehicles on the road from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

But Whittall said he would also use his relationship with Gov. Rick Scott, which he forged while developing other Unicorp projects worth $3 billion, to influence the expediency of traffic improvements.

“When you build projects of this magnitude, you get a voice because you’re spending a lot of money,” he said.

Colony developer cuts height of proposed buildings

Chuck Whittall said the decision is based on the concerns of Longboat Key residents.
by: John McGuire Staff Writer

Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall has reduced the heights of the buildings and number of condominiums in his proposal for the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property, he told the Longboat Observer Friday morning.

The decision comes two weeks before Longboat Key voters consider the property in a density referendum on March 14.

The developer had previously planned for buildings on his proposed five-star resort to reach 12 stories, but now he intends for no building to exceed nine stories. Whittall said he believes buildings with a height of “eight to nine stories” will keep with the character of the Key. He also said he plans to reduce the condominium units from 180 to 108.

Whittall has held more than a dozen informational meetings with Key residents about the property, and he noted that his decision reflects the response he’s received from the community.

“We’ve heard the town’s concerns,” Whittall said. “And we’re addressing those concerns.”

The Key’s Planning and Zoning Board members approved language this week in an ordinance that allows additional height — up to 80 feet over elevation — for new buildings, as long as buildings are set back 2.5 times the height of the building from Gulf of Mexico Drive. The recommendation now heads to the Town Commission for discussion and final consideration. Whittall hopes the board will consider making the language concerning height in the ordinance story-based rather than foot-based.

Whittall reaffirmed he will not sell the property if the referendum does not pass. Instead, he said his company will “go back to the drawing board” and begin the process of a new proposal.

If it the referendum does pass, Whittall said, Unicorp will move forward with the newly proposed lower buildings.

“We have listened, and that’s what the community wants,” said Unicorp Senior Vice President Amy Schuemann. “That’s why we’re lowering the buildings.”

Whittall believes his proposal of condos, in addition to 237 tourism units, will have little impact on Key traffic, but he estimates his resort will generate $500,000 a month in property tax revenue.

Whittall said he’s “excited” for the referendum and remains hopeful that it will pass.

Strategy for Whittall

If you put yourself in Chuck Whittall’s shoes, you can understand his Colony proposal: He’s trying to please a lot of constituents. To succeed, we propose a new approach.
by: Observer Staff

Don’t fall in love with the dirt.

That’s always the advice of the most astute real estate dealmakers.

But we’re all human. And sometimes we can’t resist. Our emotions get the better of us.

And then, alas, if you find yourself in love with the dirt, or in love with the deal, you can end up tangled in costly, stomach-twisting, spaghetti-like business quandaries.

Chuck Whittall, owner of Unicorp Development, the would-be redeveloper of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, surely knows this feeling.

He really likes Longboat Key. Last June, he paid $4.2 million for a unit at the new Aria condominium. That was after he purchased 15 units at the Colony for $875,000 this past fall. In his pursuit of redeveloping the Colony property, he agreed to purchase for between $23 million and $24 million 2.3 acres of Colony property and all of Murf Klauber’s former assets from the entity known as Colony Lender. All that is on top of the legal fees that add up quickly when drawing up purchase and development agreements.

Whittall is in deep. And apparently, the Colony project, the Colony’s extraordinary beachfront real estate, is so alluring that developer Whittall cannot resist the challenge to do what others haven’t been able to do: make everyone happy and develop the new jewel of the West Coast of Florida, the new jewel of Longboat Key.

But he has met reality: six constituencies he must please.

It’s an extraordinary business challenge.

The six he must please:

  • The owners of the 237 units of the former Colony. Altogether, as an association, they own title to their vacation units and 15 of the 18 acres of Colony property. To be able to redevelop the property, Whittall must be able to offer them an attractive price — and maybe free vacation time — to persuade them to sell their units and the underlying property.

But his price has limits. If he wants to make a profit himself, he cannot offer them too much. If he’s too low, the unit owners will reject him.

That explains his proposal for what seems like the maximum amount — 180 new residential units and 417 residential and hotel units altogether, almost twice the number of units as existed at the old Colony.

He needs that number of units to generate the cash to pay what he has offered Colony unit owners — $130,000 to $200,000 per unit.

  • Andy Adams, the Tennessee entrepreneur who made his fortune developing and operating senior living centers and a longtime, avid tennis player at the Colony.

Adams ultimately will decide whether Whittall is the developer. Adams controls enough units (69)  that his approval is required for anyone to go forward.

Whittall must either buy Adams’ units, or make a deal that pays Adams for some of his units and keeps Adams on as a partner. If you’ve followed Adams’ business career, you can expect he wants a return on his 10-year investment in Colony units. We’ve been told his number is between $20 million and $30 million.

Adams’ price is another reason Whittall wants the 417 units.

  • Longboat Key voters. As most Longboaters probably know, Whittall needs voter approval to increase Longboat Key’s residential density. His proposed addition of 180 units are crucial to Whittall’s financial success.

Without voter approval, logic says Whittall likely will be forced to lower his buyout offers to Adams and unit owners. What happens then?

If they reject his offer, the Colony association and unit owners could opt to seek a new developer, leaving Whittall the owner of 2.3 acres of Colony property, the owner of 15 Colony units and a mortgage to pay off Colony Lender. That’s it.

  • The Longboat Key Town Commission. Let’s put it this way: Longboat town commissioners are not in an accommodating mood with Whittall and the Colony Association board.

Go back five-and-a-half years. That’s when the Town Commission approved the first of six extensions to the Colony Association, delaying the town from declaring the Colony an abandoned property and taking away its entitlement to 237 grandfathered tourism units.

Assuming Whittall wins voter approval for 180 new residential units and unit owners’ approval to be their developer, which is still pending, he and the association would then need the Town Commission’s approval to develop his five-star, five-building, high-rise complex.

  • Bankers, investors, financiers. If Whittall were to clear all of these hurdles, one of the final constituents to please would be the people who would lend and invest the money necessary to develop. They would want their share of the pie.
  •  And the final constituent to please: Whittall himself. Every concession made along the way presumably reduces Whittall’s return on investment. At some point, it won’t make economic sense.

What would you do?

WIN HEARTS, MINDS, TRUST

Far be it from us to be the experts, but we’ve seen enough on Longboat Key to know what works and what doesn’t. Which is why last week in this space we took the unusual position for this newspaper to recommend a “no” vote March 14 on the Colony referendum.

Customarily, we are staunch advocates of property rights — of owners having the right to determine their property’s highest and best use, as they see fit, so long as they do not inflict economic or physical harm on their neighbors.

In spite of that philosophy, we made the unusual conclusion that Whittall and Unicorp’s proposal for additional density should be rejected. And we did so on the basis that Unicorp’s proposed complex doesn’t fit and is out of scale. We said Whittall should have asked for less.

While we understand Whittall’s economic and business dilemmas — as outlined above — we also have observed Longboat Key long enough to know that winning voter and Town Commission support is a process. A process of winning hearts, minds and trust. And especially not appearing to be greedy.

COMPROMISE WILL BE REQUIRED

Indeed, if Whittall wants to win the support of Longboat voters and the Town Commission, here’s what we would advise:

Tell Longboat Key residents you have heard them — loud and clear at your public meetings. You heard them tell you the renderings show a development that they believe is out of scale for the Key. Apologize for not listening and seeking their suggestions, ideas and wishes first — before creating any drawings or plans.

Tell everyone you don’t expect voters to approve the density request, and in spite of that, tell them you’re going to regroup, start over and come back with a better plan.

But before you do that, you’re going to make the rounds. Go to the residents and voters. Go to every condo association; every church and temple’s men’s and women’s clubs; Kiwanis; Rotary; the Garden Club; historical society; Longbeach Village; the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. Ask questions. Listen. Learn.

Attend commission meetings. Get to know the commissioners.

Don’t brag. Don’t boast. Don’t make big promises. Be honest. Earn trust.

Then take what you’ve heard and come back with a new plan. Test it. Build support for it in all the places you visited before. And then formally propose it.

Likewise, if this is what is to be required of Whittall, Longboaters must also be realistic. Rejecting everything or wishing for what the Colony used to be is not an option.

What’s more, Longboaters also must understand that in today’s development world, another reality is this: To develop a four- or five-star resort into an economically viable venture typically requires a residential component. You see it often — the Vue and Westin hotel in downtown Sarasota; the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and Ritz condos.

If Longboat is to remain Longboat, today’s marketplace demands and financial realities will require compromises. The days of the Colony bungalows are gone; 237 small tourist units are not economically feasible. Inevitably, the Colony property must be bigger. At the same time, no one involved should expect to get everything he wants. The final product must make sense for every constituency.

What’s the definition of a good deal? When everyone feels it’s a fair deal.

Whittall fields tough questions on Colony resort plan

STEVE REID
Editor & Publisher
sreid@lbknews.com

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall has spent the last two weeks presenting his company’s Colony redevelopment plan to hundreds of Longboat Key residents.

This effort is critical on many levels for Whittall because the success of his proposal is contingent on gaining voter approval in March to add 180 residential units to the already allowed 237 tourism units on the historic 17.3-acre Colony site.

Whittall points out in his presentation that his contract with the Colony Association of Unit Owners can only be fulfilled with the money generated through what he refers to as a five-star resort with a residential component.

Much of the discussion and presentation centers on how Unicorp will both address the traffic it generates from its project as well as how critical dollars generated through the redevelopment will directly fund several traffic “fixes” that have been suggested by the Town of Longboat Key as well as community organizations.

At a community meeting held Wednesday night at the Temple Beth Israel, the presentation opens with a video that features Whittall talking about the Colony and what it meant to Longboat Key in the past and presents his vision for the future. This is depicted through renderings and a virtual drone which flies around the property showing three residential towers 10 stories high, a hotel also 11 stories high and a fifth fractionally owned building, which is proposed at five stories.

The conversation then talks about what constitutes a five-star resort, and essentially it comes down to the level of build quality, landscaping and the mandates required by a luxury brand such as the Four Seasons and St. Regis hotels.

Whittall then stressed that the Longboat Key public can go anywhere on the site including the spa, restaurants as well as the remade Monkey Bar.

The 180 residential units, says Whittall, would start at 2,500 square feet and be priced between $2.5 and $8 million.

Whittall said that voters should not underestimate the investment and cost involved in bringing existing unit owners on board and accepting his contract and that if he succeeds in gaining voter approval in March, it will allow him to bring the only five-star resort on the West Coast of Florida with the exception of the Naples Ritz-Carlton which was built 31 years ago.

“There is a void for a five-star resort in this market and it will allow us to bring a type of guest currently not coming,” said Whittall.

Whittall then detailed the traffic “fixes” that he says he “adopted” because he can help pay for them. These include adding a lane in Cortez at the 119th Street light so eastbound traffic does not back up to the Bradenton Beach traffic circle and ultimately Longboat Key.

Another fix he hopes to fund are pedestrian crossing signals at St. Armands Circle. Yet another solution involves light synchronization at the congested intersections between the Ringling Bridge and Fruitville Road.

Whittall said that the Colony Association of Unit Owners considered seven other developers and none were successful because the “numbers would not work.”

Residents had concerns and voiced support.

Resident and Planning and Zoning Board member BJ Bishop asked if the current Zoning Code would allow his plan to be built.

Whittall replied that the town is currently developing a Planned Unit Development (PUD) process. He added that, “In 98 percent of the United States, the Planned Unit Development Process is an open negotiation.”

Whittall said that the town commission’s consideration of the PUD ordinance will not occur until after the March vote.

The hotel that is proposed will be set back 500 feet from Gulf of Mexico Drive and the closest building to the thoroughfare, the five-story fractional, will be set back 90 feet.

“Our setbacks are 1.5 times what the current code allows,” said Whittall.

Next Whittall said his traffic study, which was conducted by Kimley-Horn, showed that Whittall’s strategy to manage traffic through the proposed improvements as well as an island-wide trolley will offset the traffic his development generates and improve travel times to and from Longboat Key.

“To fix traffic costs money and the things that can be fixed have not because the dollars have not been spent,” said Whittall. Whittall said he cannot all of the regional traffic problems, but the proposals are realistic and will more than offset what his development plan will generate. Whittall said that the rooms in the proposed resort will rent for between $1,000 and $1,500 per night. He said that the cost to build the hotel will be about $150 million and that the residential component makes that possible.

It is the Town Charter of Longboat Key that requires voters to approve any additional density on the property. The existing 237 tourism units were grandfathered by the town commission to preserve the historic Colony use and prevent the site from reverting to the underlying zoning of six units per acre.

Even though the resort has been closed for nearly seven years, the town has failed to either rezone the property, or set up land development rules to allow or encourage the kind of resort or redevelopment it wishes to see on the site.

That is why the PUD process is being considered, but such an ordinance is not legally supposed to be site-specific in its application.

Whittall said he will continue his effort to present his plan to the voters and he hopes his traffic strategies offset the concern residents have for a redevelopment plan.

Unicorp Receives Colony Development Extension

Gov. Rick Scott’s executive order following Hurricane Matthew allows the developer until February 2019 to start work on the shuttered resort.
by: Alex Mahadevan News Innovation Editor

Unicorp National Developments has another eight months to take advantage of all of its 237 tourism units in the redevelopment of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort thanks to Hurricane Matthew.

On Friday, Planning, Zoning and Building Director Alaina Ray confirmed in a letter that Unicorp will now have until Feb. 28, 2019, to develop using 129 of its grandfathered units.

That’s because the Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency due to the tropical system in October, triggering a state statute that extends development orders if requested. The Town Commission in September originally granted an extension of the grandfathered units through June 30, 2018.

The extension is routinely sought by developers, but would give Unicorp a buffer as it works its way through the town’s development process, which includes a March 14 referendum to request more density, as well as multiple Town Commission public hearings.

Unicorp needs the grandfathered units for vision for a 180-unit hotel, 57 fractional-ownership units and an additional 180 condominiums, for which the town is holding the referendum.

Colony Developer Releases Traffic Study

An analysis shows the proposal to redevelop the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort will reduce traffic. But how, exactly?
by: Alex Mahadevan News Innovation Editor

In front of more than 45 people gathered for a public forum last week, Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall rolled out a surprising tidbit: The proposed $1 billion redevelopment of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort will mean fewer cars on the road.

Specifically, 37 fewer during the peak traffic time of 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“Our project will actually help traffic, not hurt traffic,” he said at Temple Beth Israel on Thursday.

Whittall is conducting a series of informational forums around Longboat Key in anticipation of a March 14 referendum to pursue more density for the Colony redevelopment project. At last week’s session, Whittall discussed a roughly $6,000 traffic study by engineering firm Kimley-Horn and Associates, the results of which also were posted on the Colony webpage.

But how does the study come to its less-traffic-on-the-road conclusions?

For one, the analysis includes the 180 condominiums for which Unicorp is applying for a density increase to accommodate. The site is already entitled to 237 hotel rooms, and although the Colony has been closed for six years, those numbers aren’t taken into consideration in traffic studies.

“Usually when you have entitlements on a property, it’s already accounted for,” Whittall said after the meeting. “Even though you may not feel it on the road today, it is accounted for, so we’re really just accounting for those trips that we’ll add.”

Representatives from the Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force, which is spearheading efforts to push the Florida Department of Transportation to implement short- and long-term traffic solutions, declined to comment on the study.

“It’s in our best interest to handle traffic,” Whittall said. “If guests come here, and it’s a miserable experience, they’re not going to come back.”

As for the condos, Kimley-Horn used methods from the Institute for Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual to determine that the residential portion of the development would add 97 trips to Gulf of Mexico Drive during the peak afternoon hours.

But, thanks to several investments Unicorp plans — called traffic demand management strategies — that number drops by 134 cars.

Whittall has plans for a fixed-route trolley for all island residents that will run the length of Longboat and a shuttle service that will be available to pick up guests from the airport. Also, the resort will charge for parking, which Kimley-Horn engineers say will reduce new trips 27% compared with a free-parking arrangement.

And not included in the study: Whittall promised attendees at the meeting he would pay for improvements to the intersection of Cortez Road and 119th Street, such as a dedicated lane that would only stop for pedestrians to keep traffic flowing.

“In terms of a private entity paying for improvements, they would do this through our permitting process,” said FDOT spokesman Robin Stublen. “It happens all the time.”

Still, using the same methodology Kimley-Horn used on the study finds that 237 hotel rooms would add about 142 trips during the afternoon rush. That would mean 105 new vehicles on the road from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

But Whittall said he would also use his relationship with Gov. Rick Scott, which he forged while developing other Unicorp projects worth $3 billion, to influence the expediency of traffic improvements.

“When you build projects of this magnitude, you get a voice because you’re spending a lot of money,” he said.

Colony future in hands of voters, Town

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall has been at work this year to coalese his development plan for the Colony. He’s been meeting with the Town Commission in an effort to put part of the plan before voters in March 2017 via referendum. The referendum will ask voters whether an additional 180 residential units be assigned for the property as well as the already allotted 237 tourism units that exist.

Whittall also needs approval from not just the Longboat Key voters, but needs approval from the Colony Unit Owners to move forward with his redevelopment plan. He will need 90 percent of the unit owners to vote for his proposal to dissolve theCondominium Association. As of Dec. 5, Whittall reportedly received 119 ‘Yes’ votes and 36 ‘No’ votes from unit owners.

In mathematical terms, that does not leave him on track to receive more than 90 percent of the vote, which is what he needs for his deal with the unit owners to move forward.

One owner, Andy Adams, has a controlling block of votes due to his ownership of 70-plus units and therefore can dictate the outcome.

In fact, Adams submitted 30 ‘No’ votes in November, which would on its face kill Whittall’s proposal. Whittall and Adams then communicated and Adams has agreed with Unicorp to continue negotiations. Adams has written to Whittall a letter voicing support regarding the passage of the referendum in March. Whittall has represented to Longboat Key News that he is confident he and Adams will ultimately reach an agreement.

The value of Adams’ 70-plus units if he were to simply agree with Whittall’s proposal is approximately $13 million. Longboat Key News has been informed that Adams is seeking a number anywhere between $13 million and $25 million. What Adams and owners demand for their properties and what Whittall can afford to pay is directly related to whether Longboat Key voters and the Town Commission going along with the redevelopment plan.

Whittall plans to address traffic concerns through a trolley system he will provide as well as utilizing residential units that he said will likely be second, third or fourth homes in the luxury condominium market.

Meanwhile, the town of Longboat Key is in the middle of writing a Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance (see Town Codes section) that will directly affect and set parameters on any redevelopment proposal. Despite the resort being closed for six years, the town has neither rezoned the property or set up land development rules to allow or encourage the kind of resort or redevelopment it wishes to see on the site.

The following final approved referendum language will be provided to both Sarasota and Manatee County Supervisor of Elections offices for placement on the March 14, 2017 ballot.

LONGBOAT KEY DENSITY REFERENDUM QUESTION:

May the Town allow The Colony property at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive (approximately 17.3 acres), zoned T-6 (allowing 6 units per acre) but having a non-conforming density for tourism uses of 13.6 units per acre and 237 tourism units, to increase density to add 180 additional residential units for a potential density of 24.11 units per acre (417 total units)?

Colony deal: No sure bet

For Unicorp and Colony Beach & Tennis Resort unit owners to close on the proposed sale, Unicorp must clear high hurdles: the town, Colony neighbors and LBK voters.

Get ready. There will be a lot in the news over the next few weeks about the future of the Colony. The long-suffering unit owners must make a decision before the end of the year whether to accept a purchase and sale agreement from Orlando-based Unicorp Acquisitions LLC.

Let’s lay out some of the details of most interest to Longboat Key residents:

 

Unicorp’s proposal

  • A new five-star hotel;
  • No fewer than 150, but no more than 200 hotel rooms;
  • Related amenities, including restaurants and bars, both inside the primary hotel structure and free-standing on the grounds of the resort property;
  • Ballrooms, function rooms, health club, outdoor sports facilities and pools;
  • No fewer than 100 but no more than 200 residential units;
  • No fewer than 25, but no more than 60 residential units to be used for tourist units.

Summary

  • Minimum version: 150 hotel rooms; 100 (new) residential units, with a minimum of 25 residential units serving as time-share, tourism units. Total: 250 units.
  • Maximum version: 200 hotel rooms; 200 (new) residential units, with a maximum of 60 residential units serving as time-share, tourism units. Total: 400 units.

What formerly existed

  • 237 tourism units
  • Restaurant, spa, meetings rooms, banquet hall, delicatessen, clothing store, tennis pro shop, pool, bar, tennis courts.

Current zoning

Tourism use, six units per acre, although grandfathered for the existing 237.

 

Suffice it to say, if you’re an owner of one or more units at the shuttered Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, you would be wise to invest sufficient time to study and have explained virtually every detail of the 84-page purchase, sale and development agreement that Unicorp Acquisitions LLC has submitted to the Colony Beach & Tennis Club Association.

It’s complicated. Perhaps the biggest complications are not the details of proposed sale agreement between Unicorp and the Colony unit owners, but rather the thresholds that must be crossed with the town, Longboat voters and the Colony’s neighbors. How will they respond to Unicorp’s proposals? Unicorp — and the Colony unit owners — will need the blessing of all three.

Take the matter of the town:

The proposed contract states that, to close, Unicorp shall have received final town approval of:

  • The zoning entitlements
  • The development plan
  • Building permits

That may not sound like much, but if you were here when the Longboat Key Club and Resort attempted to obtain all of those approvals for its redevelopment and expansion — mind you, a $400 million project — you remember the difficulties.

And keep in mind that as of today, Unicorp has not shown any renderings of its proposed five-star hotel. Nor has it indicated whether its plan will include high-rises or midrises. It is not likely the new Colony will resemble the old Colony, with its many two-story bungalows.

You can be sure the Colony’s neighbors, Aquarius Club and Tencon, will have much to say, just as the Islandside Property Owners Coalition became the Key Club’s most vocal and stiffest opposition.

And that brings us to Longboat Key’s voters in general. Because Unicorp is proposing to construct new residential units, it will be required to obtain voter approval. Back in the early 1980s, the Key’s voters approved a charter amendment requiring a public vote whenever anyone proposes to increase the town’s residential density.

You saw what happened to Floridays on the north end of the Key in the most recent election.

Unicorp’s plan is markedly different, to be sure. It wants more units on a property that for nearly 50 years has served tourism uses.

But you also know the mood of Longboat Key residents these days. They abhor the idea of anything that will contribute to increased traffic congestion.

What everyone — Colony unit owners, town officials and Longboat residents — is anxious to know is Unicorp’s final proposed plan: the minimum of 250 units or the maximum of 400?

This is far from a done deal.

P&Z seeks rules that could preclude Unicorp’s Colony plan

Although the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort has been closed more than six years, the Town of Longboat Key is still struggling with a land use policy to consider a redevelopment proposal.

The town Planning and Zoning Board met last week to consider proposals for a Planned Unit Development process that could be used to evaluate a Colony redevelopment plan as well as redevelopment plans from other multi-acre properties that might like to seek to redevelop.

Planning and Zoning Director Alaina Ray brought forth an ordinance for consideration that was drafted following numerous meetings where both the Planning and Zoning board and the Town Commission gave input. Ray was rebuked at the meting last Tuesday and was accused of bringing forth an ordinance that did not reflect what the Planning and Zoning Board wished to accomplish.

The criticism and demand for a radical change in direction was made by Planning and Zoning Board Chair Jim Brown when it came to an issue that would very likely have a direct impact on what kind of Colony resort would be allowed to redevelop.

Ray proffered Planned Unit Development rules that would allow a redevelopment of the Colony or any other multi-acre tourism zoned property to propose a redevelopment that could have residential, tourism or mixed used elements.

That thinking evolved from two specific sources. First, the Town Commission and Planning and Zoning Board, as well as town staff have discussed for years that future redevelopment of properties such as the Colony, The Whitney Beach Plaza and large aging condominiums would be best served to modernize, invest and redevelop using a redevelopment process that allowed for larger unit sizes to reflect modern market tastes, as well as a possible mix of zoning to create mixed use flexibility.

The other source for Ray’s Planned Unit Development approach is in the very definition she provided which states that Planned Unit Developments allow the consideration of a proposal to foster flexibility in approach to height, setbacks, and other regulations to allow the best use of a particular site. Her definition also states that the Planned Unit Development process anticipates the creative mix of uses and demands that the developer/applicant make a convincing case as to how these uses are compatible and function to produce a superior results over simply straight zoning.

 

Colony must not be mixed use says Brown…

But at the meeting, Chairman Brown told Ray that the Planned Unit Development rules she brought for consideration were incorrect for Longboat Key and needed to be fundamentally changed.

“Applicants need to follow the law and build at the density allowed. If they want to show us a Planned Unit Development and how creative they are or can be, then they have to maintain the existing use. We created the 250 tourism unit pool to offset the losses of tourism on the key. We want a PUD that allows flexibility, not the ability to go residential,” said Brown.

Brown and fellow board member George Symanski agreed and Brown told Ray that the ordinance should not allow currently zoned tourism properties, such as the Colony, to be eligible to add mixed uses or residential uses or density and that he believed the community wished to see its tourism properties remain strictly tourism.

Ray responded to Brown’s assertion, “When we held joint meetings between the Planning Board and the Commission, we had a lot of conversation about allowing mixed use. We decided to allow developers to make that decision.”

Brown told Ray that she, “Came up with a stronger feeling about mixed use than we meant. There are very few areas on the key that could be considered. The danger is, you put it out there and I don’t want that.”

Symanski agreed with Brown, “It’s unfair; it’s supposed to be planning what you’ve got. I’ve been asking for a pure tourism zoning district since the day I was born.”

Brown then continued in saying that Longboat Key wants to be a low density key and he added that developers will maximize any site they have.

“We allowed that (too much density) recently (at the former Hilton). I don’t know how that was allowed to happen, but it did,” said Brown.

Board member Len Garner said that zoning density and intensity are the two strong considerations when developing land use parameters.

The request made by Chairman Brown would completely disallow the redevelopment plan for the Colony that Unicorp President Chuck Whittall has successfully negotiated with the Board of directors and the 237 unit owners are currently voting on. That proposal offers to pay each owner $138,000 for their unit and additional monies for beachfront units. More importantly, the proposal is directly predicated on redeveloping the Colony using what could best be called the “Ritz Carlton” model which calls for a blend of residential condominium units and a luxury hotel sharing amenities on the 17.2-acre Gulf front site.

Last week, Whittall spent about an hour before the town commission explaining he was seeking 180-unit tourism/hotel along with 180 condominium units and he would have to go before voters for approval of the residential units.

It was one week later that Chairman Brown urged changes to the Planned Unit Development process that would not allow any residential use on a site such as the Colony.

Whittall was surprised by the direction Brown had taken.

“I feel that the town developing rules that would preclude the redevelopment of the property using a mixed residential and tourism use would deprive both me and the owners of their rights and would lower the value of the property tremendously,” said Whittall.

Whittall explained that the tourism market today does not support the development of a five-star resort without a residential component. He said the residential units provide the necessary capital to build the level of amenities and the kind of resort that is on par with the Key Club or Ritz-Carlton. He said he was under the impression that the commission was seeking the highest and best use for the property and that such a mix would lower traffic since residential uses less traffic than tourism and would ultimately bring the top tier resort to the island.

 

Mixed directions

The fact that the Chairman of the Planning and Zoning board is seeking land development language that would not allow the plan that Unicorp has promulgated for the last two years and now has before unit owners for a final vote is further compounded by the fact that on Monday, Sept. 26, Whittall is slated to go before the town commission and discuss his plans for a referendum to ask Longboat Key voters for permission to build up to 180 residential units at a future Colony. If Whitttall is successful and the unit owners approve his redevelopment plan, he could hit a roadblock if the town does not have a redevelopment process in place to consider a residential and tourism mixed use resort property.

To add to the swirl of redevelopment conundrums is the fact that Manfred Welfonder, who has been proposing to redevelop the Colony with the exact same number of units that were historically on site and that have been grandfathered, is still seeking to find his own path to redevelopment. The Colony Board of Directors and Redevelopment Board long ago considered Manfred’s plan and it was rejected after a meeting at the Temple Beth Israel wherein Whittall represented Unicorp and Welfonder told the unit owners exactly how they wished to redevelop the property and how much they would be willing to pay each unit owner to buy them out. Whittall at that meeting said he was prepared to pay $138,000 for each unit and a premium for waterfront and beachfront units. Welfonder, when pressed, said that each unit owners would be paid in the neighborhood of $50,000. They went with Whittal.

In the background of this discussion is the fact that Longboat Key voters recently rejected a request to allow a 120-unit hotel on the north end of the key. Also part of the equation, the former Hilton is slated to reopen with double the hotel rooms it previously had, as the Zota Beach Resort by year’s end. Another fact is voters allowed the Longboat Key Club to build several hundred additional tourism units for another hotel to be built along New Pass on Key Club property.  Several residents have indicated that many Longboaters use their properties as tourism units using online sites such as VRBO or AirBNB.

The above calls into the debate whether Longboat Key wants additional tourism and traffic or if it might prefer a residential and tourism mix. Others have argued the town should not make that decision but should set an upper ceiling for the number of units it would want to see on a site and let the developer bring the strongest proposal they can for consideration.

The Planning and Zoning Board will consider revisions next month to the Planned Unit Development ordinance. Meanwhile, the commission will consider Unicorp’s request for residential density on Monday, Sept. 26.

$1B Colony Beach and Tennis Resort remains on track

The Longboat Key Town Commission has granted the latest requests from Unicorp National Developments.
by: Terry O’Connor News Editor

The Longboat Key Commission line of questioning made him sweat Monday night, but ultimately Orlando developer Chuck Whittall of Unicorp National Developments Inc. received everything he wanted to continue his $1 billion rejuvenation of abandoned properties at 6020 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

Whittall was eventually granted another one-year extension – the second this year – of his nonconforming density allowance on the former Colony Beach and Tennis Resort grounds. The extension now extends to 2018.

Whittall also promised to post a $1.1 million surety bond by Sept. 25. The bond could have been set equal to the $18.427 million assessed value of the former Colony Beach and Tennis Resort.

Commissioner Phill Younger complained the redevelopment in the past has never stayed on course and continually broke deadline promises. He pointed to the required vote of approval from former Colony Beach unit owners, which he said he expected to come off sooner than Nov. 10 where it is now scheduled.

“The vote keeps getting pushed back. That tells me there are problems,” Younger said. “I’ve got concerns about that.”

Whittall said he has already invested $27 million into the project, including millions on permitting, and spent legal fees of up to $50,000 a month clearing off extensive litigation swirling around the properties from disgruntled unit owners.

He pointed to the recent demolition of five service buildings on the grounds and a signed development agreement with the former Colony Beach and Tennis Resort Association as evidence the deal is coming together.

“I think we are making pretty darn good progress,” Whittall said.

“He’s gotten the job done,” said Commissioner Irwin Pastor.

Longboat Key voters can now expect a referendum proposal from Whittall for the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort redevelopment with 180 residential condos, up to 57 monthly tourism units and a requested 180 new units.

If approved Sept. 26 by the commission, the referendum next spring will determine whether the new units will be allowed.

“If the referendum fails, we’ll consider any legal entitlements available,” Whittall told commissioners. “Voters will decide if they want the added density on the property. You will have an election to see if they are behind that plan.”

Whittall told commissioners he spoke in person with a key majority condo owner in an effort to bring him on board for the redevelopment. Murfreesboro, Tenn., developer Andy Adams, who owns 68 units, holds the key to the new Colony resort. Adams and his 29 percent share of unit ownership could block the deal by himself.

“We’re very hopeful of a positive outcome,” said Whittall. “I think we’re going to come to business terms.”

Jay Yablon, president of Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association, said the Colony case is without legal precedent.

“Can it be done without Andy Adams? No, it can’t be done without the approval of Andy Adams,” said Yablon in a phone interview. “Andy Adams must approve any deal. There’s no question.”

The offer to owners comes to a minimum $130,801 per unit plus a $200,000 bonus for oceanfront units and a $100,000 bonus for mid-rise units.

The offer works out to about $186,000 per unit or about $44.15 million total.

Owners were sent an 86-page voting package to consider before approving the development agreement – or not. A Nov. 10 drop-dead date for owners to accept the offers has been set.

The offer makes it clear unit owners give up their right to sue by agreeing to the deal.

In bold lettering, using all capital letters, the offer states: “As joining owner, you understand that by becoming a joining owner, you are waiving the right to object to or contest the termination plan for the Colony condominium approved by the association under the agreement.”

Colony Beach and Tennis Resort declared bankruptcy in 2008 and ceased operations in 2010.

“All I can say is they’ve come a long way,” Pastor said. “Most of the litigation is gone.

“It’s going to be interesting in terms of how the community at large is going to feel about the project. There’s a certain special feel for the Colony because most of us attribute the success of Longboat Key to the Colony coming here. There’s sentimental value.

“We’d like to see the Colony reinstated. The question is how is this going to be done? You’ve just seen what happened with the Floridays project. There’s a message there that things are different.”

In other action

• Gave the first reading of the proposed $15,762,573 proposed budget for fiscal year 2016-17. Commissioners unanimously approved.

• An audit of the town’s registered voters determined none of the commission districts exceeds the number of registered voters in any other district by 20%. Redistricting is not required for the current year.

• The commission certified the Aug. 30 Primary Election results. A referendum to allow a proposed hotel was defeated 2,491 to 698.

• President Bruce Franklin of Land Resource Strategies of Sarasota appeared in the public comment portion of the commission meeting to tout his proposal for a 10-home development.

Colony goes to vote

The future redevelopment of The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key has officially gone to a vote.

Last week, Unicorp National Development executed a development and settlement agreement with the Colony Board of Directors. It took months, albeit years, for such an agreement to come to fruition and will take at least 75 percent of the unit owners to support in order to come to fruition.

Colony Association President Jay Yablon wrote to owners on Aug. 25 that within a week they will receive a voting package and that he expects the board to allow a six week voting period.

Yablon put in historical tone in his memo to owners, “After more than 10 years of dispute at The Colony, your approval of this agreement will finally put an end to all remaining litigation and will finally initiate a redevelopment of The Colony. Your approval of this agreement will allow those of us who have been waiting to cash out for a good return to do so, and will allow those of us wishing to enjoy future years with their family and friends at the new Colony to do so.”

The agreement proposes to pay $130,800 to each unit owner, within an additional $100,000 to owners of the 15 units with water front views.

The owners of the beachfront units will be offered a $200,000 premium over the $130,800.

Part of the conundrum in gaining approval or in redevelopment is the fact that multi-unit owner Andy Adams can potentially make or break any deal. Adams owns about 30 percent of The Colony units and therefore his support for any redevelopment is necessary. Unicorp President Chuck Whittall told Longboat Key News that he’s optimistic Adams will support the proposal, but adds that he has not received indication of how Adams will vote.

For Whittall, the recent weeks have been a positive display of forward momentum at the property. Over the past week, Unicorp has demolished several Colony structures on the 2.3 acres that it owns. Unicorp bought the 2.3 acres from Colony Lender and closed on those interests earlier this month.

“I feel like we have made significant progress. We have signed an agreement that ends the litigation, we have a development plan out for a vote, and we have engaged the architect and the engineers and the construction company,” said Whittall.

Whittall said that while the unit owners are deciding their vote his architects and planners will be busy at work and he expects to have the exterior design work completed by end of December. Whittall said he plans to digitally represent what the future Colony will look like and use that presentation to talk to property owners on Longboat Key next spring as he sets the stage for a referendum vote.

A referendum vote will be necessary for Unicorp to build its plan comprised of 180 hotel rooms and 180 condominiums with shared amenities. The site currently has 237 grandfathered tourism units on the 17.3-acre site. The residential units that Whittall seeks would have to be approved by voters.

For Whittall, he is much happier to be pursuing the approval of the owners and of the community for redevelopment rather than to continue in litigation in the courthouse.

Demolition only activity at Colony Beach and Tennis Club ghost town

It looks like a ghost town now.

The once glorious Colony Beach and Tennis Club grounds are deserted except for heavy equipment dismantling the ruins of five commercial buildings this week.

Under the watchful eyes of a field supervisor from ADS Environmental Services of Tampa, the heavy metal teeth of a large excavator tore chunk after chunk out of a condemned commercial building Wednesday at the defunct Colony Beach and Tennis Resort, 6020 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

Then it moved onto the next doomed structure and began to demolish it, too. Truckload after truckload of debris was hauled from the property in a near-continuous procession during the five-day project begun Monday, Aug. 15

By Friday, most of the rubble was to be gone and the grounds cleared for an eventual $1 billion redevelopment of the roughly 18-acre property.

Sweating in the shade in 90-degree-plus heat while watching the buildings come down, field supervisor Chris Odum of ADS said he was satisfied everything was coming off smoothly.

“They’re doing it right,” he said. “They’re keeping it wet and trucking it right out.”

Odum eyed a worker hosing down the teeth of the excavator as it ripped into bite after bite of a resort service building. He said the worker was providing an environmental service.

“Hosing it down holds down the dust and any potential harmful substances such as asbestos,” Odum said.

The Longboat Key Planning Zoning and Building Department issued permits Aug. 11 for demolition of the five buildings closest to Gulf of Mexico Drive. Within four days, work had begun.

Alaina Ray, director of the Longboat PZBD, said the buildings had begun to collapse after six years of disuse. Former uses included a spa, small conference center, housekeeping, maintenance and laundry.

Years of neglect are all too evident throughout the grounds surrounding the demolition area.

Holes gaped in wooden walkways that used to connect luxury condos. Most condo stairway entrances are wrapped in metal fencing in a flimsy effort to restrict access.

Wooden fencing framing the unstable walkways was down in several places.

The front door to the now-moldy and dank restaurant gaped open as a plywood covering had given way to the elements or intruders. A possible burglary attempt was reported during the demolition week by the grounds supervisor although no losses were reported.

A red sign reading “wrong way” lay nearly covered with weeds on the path to the beach.

The skeletal remains of a tiki hut stood fenced in away from the Longboat Key beachfront leading to the inviting Gulf of Mexico waters – the proximity of the white sands key to the still formidable intrinsic value of this rundown property. Few grayed and bleached-out fronds remained of those once crowning the hut.

All property could be razed within nine months.

Then the ghost town could rise from the dead, anchored by a five-star hotel, according to Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall. He has already outlined plans for a 180-unit condominium, 180-room hotel with timeshares at the property and saltwater swimming pools populated with tropical fish.

Unicorp has been talking with “all the major” five-star hotel operators to anchor the resort, according to Whittall, including Toronto-based Four Seasons Hotel and Resort; Stamford, Conn.-based St. Regis Hotels and Resorts; Dallas-based Rosewood Hotels and Resorts; and Mill Valley, Calif.-based Auberge Resorts and Hotels among others.

Redevelopment will not happen so quickly though, Ray said. Residents still must approve the requested additional density, then Unicorp must apply for a comprehensive plan amendment and rezone to establish a planned unit development, said Ray.

 “You’re looking at a couple of years,” Ray has estimated as a timeline for the process.

Unicorp wants an extension of the property’s 237 grandfathered tourism units through June 30, 2018, and a referendum to allow the additional residential density in conjunction with the hotel. The Town Commission has yet to approve the request for a referendum.

By Oct. 1, Whittall said he hopes to have at least 75 percent of unit owners sign a development agreement absolving all litigation surrounding the property and buying out owner interests. He said he is optimistic it will happen soon after receiving the unanimous vote from the board to move forward on the development agreement.

Then, and only then, can life return to this ghost town.

5-star luxury resort to replace Colony on Longboat Key if former owners approve

SARASOTA, Fla.–For Norm Schimmel, the Colony Beach and Tennis Club is steeped in memories. It’s where he vacationed, played tennis, was engaged and married.

But 6 years ago the resort closed its doors, and today it’s uninhabitable. Windows are broken out or boarded up, weeds overgrown, debris everywhere.

The pool looks more like a lake and the tiki hut hardly offers shade from the sun. It’s a living example of how quickly nature can and will reclaim things.

“It’s kind of sad knowing the only thing in there are mice and vermin,” said Schimmel.

Through the rust and grime, it’s hard not to see glimmers of its former glory. It was once a destination for the rich, famous, and powerful. Stars like Audrey Hepburn, Burt Reynolds, and politicians like President George W. Bush, spent several nights at the iconic resort.

From the prime stretch of beach to the iconic Monkey Bar, each inch of it is filled with history and memories.

“Very rarely do you get a situation where you pass a location and all of the sudden a feeling comes totally over your body,” said Schimmel, “and the feeling is based on memories and the things that can’t be duplicated.”

But Orlando-based developer Unicorp says it can duplicate that feeling and then some, with a new 5-star luxury resort in its place. After years of legal battles, they may finally be able to. This week the developer officially began the demolition process

“It’s sad and it’s an eye sore right now obviously, but the new day out here will be a gorgeous resort that will have kids playing on the beach and a great place for families,” said Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall.

But the demolition, at least for now, is only on the commercial aspects of the property. The developer still needs to get 75 percent of the unit owners from the former resort to sign off on demolition before they can tear down the residential properties.

“We’re not completely done yet,” said Whittall. “We have to have the owners sign off on the agreement going out, but we’re making good progress and we’re very hopeful it will get signed off on.”

The developer also needs to get approval for a higher density, that means permission to build more units on the property. Ultimately Unicorp hopes to build 360 condos and hotel rooms.

With only one road running through Longboat Key though, traffic can back up in a hurry, especially during the busy season.

“Increased density always adds increased traffic,” said Longboat Key’s Director of Planning, Building, and Zoning Alaina Ray. She added: “That is the rule and with traffic being the overwhelming concern in the area now. Anything that would increase traffic really needs to be carefully analyzed.”

To mitigate that traffic the developer is proposing a trolley that would transport not just guests, but everyone on the island.

Beyond the issue of traffic though, Ray says the Colony is a unique property that needs to be put to use.

“From a planning perspective it’s kind of a tragedy,” said Ray, “It’s a beautiful property. It’s a large property. There’s a lot of potential there and it is really sad for the community to see it just sit there and not be utilized.”

For colony lovers like Schimmel it’s a mixed emotion: sad to see it go, but glad to see an old gem getting new life.

“The new people who are taking it over, will make a very, very fine resort,” said Schimmel, “but I don’t think that the atmosphere that was created in the 70’s and 80’s can be created in this century.”

Unicorp sells retail portfolio for $33M, turns 1031 in Longboat Key, lists more strip centers w/SRS

Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments sold a portfolio of eight retail strip center assets on Thursday totaling $33.15 million to a Dallas-based private equity investor, and immediately reinvested much of the proceeds on 18 acres in Longboat Key where the group is planning a resort, the company’s CEO told GrowthSpotter.

Chuck Whittall said his company wasn’t actively marketing the eight properties for sale earlier this year, which total more than 100,000 square feet.

But with a growing need for capital to inject into a Gulf Coast land purchase, Whittall approached longtime collaborative broker Kyle Stonis of SRS Real Estate Partners about testing market interest in a strip center package.

“We have a close relationship with Unicorp, it was probably March when we engaged to help him find groups interested in a portfolio,” Stonis said.

The buyer, Crow Holdings Capital Real Estate, is a manager of eight private equity real estate funds, with at least one retail center asset in Greater Orlando (Lake Mary). Stonis’ firm has a long-standing relationship with Crow, dating back to SRS’ founding in Dallas as Staubach Retail Services.

“The nice part about Crow is they’re able to scale, and in this part of their fund when they’re buying these strip centers intead of large anchor centers, being able to come into this market and scale was key,” Stonis said.

Whittall had plans in development to acquire an 18-acre oceanfront property in Longboat Key, a property acquisition he would coordinate with this sale to reinvest the proceeds through a 1031 tax-free exchange.

Near Sarasota, Unicorp will redevelop the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort into a 180-key, five-star resort hotel, with 180 condos and timeshare units, Whittall said

Unicorp bought the Longboat Key property on Thursday for $22 million, reported area news outlet YourObserver.com. The property has been shuttered for six years and requires $60,000 in initial demolition work by the developer.

Whittall told the news site the resort would be a $1 billion development, with saltwater swimming pools where guests could swim with tropical fish.

First American Title was the 1031 intermediary for Unicorp, and attorney Russell Hintze of Greenberg Traurig coordinated the exchange.

Crow Holdings bought the following properties from Unicorp:

— Orlando: Metro Plaza (2422 S. Kirkman Road), Metro Pointe (2216 S. Kirkman Road), and Metro Crossings (2555 S. Kirkman Road);

— Winter Park: Winter Park Terrace (415 N. Orlando Ave.), Village Shoppes of Winter Park (933 N. Orlando Ave.), and the related WPT Outparcel (1408 Gay Road);

— Brandon: Brandon Commons (11007 Causeway Blvd.) and Lake Brandon Shoppes (11019 Causeway Blvd.).

Among those properties, Whittall said that the 26,222-square-foot Winter Park Terrace was the first commercial development he built, in 1998.

“I tried to build a nice, high-end property for that time, which was 20 years ago,” Whittall said. “It’s still nice today, but I’ve just learned to raise the bar with each property that we do.”

SRS is now taking three more of Unicorp’s retail strip centers to market: the Speedway Shoppes in Daytona, Shoppes of Belleview in Belleview, Fla., and Baldwin Legacy on New Broad Street in Orlando’s Baldwin Park.

Capital from those sales may help Unicorp in its desire to buy land in Downtown Orlando’sCreative Village project, to develop up to 300 apartments and retail space.

An official with Crow Holdings declined to comment on the deal Thursday, citing a confidentiality agreement.

Demolition of The Colony on Longboat Key to begin soon

LONGBOAT KEY — Today, the Colony Beach & Tennis Club looks like the set for a horror movie.

Its legal history is nearly as frightening.

But by the end of 2020, the debris filled tennis courts, rusted stairways and boarded-up wooden buildings could be replaced with a five-star resort and condominiums.

Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. on Thursday closed on the $22 million purchase of the once world-known tennis resort. It’s a move that’s expected to end six years of litigation and eventually pump $1 billion worth of new life into the 18 acres of premiere beachfront property on the southern end of Longboat Key.

“It’s sad, and it’s an eyesore, and the new day out here will be a gorgeous resort that will have kids playing on the beach and a great place for families,” said Chuck Whittall, Unicorp’s president.

Originally constructed in 1973, the Colony held a reputation as one of the top tennis resorts in the country. Tennis enthusiasts may not have known Sarasota or Longboat Key, but they knew The Colony, said Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County.

When the five-star resort finally makes its debut on New Year’s Eve 2020, it will do so without the tennis component. Unicorp has plans to bulldoze the entire property and start from scratch.

“I don’t think in today’s market the upscale client is looking for what The Colony once offered,” Haley said. “There’s a generational change, so to see a new product in its place absolutely makes sense.”

Demolition on the resort’s commercial buildings could begin as early as next week once Florida Power & Light disconnects utilities. Bulldozers ceremoniously tore down a tree at a press conference on Thursday to commemorate Unicorp’s purchase.

Bringing together stakeholders

The movement on the property follows an 8-1 vote from The Colony Association board of directors to forward a development agreement on to the individual unit owners for approval.

Unicorp is expected to take full control of the property in September, as long as the individual unit owners sign off on an agreement that will pay about $130,000 to each one in addition to extra premiums for beachfront and midrise units. They also will receive dues reimbursement for the past two years.

Those signatures are the final step in a more than six-year tug-of-war that’s included bankruptcies, lawsuits and an ongoing squabble over who owns what at the resort.

After that, Whittall anticipates it will take 24 months for planning and the necessary density adjustment to accommodate 180 hotel rooms, 180 residential units and 67 timeshares. The property is currently home to 237 units, and Unicorp has formally sought a referendum with the town of Longboat Key to allow for the condominiums.

Increased traffic will likely be a sticking point for voters, but Whittall said plans include a trolley service to St. Armands Circle and airport shuttles that are designed to mitigate the need for additional cars.

Meanwhile, the project is expected to bring $100 million annually in revenue to the town of Longboat Key as well as 4,000 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs, Whittall said.

Once voters give their stamp of approval, 30 months’ worth of construction will begin.

By the time Whittall is through, the once-renowned tennis resort will be unrecognizable.

“The Colony has got deep roots and it was a wonderful place, and our goal is to create a new place that will be a world-class destination,” Whittall said. “We want to create a crystal lagoon where you can swim with exotic fish on the property, have lagoon-style pools and a great beachfront. It’s going to be a wonderful resort and hopefully the best in Florida.”

Seeking partners

Whittall says he has talked with at least seven five-star resort chains, including Montage and Rosewood, that are interested in operating the property.

A formal flag announcement won’t come until Unicorp takes full possession of the property in September.

Longboat Key, traditionally, has had more condo rentals than hotel rooms available.

Hotel rooms are key in introducing travelers to a destination, Haley said. Multi-week condo rentals usually go to individuals and groups who are already acquainted with the key. A resort rooms increase the opportunity for discovery and shorter, weekend-style getaways.

“Usually with condominium rentals they’re great for people who’ve discovered the island,” Haley said. “For someone coming in for the first time a one month rental is a harder commitment. Without that hotel, you lose that discovery.”

There have been glimmers of hope for the property before, but if Unicorp can bring a new five-star resort to Longboat Key it could be a game changer, Haley said.

“There will be many miles of ink to go,” Haley said. “It’s an exciting step. With our industry, it’s keeping the fingers crossed that this gem will be reborn.

“Hopefully, this gets it on the road. I can promise you that if it’s opening New Year’s Eve 2020, you’ll know where to find me.

“I will book a room.”

Unicorp’s Whittall Sells 3 Projects

Orlando developer Chuck Whittall sold $33 million worth of projects in the Orlando,Winter Park and Brandon and also purchased 18 acres in Longboat Key – all on Thursday.

Selling the properties paves the way for the president of Unicorp National Developments Inc. to develop a shuttered tennis resort on the Gulf of Mexico with a brand such as Four Seasons Resort. The plan, he said, is to start construction in two years and open on New Year’s Eve 2020.

In the Orlando area, he said he is continuing discussions to bring more than 300 apartments, including some micro-units, to the Creative Village project on the west side of downtown Orlando.

On Thursday, Dallas-based Crow Holdings Capital Real Estate purchased Unicorp-developed Metro Plaza, Metro Pointe, and Metro Crossings in the MetroWest community in west Orlando. In addition, Crow bought three properties at U.S. Highway 17-92 in Winter Park near the Winter Park Village: Winter Park Terrace, Village Shoppes of Winter Park and an out parcel.

The Colony to be demolished soon

LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. — “The sunsets at the colony were things that books should be written about,” said Norm Schimmel.

For him, the Colony Beach and Tennis Club is steeped in memories. It’s where he vacationed, played tennis, was engaged and married, but 6 years ago the resort closed its doors and today it’s uninhabitable. Windows are broken out or boarded up, weeds overgrown, debris everywhere. The pool looks more like a lake and the tiki hut hardly offers shade from the sun.

“It’s kind of sad knowing the only thing in there are mice and vermin,” said Schimmel.

Through the rust and grime though, it’s hard not to see glimmers of its former glory.  It was once a destination for the rich and famous, stars like Audrey Hepburn, Burt Reynolds, and politicians like President George Bush, who was staying at the resort on September 11th.

Unicorp Development hopes to return it to what it once was with a new 5-star 360 room luxury resort in its place, and after years of legal battles, they may finally be able to. All they need now are signatures from unit owners.

“We’re not completely done yet,” said Unicorp’s President Chuck Whittall. “We have to have the owners sign off on the agreement going out, but we’re making good progress and we’re very hopeful it will get signed off on”

On Thursday began the demolition process. The company plans to break ground in two years and open by New Year’s Eve of 2020.

“It’s sad and it’s an eye sore right now obviously,” said Whittall, “but the new day out here will be a gorgeous resort that will have kids playing on the beach and a great place for families.”

Schimmel says he’s excited to see the property being redeveloped, but sad to see the colony go.

“The new people who are taking it over, will make a very, very fine resort,” said Schimmel, “but I don’t think that the atmosphere that was created in the 70’s and 80’s can be created in this century.”

Unicorp flips 8 retail centers to fund Creative Village, Longboat Key projects

Unicorp National Developments Inc. has unloaded eight properties in a $33.1 million portfolio sale to Crow Holdings Capital Real Estate, and will use most of that cash to fund two projects on Florida’s west coast and in downtown Orlando’s planned Creative Village.

Unicorp’s eight properties sold include:

Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall said the total portfolio consists of more than 100,000 square feet of retail space, including the Winter Park Terrace — his first retail center. “It’s always a little bittersweet. I thought about if I’d be a little sad selling my first center, but I have the center with Trader Joe’s next door that is such a nice center, so I figured it best to look forward and not backward,” he toldOrlando Business Journal.

The portfolio deal also opens up new opportunities for the Orlando developer. Specifically, Whittall said the capital from the deal will go toward many new projects, but two are at the forefront.

Work to start on ‘game-changing’ Lake Mary project

Work will begin soon on Lake Mary’s Griffin Farm Town Center — a project that’s poised to have a positive ripple effect throughout the community.

Site work of Griffin Farm Town Center will begin in September with vertical construction following shortly after, Dwight Saathoff, president of co-developer Project Finance & Development LLC, told Orlando Business Journal. Chuck Whittall‘s Unicorp National Developments Inc. also is co-developing Griffin Farm Town Center that’s estimated at $200 million.

The project includes 120,000 square feet of retail, a four-story, 265-unit apartment complex with a parking garage, and single-family homes, townhomes and bungalows designed by David Weekly Homes. It’s being developed on 35 acres at the southwest corner of Lake Mary Boulevard and Longwood Lake Mary Road. So far, 24 Hour Fitness and Dunkin Donuts are confirmed to be coming to Griffin Farm, and it’s rumored that Earth Fare health food grocer is, too.

“It will be a game changer for the mid-section of Lake Mary,” Saathoff said. “The east side has downtown and the west has the big boxes and chain restaurants near Interstate 4. In between on Lake Mary Boulevard, the properties are a little underutilized. Griffin Farm should really change that. It will appeal to the millennials taking the hundreds of new high-tech jobs moving into the city.”

Griffin Farm Town Center is expected to create nearly 2,000 temporary construction jobs and 415 permanent jobs, as previously reported by OBJ. It’s also bringing a much-needed mix of housing to Lake Mary, a fast-growing business hub with big-name employers like Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), Deloitte and Kroger Co.’s related Axium Healthcare Pharmacy Inc.

Antunovich Associates is the architect of the retail portion and Slocum Platts Architects is the designing the apartments. Both parts of the project will be complete about a year after groundbreaking, Saathoff said.

Griffin Farms Town Center is the first project of Lake Mary’s new Midtown district.

Unicorp to Make Colony Announcement Thursday

The firm behind plans to redevelop the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort aims to start the first phase of the project this week.

The chain link fence surrounding the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort will swing open Thursday, when Unicorp National Developments hosts a press conference regarding redevelopment of the shuttered Longboat Key property.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall will make a special announcement, and depending on whether Florida Power & Light can disconnect utilities, start the first phase of the redevelopment, according to a news release. The firm will also announce its team of architects and engineers who will work on the project as part of the event, which begins at 10:30 a.m.

Whittall had planned to start demolition of some of the collapsed recreational property and tiki huts.

“I’m hoping for effect that we’ll actually have loaders knocking the buildings down,” said Whittall, who plans to break ground on the official project within the next 18 to 24 months.

Tomorrow, the Colony Association board of directors will consider whether to forward a development agreement with Unicorp on to unit owners for approval.

“I don’t give up on stuff like this,” Whittall said. “It makes sense to be there, and it’s going to be a great project for the Key.”

Colony Vote Coming

“I am more optimistic than at any point since the closing of the Colony six years ago,“ Jay Yablon told Longboat Key News on Friday — days before several momentous events will take place that could affect the final redevelopment prospects of the 17.3-acre shuddered resort on Longboat Key.

Yablon, who has been the longstanding President for the Colony Association of Unit Owners, is optimistic for several reasons.

First, Yablon will soon present to Colony unit owners a final settlement agreement and redevelopment proposal that the Colony board of director’s and their attorneys and Unicorp redevelopment corporation and its President Chuck Whittall have been ironing out for the past months.

Yablon said the agreements will be ready for consideration at a board meeting next week and then they will be sent to unit owners for a final vote. If that vote reaches 75% approval, Unicorp will have successfully achieved what many other redevelopment suitors have attempted — the approval to rebuild the resort.

The other news that Yablon said factors into his optimism is the scheduled closing by Unicorp on the Colony Lender assets. Colony Lender owns 2.3 acres of the resort — the properties where the former restaurant, spa and recreational amenities and support buildings operated. Unicorp has had an option on the property and thereby has enjoyed a controlling interest. But next week, Whittall said he is ready to close on the Colony Lender assets before his option expires. He will be paying an estimated $20 million for these assets.

Yablon said that the Colony has never been closer to redevelopment in the sense that the proposal by Unicorp ends all litigation if approved by the unit owners. But furthermore, Yablon said that with Unicorp investing in the Colony Lender assets it shows the financial strength and commitment of the Orlando-based developer.

The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort operated continuously as a resort Mecca for more than 40 years. That all ended in 2010 and six years of litigation ensued.

Next week, according to Whittall, Unicorp should also receive a demolition permit for several Colony buildings including most of the structures that are visible from Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The buildings set to come down include the conference center, housekeeping building, spa, laundry facilities and maintenance buildings, tiki huts as well as the restaurant and Le Tennique. The buildings being demolished were found by the Town to pose a substantive hazard and the Town has recently urged the Colony interests to take action. In total, six demo permits for the various buildings were requested and approved last week.

Unicorp has said it wishes to redevelop the site into 180 hotel rooms and 180 condominiums with shared amenities. The proposal offers to pay $130,800 to each unit owner, with an additional $100,000 to owners of the 15 mid-rise units with waterfront views. The owners of the beachfront units will be offered a $200,000 premium over the $130,800.

When the unit owners do vote, a potential dealmaker or breaker is Andy Adams who owns about 30 percent of the units at the Colony.

Adams and Whittall have not come to separate terms to bring his vote on board, but Adams stands to be paid about $11 million for his assets under the proposal. He can always negotiate once the proposal is made. It is estimated that Adams has spent about $4 million to $5 million to acquire his 70-plus units at the Colony.

According to The Town of Longboat Key, the Colony is treated by the town as a singular resort and although it may be carved up through agreement between different owners, the redevelopment and the 237 grandfathered tourism units are contingent on a unified plan. In other words, the grandfathered units would go away if anything short of redeveloping the entire 17.3 acres is proposed. The underlying zoning is six units per acre. Any residential units that are desired in addition to the grandfathered tourism units would have to be approved by voter referendum.

Colony Demo in Works

The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort operated continuously as a resort Mecca for more than 40 years. That all ended in 2010 and six years of litigation ensued. Finally, Longboaters will see another era when demolition begins in the coming weeks.

According to Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Alaina Ray, a demolition permit has is underway for several Colony buildings including most of the structures that are visible from Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The buildings set to come down include the conference center, housekeeping building, spa, laundry facilities and maintenance buildings, tiki huts as well as the restaurant and Le Tennique.

These buildings are controlled by Chuck Whittall and Unicorp. Whittal has a redevelopment plan for the Colony approved by the Colony Association of Unit Owners Board of Directors and will soon go to the owners for a vote.

The buildings being demolished were found by the Town to pose a substantive hazard and the Town has recently urged the Colony interests to take action. In total, six demo permits for the various buildings were requested and approved last week.

According to Ray, the next step will be for FPL to disconnect electric service to the buildings and Ray said that she was told by the applicant that as soon as the permit is issued the demolition will begin.

The demolition will mark the first visible sign of progress toward redevelopment on the site. All of the action has previously been in the courtrooms where the unit owners have battled with former Colony Chairman Murf Klauber, Colony Lender, Unicorp, as well as other owners and interests.

 

Seeking approval

Attorneys for the Association of Unit Owners as well as Unicorp have spent the past months ironing out details of Unicorp’s redevelopment proposal which Longboat Key News has been told will go for a final vote in the next two weeks. That vote could decide the future of the 17.3 acre property and if the proposal is approved, will set the stage for Unicorp to redevelop the site into 180 hotel rooms and 180 condominiums with shared amenities.

The proposal offers to pay $130,800 to each unit owner, with an additional $100,000 to owners of the 15 mid-rise units with waterfront views. The owners of the beachfront units will be offered a $200,000 premium over the $130,800.

Whittall hopes that those numbers will add up to bring an affirmative vote to his plan, which will take 75 percent or more of the unit owners to move forward.

The wrinkle or the dealmaker, depending on one’s view, could be Andy Adams who owns about 30 percent of the units at the Colony.

Adams and Whittall have not come to separate terms to bring his vote on board, but Adams stands to be paid about $11 million for his assets under the proposal. It is estimated that Adams has spent about $4 million to $5 million to acquire his 70-plus units at the Colony.

Whittall and Unicorp control the buildings that will be demolished and 2.3 acres of the Colony total through its contract with Colony Lender. Whittall is scheduled to close on its option to purchase Colony Lender’s assets in the coming weeks.

 

Colony must remain whole

According to Ray, the Colony is treated by the town as a singular resort and although it may be carved up through agreement between different owners, the redevelopment and the 237 grandfathered tourism units are contingent on a unified plan. In other words, the grandfathered units would go away if anything short of redeveloping the entire 17.3 acres is proposed. The underlying zoning is six units per acre. Any residential units that are desired in addition to the grandfathered tourism units would have to be approved by voter referendum.

Colony moves closer to redevelopment

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association has chosen Unicorp National Development as its representative in planning a hotel and condos at the shuttered property.

About a month after the Longboat Key Town Commission granted an extension for grandfathered tourism units at the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, unit owners have chosen Unicorp National Development to represent them before the town in their efforts to revive the propery.

Planning, Zoning and Building Director Alaina Ray said the agreement allows Unicorp to file building permits for the $60,000 demolition planned for collapsing buildings and tiki huts.

The Colony Association will seek to build a five-star hotel and condominiums at the site of the resort, which has been shuttered for six years, according to a July 10 letter from Association President Jay Yablon. The firm, headed by Chuck Whittall, plans to build 180 condos and a 180-unit hotel, but it will seek approval for up to 417 units.

Unicorp seeks to become the developer for that project, although unit owners have not yet voted on the developer.

The decision comes after a contentious three-hour discussion at a June 7 Town Commission meeting, during which Whittall sought an extension through February 2018 for 129 available tourism units on the 18-acre parcel. Commissioners instead agreed to give Unicorp until Jan. 9, 2017.

Commissioners expressed frustrations about what they saw as a lack of progress on redeveloping the resort, which closed in 2010.

“I’ll tell you I’m tired of this,” said Commissioner Phill Younger during the meeting. “I’m absolutely tired of this — it’s time to fish or cut bait.”

But Mayor Jack Duncan said today that the agreement, however trivial it may seem, is a good sign for the future of the Colony.

“It’s a step in the right direction — maybe a huge step,” Duncan said. “But let’s not get crazy.”

Whittall plans to work with town staff to hold a neighborhood workshop this winter, a referendum next spring and groundbreaking in December 2017.

Because the Colony’s 237 units were built on 18 acres before the town created its tourism resort commercial classification that allows for just six units per acre, 129 of the resort’s 237 units are considered grandfathered. If that nonconforming use disappears, only 108 units would be permitted on the site.

The firm is also slated to close this week on Colony Lender LLC’s 2.3-acre parcel on the property for as much as $25 million.

However, Key resident Manfred Welfonder remains steadfast in his own plans to redevelop the property into a Fairmont hotel.

“That’s not a done deal at all,” Welfonder said of the agreement in Yablon’s July 10 letter. He claims his plans confirm to town codes and would not require a referendum.

An ongoing dispute between Colony owner Murray “Murf” Klauber and unit owners over resort repairs that began in 2004 and a series of bankruptcy filings led to the resort’s closure in 2010.

Whittall, Yablon and officials from Colony Lender could not be immediately reached for comment.

Progress at the Colony

To be sure, granting The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association and Unicorp National Development any type of extension to continue doing what always appears to be nothing at the shuttered resort is a keen source of frustration.

Not just for Longboat Key town commissioners, but for all Longboat Key residents, especially the Colony’s next-door neighbors at the Tencon and Aquarius condominiums. It’s almost to the point that everyone not physically or financially connected to the Colony is so over it — except that the dilapidated resort remains an unavoidable eyesore as you drive along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

But good for the town commissioners. Rather than give in to Unicorp’s request to extend until February 2018(!) a deadline to begin redevelopment — or lose the Colony’s zoning designation — Longboat commissioners and Unicorp agreed on Jan. 9, 2017, as Unicorp’s deadline to begin redevelopment.

Of course, no one believes that.

After all, the Colony Wars have been going on for a decade. What’s the rush?

Pardon the cynicism.

In fact, there actually may be a definitive sign of progress come July 14. That’s the drop-dead deadline for Unicorp to close on the purchase of the infamous 2.3 acres and all of former Colony owner Murf Klauber’s properties from none other than Colony Lender.

Colony Lender, for those who haven’t followed this dirty soap opera, is the two-man entity of former Cedars Tennis & Fitness Club owner Randy Langley and part-time Longboat Key resident, lawyer David Siegal.

They’re the pair who collaborated to purchase from Bank of America in 2010 $10 million worth of Klauber debt. That entitled them to ownership of 2.3 crucial acres of common area in the middle of the 18-acre property, plus Klauber’s penthouse living unit and office; the Colony restaurant and swimming pool; locker rooms; meeting rooms; delicatessen; and the Le Tennique clothing store. They also say one of the other assets in this pending sale is title to 60 years remaining on a recreational lease that Klauber owned, giving his resort guests access to the Colony’s tennis courts.

But, of course, that is still tangled in the legal spaghetti ball in the courts.

If you can remember back that far, when Langley and Siegal acquired Klauber’s loan, the word on the street was they paid the bank $3 million to $4.5 million. Neither Langley nor Siegal ever confirmed the amount.

And at the time, when they became involved in what was then already a three-year battle between Klauber and the Colony Association unit owners, they portrayed themselves as would-be white knights. They said they had a plan.

In March 2010, Siegal told the Longboat Observer: “If everyone is reasonable, everyone can benefit.”

In that same story, the two declined to reveal their rescue plan, but Langley said it was structured “down to the nail.” He also said in that interview: “We don’t want to roll over anybody. That’s destructive. We don’t want that for anyone.”

And there was this line in that story: “But Langley is also pragmatic: ‘I’m not a Joan of Arc. I expect to make a profit.’”

When we asked Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp, what he was paying Colony Lender to take it out of this never-ending dispute Tuesday, he confirmed the price was between $15 million and $25 million.

Two combatants out (Klauber, Colony Lender), many more still to go. Hope springs eternal.

Closing in on Colony vote

The literal view most Longboat Key residents have of the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort is that nothing is happening at all. The buildings appear frozen in time and dormant, the gate remains locked and the only movement is the passage afforded to the town to allow sand trucks to access the beach that once sported thousands of guests year after year for more than four decades.

This apparently slow movement on the ground has a counterpoint as attorneys have spent the last two months slowly reviewing the details of Unicorp’s redevelopment proposal which unit owners will vote on within the next month and could decide the fate and future of the 17.3 acre property and the right to develop the 237 units.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall told Longboat Key News that the attorneys are close to agreement on the final wording of the proposal and he expects the plan to go for a vote in as soon as two to three weeks.

Whittall said that it has mainly been “legal-eze” that has been worked on, but the essential components of the plan have not changed since last March when the Colony Board of Directors voted 9-0 in favor of the proposal which calls for 180 hotel rooms and 180 condominium units with shared amenities.

 

Details of proposal

The proposal made by Unicorp is to pay $130,800 for each unit with an additional $100,000 paid to the owners of the 15 mid-rise units which command waterfront views. The owners of the existing 13 beach-front units as well as the Presidential and Vice Presidential units will be offered a $200,000 premium above the $130,800.

Unicorp will pay other costs including taxes, insurance, as well as two loans that are attached to the property and association. Unicorp has stated the value of the offer at $46,222,000.

 

Andy Adams factor…

While the offer is attractive enough for the Board of Directors to move forward with, what remains an unknown is whether Andy Adams, who owns 30% of the units at The Colony, will vote in favor of the proposal. It will take 75% of the Unit Owner’s approval for the plan to move forward, and Adams could present a deal breaker even if every other unit owner votes in affirmation.

Adams has remained true to the cliché of playing his cards close to the vest and had previously made a redevelopment proposal, which the board did not embrace.

Adams has spent roughly $4 million to $5 million to acquire his 70-plus units and if he stands to be paid an estimated $11 million for his assets under the proposal.

Unicorp’s President Chuck Whittall said that he has not heard from Adams and that he has been working directly with the Association and its Redevelopment Committee. Whittall did say that in his mind the redevelopment proposal is far superior to what is a possible outcome if Adams votes against the proposal.

Whittall says that if no plan is approved and the Association cannot redevelop, the property could eventually be auctioned. Whittall says that the encumbrance of the recreational lease claim as well as the fact that Unicorp controls the commercial units, meaning the spa, restaurant and other amenities, would diminish the value at auction. That brings up the issue that if a state court finds that the property cannot be rehabilitated, and is demolished, it would go to auction and every owner would be paid a pro-rata share.

 

Whittal to buy Colony Lender assets

Whittall said that Unicorp controls the recreational amenities and 2.3 acres of the site through its contract with Colony Lender, which bought the assets at a discount from a bankrupt estate that Bank of America sold as collateral. Whittal says Unicorp will execute its contract with Colony Lender within the next five weeks, through a 1031 exchange following the sale of a large portfolio of property.

If Whittall’s proposal is approved by the Colony Unit Owners, a voter referendum would have to be held to allow the residential density on the site as dictated by the Town Charter. There would also have to be significant changes to the town land development codes, since the town does not have a process in place to consider a mixed use proposal on the site.

The town has told Longboat Key News that it is working on developing a Planned Unit Development Procedures that will apply to The Colony and similar properties on Longboat Key and expects to have that process in place before there was any chance of a redevelopment plan being submitted to the town.

Welfonder Seeks Colony Plan with Fairmont Hotels

The Town Commission will consider extending the grandfathered tourism units for the Colony Beach & Tennis Club.

A new plan has emerged from a developer interested in redeveloping the former derelict Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property.

Although Orlando-based Unicorp National Development and the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association appear now to be working in tandem to redevelop the 18-acre Longboat Key property, after years of fractious lawsuits and entanglements, a second proposal continues to swirl around the former tennis-themed resort.

Longboat Key resident Manfred Welfonder’s MW Corp. and Lutgert Cos., of Naples, have received a nonbinding “expression of interest” in operating a proposed 400-room luxury hotel at the Colony from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a Toronto-based company whose flag graces hotels from San Francisco to London.

“Fairmont has allowed us to use their name, and they support our project as a potential future operator of our hotel,” says Welfonder. “They are very much engaged with our project.”

Unicorp, meanwhile, has hopes of landing The Four Seasons to a redeveloped Colony.

The Orlando-based developer owns key Colony property, including a 95% stake in a 2.3-acre recreational property at the center of the resort, and entered into an agreement in March to work with the association.

Although past developers have worked with the association on plans for a future resort, the agreement with Unicorp is key because it includes a global settlement of most litigation surrounding the property.

“We’ve met with Fairmont, and the reality is any interested flag would go to whoever has the property,” Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall says. “We’ve had active and serious discussions with Fairmont, St. Regis and Four Seasons. We have a deal with the homeowners’ association, but at this stage, it’s hard to sign an agreement with a hotel flag until more things are done. But we have a good working relationship with the association now, and I think we’re about two weeks away from finalizing a legal agreement with them.”

In other Colony news, owners filed a new application to extend the property’s grandfathered tourism units Monday.

Because the Colony’s 237 units were built on 18 acres before the town created its tourism resort commercial classification that allows for just six units per acre, 129 of the resort’s 237 units are considered grandfathered. If that nonconforming use disappears, only 108 units would be permitted.

Unicorp launches site in Windermere

Altamonte Springs-based Roger B. Kennedy Construction is expected to start work this week on Venetian Isles Apartments and Townhomes in Windermere.

Unicorp National Developments Inc., known for developing I-Drive 360 andTrader Joe’s sites in Orlando and Winter Park, contracted with the company on the $42 million project designed by Slocum Platts Architects, Maitland.

The project includes 19 buildings with 302 units at 6506 San Francesco Way. Another building will include 44 townhomes at 10006 St. Marks Blvd. Completion on the townhomes is expected in June 2017 and the apartments are to be finished in December 2017.

Kennedy is also set to start work this week on the $10 million Brixton Landing Apartments, a new senior living facility at 442 E. 13th Street, Apopka. Developed byWendover Housing Partners LLC, Altamonte Springs, the project includes 80 apartments designed by Slocum Platts Architects. Completion is expected in February 2017.

Residential

Crescent Communities’ Oakland Park in Winter Garden opened its next phase with 100 lots ranging in width from 40 feet to 85 feet. Builders include J&J Building,Vintage Estate Homes, RCB Homes and David Weekley Homes.

Construction

Orlando-based Williams Company Southeast started work on three Target store remodels, including the store at 4750 Millenia Plaza Way, Orlando, and two stores in Miami. The stores, which will continue operating, are expected to be completed in the fall.

Leases

McLane/Suneast signed a new lease for 68,100 square feet at 5201 Robert McLane Blvd., Kissimmee.

Wilson McDowell, of CITE Partners, represented the landlord. Kevin Hoover withCBRE represented the tenant. …

Randstad General Partners signed a new lease for 1,818 square feet at 9500 Satellite Blvd., Orlando. Tad McDonough, with USI Real Estate Brokerage Services, represented the tenant. Bobby Isola, of CITE Partners, represented the landlord. …

Bloom USA International Corp. which manufactures house wares, leased 2,307 square feet at South Park Business Center, 8600 Commodity Circle, Orlando. Also at South Park, TLL Top LED Lumination LLC signed a new lease for 2,084 square feet. Tom Kelly, principal at NAI Realvest, represented the landlord on the leases.

Sales

A Colorado group purchased North Lake Business Park, with 15 single-story buildings in Altamonte Springs, for $17.2 million.

CBRE represented the seller in its sale of 270,555 square feet of flex office space on 28 acres off North Lake Boulevard in Altamonte Springs. The buyer was Arsenault Holdings LLC. …

Equity Investment Services sold the Shoppes at Lake Mary for $7.7 million. Tenants include Starbucks, Verizon and Noodles & Co. Kevin Yaryan of EIS brokered the sale.

Earth Fare, 24 Hour Fitness lining up for $200M Lake Mary project

Unicorp National Developments Inc. appears to be in talks with two major retailers — including a specialty grocer that has now been named — for its $200 million mixed-use project in Lake Mary’s new “Midtown” area.

Unicorp is proposing a 25,000-square-foot Earth Fare grocery store and a 38,000-square-foot 24 Hour Fitness as part of the commercial portion of the 35-acre Griffin Farms Town Center, city of Lake Mary documents showed.

If approved, this would be the first Central Florida store for Fletcher, N.C.-basedEarth Fare Inc., which along with a handful of other niche grocers has been hunting for local sites for more than a year.

San Ramon, Calif.-based 24 Hour Fitness USA Inc. has one existing gym in Downtown South, and several others in the works, including in Winter Park andKissimmee, as previously reported by Orlando Business Journal.

Meanwhile, Lake Mary officials in March approved an overall plan for the project, after the state had no objections to the city’s request to change its comprehensive plan to create the new district and allow for Unicorp to begin work on the project.

Griffin Farms Town Center is expected to create nearly 2,000 temporary construction jobs and 415 permanent jobs while also bringing a much-needed mix of housing stock to Lake Mary, a fast-growing financial industry hub with big-name employers including Verizon Communications Inc.(NYSE: VZ),Deloitte and, most recently, Kroger Co.’s related Axium Healthcare Pharmacy Inc.

The project will include:

Representatives from Unicorp National Developments weren’t immediately available for comment.

But read more about the new project in these previous OBJ stories and come back to OrlandoBusinessJournal.com for updates.griffin-farms-town-center-color-map-xx

Colony redevelopment showdown

This past week the tradition continued. On Tuesday the owners of the closed and ever-contentious Colony Beach & Tennis Resort heard two competing redevelopment plans.

Both Colony proposals offer to rebuild the 17.2-acre site and either buy out the existing owners or offer time at a redeveloped resort.

But there the similarities end, and the details as to how much money is offered, the desired size and scope of the resort, as well as the level of detail offered underscored the vast differences between the plans put forth by developers Chuck Whittal and Manfred Welfonder.

‘We can close in 10 days’

Whittal, who is President of Orlando-based Unicorp, presented first at the Unit Owner’s Annual Meeting. He opened by reminding the owners that his company owns 2.3 acres of The Colony, — assets he bought from Randy Langley and David Siegal of Colony Lender.

Whittal added that his owned property constitutes the prime beachfront at The Colony as well as the tennis courts and other amenities. Then Whittal used a map overlay to show how he arrived at a valuation of the property which forms the basis of his cash offer.

In short, Whittal’s offer is to pay owners $126,000 per unit for an outright sale and he says Unicorp can close in 10 days. Unicorp will pay an additional $200,000 premium for waterfront units and those owners would receive $326,000 per unit. These prices are based on a vote of The Colony owners who would have to terminate the existing condominium in order to sell.

Pragmatically, it takes a vote of 80% of the owners to terminate the condominium and the collective association that binds the property together. That vote is necessary for any redevelopment or transfer of ownership or change in control.

Whittal said he first took steps to redevelop The Colony several years ago after a conversation with Sarasota Attorney Morgan Bentley at a golf tournament they were watching. Bentley told Whittal that the key to developing the resort was one of two ways. Either form an alliance or relationship with Andy Adams, who then and now controls the largest share of units — more than 70 —, or, work with Colony Lender, which had bought the collateral on a loan that includes the 2.3 acres and the recreational amenities.

Whittal said he got nowhere speaking with Adams and subsequently worked out a purchase agreement for Colony Lender’s assets.

“I am pointing this out because it is a reason to have a unified solution,” Whittal said.

Whittal said that his sole goal is to redevelop the property and not to sell his assets. He has hired Ernest and Young to assess the viability of the site and has zeroed in on Rosewood, Four Seasons and St. Regis as named hotel flags.

“We would not do a four-star, but a five-star brand,” Whittal has maintained.

Next at the meeting, Whittal spoke of how he arrived at the valuation of the property. He says he values the waterfront acreage of the property at about $6.5 million per acre; the frontage on Gulf of Mexico Drive at $800,000 per acre, and the property in between in the middle of the resort at $1.3 million per acre.

Whittall’s overall proposal encompasses 360 units, of which one-half would be condominium and one-half hotel units. The amenities, including a spa and lagoon style pool and restaurants, would be shared. He said the property would be elevated up to 40 feet in the rear of the site and would have descending levels to maintain the waterfront views.

Whittal also said he is trying to forge a relationship offer with neighboring Tencon Condominiums to incorporate their tennis courts into the project and allow Tencon owners full access and use of the resort amenities.

$30 million in 10 days…

Whittal summed up his proposal in saying it amounts to a bulk sale for $30 million and he can close in 10 days.

Another option, said Whittal, is if owners are not interested in selling he would discount the $30 million sale price by $126,000 and each unit owner would receive a 30-day vacation slot, which they would own. In short, it would be a 30-day fractional.

“The bottom line is you can buy into the project, or take the cash and go on your way,” said Whittal.

Whittal said it would take four years to take the project through permitting with the town and develop the site.

For this proposal to work out, Whittal told Longboat Key News, the Association of Unit Owners has to have Andy Adams on board. He added that he is going to speak with Adams next week and he hopes the negotiations do not end in a stalemate. If that were to occur, Whittal said eventually the court could be petitioned to appoint a receiver and the property could go to auction for bid.

As for ongoing litigation, Whittal said he doesn’t see anything that could diminish Unicorp’s ownership position, but if Judge May rules that Unicorp owns the recreation lease, it would create a liability for the owners.

Manfred’s plan Manfred Welfonder was introduced at the meeting by Colony Board President Jay Yablon.

Yablon joked, “One thing that distinguishes Manfred, is he is the only individual who has never been involved in one of our lawsuits.”

Welfonder said that he has partnered with Naples-based Lutgert Companies and seeks to redevelop The Colony by 2018.

Welfonder said that he had played tennis at The Colony for more than a decade and has spoken with owners and believes the owners and the town both want a redeveloped Colony with a “Village-type character, with open space, walking space and green space.”

He said that his team is financially prepared to buy any assets at The Colony that are available including Unicorp’s and Andy Adams’ units.

As for his offer to the unit owners, Welfonder had three options. For owners who wish to participate in the redevelopment of what he calls a four or five-star hotel, they can buy a single hotel unit at a discounted price below market value. He said all units can be used for up to 30 consecutive days and such an owner can put the unit into the hotel’s rental program. This program would be similar to what many owners were used to in that they owned their unit and could enjoy it for 30 days and a management company would rent it out for the rest of the year.

The second option is to convert the current ownership deed into a co-ownership deed. In essence, an owner would receive a deed to a fully-furnished suite that could be used 30 days a year, but the ownership would be shared with other owners.

The third option is as Welfonder said, “We buy the unit at the price satisfying to the owner as well as us.”

Other details Welfonder spoke of is that they have selected three hotel companies they have been working with to arrive at room configurations as well as projected room rates. He said these companies give design standards and amenities that must be built and delivered.

As for remaining a tennis-type resort, Welfonder said, “I am holding discussions with well-known tennis related persons and you will like it as an owner.” He added that his project conforms with the town’s zoning requirements and he has sent the proposal to neighbors north and south of The Colony.

The audience had several questions for Manfred and sought firm financial details.

“How much more are you paying us for our units than the former presenter?” asked one audience member.

“I am not familiar with the former presenter,” answered Welfonder.

The audience member continued, “Then how much are you paying us per unit?”

“We will sit with each and every owner and discuss a fair and reasonable price,” said Welfonder.

“You do not have a ballpark price?” asked the audience member.

“We have,” Welfonder said.

“What is it?” persisted the audience member.

“We do not want to discuss because there are two open line items, Colony Lender and Andy Adams,” said Welfonder.

The audience member was not assuaged, “It’s a nice presentation, but the most important thing is missing, and that is: How much?”

Another audience member said that the Association has been down the road before with significant developers who did not have any agreement in place to buy the “open line items.”

Welfonder replied that his team’s budget to develop the site and pay Adams and Colony Lender is about $200 million. He also said that Unicorp’s proposal requires a public referendum, whereas his does not. Welfonder said he would need a four to six month exclusive agreement while he negotiates with Adams and Colony Lender.

He added that he urges unit owners to join his project and that it would be better for them not to sell. “It does not make sense to sell. Your current fair market value is $50,000,” said Welfonder.

An audience member was upset with that valuation, “Your number is wrong to begin with. I would think your number should be $150,000.”

Welfonder continued, “Then why did 70 owners sell for $50,000 and less? Seventy owners cannot be stupid.”

The audience member then said, “It is really upsetting me that people have in mind that my place is worth $50,000. I’ll burn my place before selling it for $50,000.”

Shortly after this back and forth the presentations were over and it will be up to the unit owners and the Board to decide which direction it wishes to go or whether to hold a poll or vote of members to determine the desired direction.

How Skyplex’s approval helps Unicorp’s Chuck Whittall

Richard Bilbao Reporter Orlando Business Journal It was hard to see developer Chuck Whittall in the Orange County Commission chamber after it erupted in cheers right after commissioners unanimously approved the $500 million Skyplex project for a planned development on Dec. 1, but quick glimpses over his way showed his excitement.

Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments and builder of I-Drive 360, looked pleased that his efforts to help make a case for Skyplex builder Joshua Wallack’s project paid off in helping form a larger master plan concept that includes Wallack’s future 501-foot roller coaster and more.

After a quick handshake and pat on the back congratulating Wallack, Whittall quickly left the room, only stopping to shake hands with those who blocked his path out of the commission meeting room, because it was time for him to get back to work.

“I think this is great news. It really sets the pathway forward for not only our StarFlyer ride but future developments and future opportunities,” he told me later that night.

What Whittall means is the Skyplex vote was key to determining how he would rebuild his massive portion of I-Drive that spans from Sand Lake Road to Via Mercado. He sees the potential for 13 new hotel towers on that stretch accompanied by various retail and restaurant centers and key attractions like the 420-foot Starflyer.

Whittall recently told Orlando Business Journal a part of that plan was to build a hotel tower atop the Charley’s Steak House restaurant at the Vue at 360 complex that would sit next to the Starflyer attraction.

If Skyplex lost the commission vote, that would have clouded Whittall’s situation regarding any of his plans that included high-rises or plans to build around tall rides. If the county began blocking out tall attractions, and big master plan developments like Skyplex were being shot down, then what potholes lay ahead for his plans?

Luckily, that wasn’t the case. With Skyplex approved, “You’re going to see a lot of new growth in the future for International Drive in a very, very positive way,” Whittall said.

Whittall’s Starflyer project is the next major I-Drive proposal set to come before Orange County commissioners this month. That meeting, set for Dec. 15, will be a hearing to review the attraction and should shed more light on what Whittall will be permitted to build.

Orange County Commission approves Skyplex Orlando

Orange County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved the proposed Skyplex Orlando development on International Drive, which features a 501-foot roller coaster, despite intense lobbying from Universal Orlando.

For months, Universal leaders have fought the project, citing concerns about traffic in the area while focusing on the height of the roller coaster. Lobbying efforts included sending thousands of mailers to neighborhoods across Orange County.

Also on Tuesday, there was a signal that Universal has big development plans nearby. Two Orange County commissioners said that Universal’s chief lobbyist told them the theme park company has a contract to purchase 474 acres of properties about 2 miles away.

Commissioners Pete Clarke and Ted Edwards did not know what the properties east of Universal Boulevard near the Orange County Convention Center would be used for, but “the impression is whatever it is, it would be big,” Edwards said. “It’s exciting.”

Universal had no comment.

The additional acreage would be a huge boon to Universal, which has ambitious plans but has been stymied by the fact it has limited land. The property would be large enough for a third theme park.

Skyplex attorney Hal Kantor said Tuesday that he thinks Universal Orlando is motivated to oppose Skyplex because it is angling to buy the 474 acres known as Colony properties.

“If Universal acquires that site, then they start acting more like Disney. That’s what I think this whole thing’s about. It’s hundreds of acres,” Kantor said.

Commissioners approved the rezoning request for Skyplex after 46 people spoke during the nearly three-hour public meeting. An overwhelming majority, including 41 I-Drive business leaders, residents in neighboring Tangelo Park and others, threw support behind the embattled project.

Joshua Wallack, developer of Skyplex, said Universal was “too aggressive” in efforts to thwart his project, and his team downplayed fears the tower would emit too much light and would be an eyesore to nearby communities.

“When you actually look at it,” said Wallack after the meeting, “it’s this tiny Jimmy Dean sausage on the horizon.”

Wallack said construction of the tower would be started first and that he is looking for funding from Chinese backers. He hopes the complex will open in 2018.

The $500 million project, which would be built at the intersection of International Drive and Sand Lake Road, needed final county approval before moving forward in planning and construction.

The Federal Aviation Authority ruled in July that the 501-foot roller coaster, which would be the tallest in the world, did not pose a threat to aviation traffic. The FAA approved the tower’s height up to 700 feet.

Plans for that tower include a thrill-drop ride built inside the framework of the roller coaster, an observation deck and a rotating restaurant, said Wallack. Kantor said the tower would not be taller than 600 feet.

In October, the Orange County Planning and Zoning Commission had voted 4-3 against recommending the Skyplex parcel for rezoning.

Two of the five people who spoke Tuesday against the Skyplex development were Peter Latham, Universal’s attorney, and John McReynolds, Universal’s head of external affairs.

During their allotted two minutes, the amount of time speakers were granted, they reiterated concerns presented at previous meetings, which they emphasized weren’t driven from a competitive standpoint.

“We are here to talk about compromise and talk about what is an appropriate height,” said McReynolds.

Universal has a height limit of 200 feet on rides and attractions, a limit set by Orlando government and ordinances.

Latham focused on the amount of traffic the new development would bring, saying Wallack’s team has not done adequate research into that.

Three county residents spoke against the project, concerned about the public-safety aspect of any traffic the complex would result in and the visual impact it would have on the skyline.

Those in favor of the project, including Orlando attorney and real-estate agent Mark NeJame, said the development was necessary for the continued growth of North I-Drive.

NeJame, born and raised in Orlando, said he has seen the region become more accepting and progressive, and voting against the project would have been a step in the wrong direction.

“This city is nothing like what it’s been,” he said.

Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments, the developer of the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex south of the Skyplex site, said he chose to unite with Wallack instead of fight him because it betters the community.

“The more critical mass is better for all of us,” said Whittall. “Growth sparks growth.”

Commissioner Victoria Siplin represents the district Skyplex will be built in. She said Tuesday that she was impressed by the showing of solidarity among business owners in her district.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said she was surprised at the unanimous vote and the turnout.

“And I think the thing that’s important to remember is this wouldn’t fit most places, but I-Drive is the place for projects like this, and that came across loud and clear,” Jacobs said.

Sandra Pedicini and Paul Brinkmann of the Sentinel staff contributed. cdineen@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5414

New Colony redevelopment plan labeled tremendous opportunity

Longboat Key resident Manfred Welfonder and his MW Corp. have been pitching a redevelopment plan for the long-shuttered Colony Beach & Tennis Resort for the better part of a decade.

But thanks to a recently unveiled agreement with the Lutgert Cos., one of Naples’ premier real estate firms, MW Corp.’s proposed $200 million revamp of the 18-acre Longboat Key resort is gaining new traction and credibility.

In addition to building some of Naples best-known luxury high-rise residential towers in the 760-acre Park Shore beachfront community and elsewhere — including Enclave and Aria, two of 25 projects containing more than 2,500 upscale units — Lutgert has a long track record of commercial success.

Earlier this year, the firm sold the Mercato retail and office complex in Naples, a joint venture with the Barron Collier Cos., to Prudential Real Estate Investors for roughly $240 million.

Lutgert is more than an experienced developer, however. It also owns the Premier Sotheby’s International Realty residential real estate brokerage and a commercial counterpart, a well-established insurance operation, construction arm and a title company.

“We have considerable expertise in luxury development, and we like to build on the waterfront,” says Howard Gutman, Lutgert’s president. “And the Colony represents a tremendous, excellent site. We realize a lot of issues would need to be cleaned up there, but we’d welcome the opportunity to be part of the development there.”

MW Corp.’s proposal calls for 350 new, four-star rental and residential units at the Colony, with a 190-seat restaurant and amenities ranging from tennis courts to swimming pools.

In three years, it hopes to re-open the famed resort, which closed in 2010 following a legal dispute between the Colony’s unit owner association and its developer and manager.

“We see the tremendous potential and opportunity there,” says Judy Green, president and CEO of Premier Sotheby’s, adding the company has been working with MW Corp. for “a few years.”

Although Lutgert and Premier have become well-known to MW Corp., the companies are less familiar to many Colony stakeholders — including the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association that represents the dozens of unit owners there.

“We did not know who they were until Manfred brought them to our attention,” Jay Yablon, president of the association, says of Lutgert. “But we hope to get a much better sense of who they are by the time of our annual meeting on Dec. 15.”

But even with its cache and sterling reputation, Lutgert’s involvement does not ensure that MW Corp.’s plan will clear the significant hurdles it faces.

Chief among them are ongoing lawsuits over ownership and financial responsibility.

And then there’s Unicorp National Developments Inc., an Orlando-based company that has an agreement to purchase a substantial portion of the Colony property — including its now-dormant amenities. Unicorp also maintains it controls a lease that essentially gives it rights to recreational property at the Colony. However, unit owners argues the lease is null and void and continue to fight Unicorp’s claims in court.

Unicorp also has redevelopment plans for the Colony.

“The Colony can’t be redeveloped without us,” Unicorp President Chuck Whittall says. “We’re the ticket to the future there. Others are really just spinning their wheels.”

Like Yablon, Whittall says he had never heard of Lutgert before.

Gutman, too, acknowledges that his company is not positioning itself for a prolonged legal battle over the Colony.

“If Manfred can bring us a site that is lien-free and development-ready, then we’re interested and would like to go forward,” he says. “But we’re not getting involved in any of the lawsuits or anything else at the Colony. We’re developers.”

Rumor: Universal Orlando may build new theme park on Universal Boulevard

Looks like the 450-plus acres of land on Universal Boulevard may have a buyer with big plans for it — something possibly theme park-level.

Orange County commissioners Pete Clarke and Ted Edwards told Orlando Business Journal that Universal Orlando Resort may be interested in buying the massive lots of land along Universal Boulevard that run from Sand Lake Road down to the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. The land is currently owned by Santa Monica, Calif.-based private equity firm Colony Capital LLC, which has not shared what it plans for the land.

Universal has not yet commented about the land buy, but rumor is that the theme park company already has an offer in with Colony Capital for that land, but the deal has yet to close. Universal Orlando Resort, which is owned by Comcast Corp., would have the deep pockets needed to purchase all the land in one swoop.

However, if Universal can acquire the land, there’s the potential for multiple hotels, an abundance of retail or dining real estate, and even a theme park. Universal has been successful since the opening of the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion in 2010, but has suffered from being landlocked with very little land to purchase in the tourism corridor.

This move would be on top of Universal’s recent aggressive construction boom with plans to open the new Sapphire Falls Resort next year, the Volcano Bay water park in 2017 and a slew of other new attractions based on properties like King Kong and Fast & Furious.

There were other suitors vying for that land, including Unicorp National Developments, which wants a portion of the land to build multiple hotels and a Las Vegas Bellagio-style restaurant and entertainment area, as well as a 2,000-seat theate r. Other ideas in the mix include a 65,000-square-foot Topgolf location and a pending 365-room hotel from Empire EQ Hotel LLC.

Unicorp’s Chuck Whittall plans convention hotel, more on I-Drive

Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s master plan for International Drive calls for the possibility of up to 13 new hotels, but don’t expect all to be the same size.

Unicorp’s President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal that the hotel properties depicted on the master plan will range in size and scope, as well as how they are themed and used.

“We think we will do a large convention hotel, then several smaller hotels, and then we would do another large hotel that is more of a tourist attraction hotel,” Whittall said.

Most of those details have yet to be determined, but Whittall said the attraction hotel most likely will be new hotel towers next to the Orlando Eye. He also mentioned other hotel growth plans would include building a new 1,000-room tower at the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive.

During a Nov. 20 I-Drive meeting, Whittall confirmed he has received calls from two hotel companies interested in his plan. He did not disclose the companies.

The International Drive and Sand Lake Road area has become a booming area of proposed investment. The $200 million I-Drive 360 project is the first part of several new additions, including the proposed $500 million Skyplex project and the new Mango’s Tropical Cafe Orlando set to open later this year.

Unicorp pitches long-term revamp of 76 acres in I-Drive Entertainment District

Unicorp National Developments, owner and manager of more than 68 semi-contiguous acres from the Wyndham Orlando Resort down to I-Drive 360 that lie southeast of International Drive and Sand Lake Road, has an early-stage master plan to redevelop much of that property over the next decade.

It would be a dense, vertical, walkable, mixed-use environment with roughly double the retail and hotel footprint found there today, along with potential residential towers, all of which covers roughly 76 acres with other parcel owners included.

Unicorp and Chicago-based architects at Antunovich Associates produced the plan in recent months, and presented it in private to Orange County planning staff in early November.

That master plan submittal is currently under staff review, and will be part of agenda discussion during the Nov. 20 I-Drive 2040 Vision Code and Standards CPD Steering Review Group Meeting.

Unicorp has an ownership stake in the Wyndham Orlando Resort that fronts W. Sand Lake Road (27.18 acres), the I-Shops retail strip to its west that fronts I-Drive (10.42 acres), the Walgreens store on the Sand Lake Road corner (1.49 acres), the Kings Plaza retail center directly south of that (8.9 acres), McFaddens restaurant and saloon (1.82 acres) and the I-Drive 360 complex (18.69 acres).

Sprinkled in between those parcels are other properties like Ripley’s Museum owned by Jim Pattison Developments out of Vancouver, Canada (0.99 acres), Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Theater owned by the Redmond family out of Chuluota, Fla. (5.37 acres), and a Fairfield Inn and Suites fronting Universal Boulevard owned by an affiliate of Avista Hotels (1.89 acres).

This master plan was produced in part to help gain approval in December for the 420-foot Starflyer attraction from the Board of County Commissioners.

Property owner Unicorp is working with Starflyer’s developer to place the attraction on its Kings Plaza property, but needs county approval to change that plaza’s zoning (Goodings Plaza PD) to allow for an amusement use, and apply Convention Plaza District Overlay Zone rules so there is no height limit.

Unicorp got a recommendation for approval of the changes in late July from the county’s Development Review Committee, but only if the applicant agreed to wait for BCC to hear this case in mid-December, at the same meeting in which the final I-Drive Vision Plan’s report and code for future growth of International Drive are also presented.

Unicorp and its CEO Chuck Whittall did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday for this story.

The master plan also features development east of Universal Boulevard that Whittall has talked openly about since early this year.

He envisions a mix of retail, dining, hotels, a theater and public water show on what would be a 17-acre parcel soon to be controlled by California-based Colony Capital, following a Nov. 18 public foreclosure auction for 474 acres in the area.

Unicorp’s master plan includes much of what has been designated the Entertainment District in the new International Drive/Convention Plaza District 2040 Strategic Vision Plan that was presented to the county’s BCC on Nov. 3, but has yet to be adopted.

Most notable in Unicorp’s master plan is the inclusion of six new interconnected streets with six four-way intersections within the district. It appears to embrace the Vision Plan tenet to boost walkability, which could involve increasing intersection density by setting maximum block size of 1,320 feet, and prioritizing development within quarter-mile walk sheds (length of a five-minute walk).

Unicorp’s plan map also highlights the proposed Skyplex entertainment complex and the soon-to-open Mango’s Tropical Cafe Orlando, both being developed by Wallack Holdings.

Have a tip about Central Florida development? Contact me at bmoser@growthspotter.com, (407) 420-5685 or @bobmoser333. Follow GrowthSpotter on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Starflyer ride a reason behind Unicorp’s bigger I-Drive masterplan

Unicorp National Developments’ Chuck Whittall has a slew of plans in mind for International Drive as seen in a masterplan the company recently revealed. But why such a massive idea all at once?

Well, Orange County planners said Whittall’s 420-foot Starflyer, planned for the future Vue at 360 project — formerly Gooding’s Plaza — was a big reason why the county urged Unicorp to look at its big-picture plans for I-Drive. The plan reveals Unicorp’s vision for multiple hotels and restaurant/entertainment developments from Sand Lake Road to Via Mercado, as well as plans for a hotel/dining/theater complex just east of I-Drive 360 on Universal Boulevard land.

“The idea of the master plan was initially revealed at a development review committee meeting where the Gooding’s Plaza Planned Development [the Starflyer] project was considered. At that time, [Orange County Planning Manager] Alberto Vargas was very clear with [Whittall] that his recommendation to support the project was contingent on a larger plan for the redevelopment of the area, not just the Starflyer in the middle of a surface parking lot. This is Chuck’s first attempt, and staff is currently reviewing,” said Eric Raasch, assistant planning administrator with the county.

For some background, Vargas is Orange County’s frontman on a larger re-envisioning of I-Drive that includes new transportation options, pedestrian bridges, improving walkability and redeveloping areas of opportunity. The goal is to revamp I-Drive into a new destination in itself that could encourage increased visitation from locals and out-of-town travelers.

Whittall agreed the goal of his masterplan is to push I-Drive’s appeal to new levels. “We are really looking at the future of I-Drive and how it all comes together. Our plan demonstrates that it can be an entertainment, hotel, walkable and desirous place to be,” he said via email. The Starflyer project is set to go before Orange County leaders for a hearing on Dec. 15.

If successful, this project could inject hundreds of millions of dollars of new construction and economic impact into International Drive. It would also further push the appeal of Orlando to its 62 million visitors and boost the $60 billion travel and tourism industry that serves visitors.

Unicorp reveals details on massive I-Drive masterplan

Bike trails, people sitting and enjoying nature, and a juggler entertaining tourists all in an open-air, high-rise entertainment and hotel district. This is what one of International Drive’s most prominent game changers has planned for the future of Orlando’s tourism corridor.

Chuck Whittall of Unicorp National Developments Inc. wants to revolutionize the less-than-a-mile stretch from the $200 million I-Drive 360 complex to Sand Lake Road into a massive hotel, retail and open-air destination. The plan was created with assistance from architectural team members with Wallack Holdings LLC, developers of the $460 million Skyplex project, at the request of Orange County.

A site plan shows Unicorp’s idea for potentially 13 new hotel towers with retail space surrounded by natural features like lakes, small parks and walkways, and a road system. The map also shows what Unicorp has planned for about 20 acres of land just east of the I-Drive 360 complex that could host three hotel towers, a large restaurant development, a theater and a massive water feature show that would be seen from the Orlando Eye.

Whittall was not available for comment, but has previously told Orlando Business Journal he envisioned that 20 acres of land — which he has yet to close on — could be home to entertainment that tourists could find in Las Vegas, without casinos. That includes nighttime entertainment and attracting shows and singers to perform there nightly.

Joshua Wallack of Wallack Holdings said he believes Unicorp’s vision is to build an outdoor restaurant area much like the dining experience that sits next to the iconic fountains outside the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. This plays right into the district’s goal of breathing new life into the after-hours scene of the tourism corridor — a much-needed amenity for both leisure and convention visitors.

“He’s turning a sea of asphalt into a beautiful, walking paradise with green space and incredible atmosphere that fits exactly with what the county is envisioning,” he said. Also included in the plan is Whittall’s future 420-foot Starflyer project that is set to go before Orange County leaders Dec. 15 for approval. Wallack Holdings LLC’s Skyplex project, which is depicted on the map, is set to be heard by county leaders before then on Dec. 1.

While 13 new hotels seem like a lot, much of International Drive’s surrounding area is still very much undeveloped. That land, which has several plans in the works, is entitled for as many as 13,000 more hotel rooms yet to be built. In addition, the region’s nonstop growth in annual visitation — 62 million people last year — will need more hotel space to keep up with the growth.

“This is a joint collaboration to show what the I-Drive entertainment district can become. If we get it, it will be what Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs called ‘the dazzling entertainment district that would be the envy of the world,’ ” said Wallack, noting that together, the two developers will inject more than $1 billion into the new masterplan development and create thousands of new jobs. He also estimated the plan could be done within the next decade without any hiccups.

To be clear, the two companies are expected to handle their own projects — Wallack Holdings is building Skyplex and Mango’s Tropical Cafe, and Unicorp is building the block between Sand Lake Road and Via Mercado.

Stay tuned as this is a developing story.

Chef Dominic Rice fires up safe, seasonal fare in a handsome room at Dr. Phillips’ Slate

After three visits to Slate (yet another restaurant employing shouty ALL CAPS in its branding), one oddity revealed itself: There doesn’t appear to be any actual slate used in the design of the restaurant’s interior or exterior. That peculiar fact seems lost on the dolled-up clientele at this popular Dr. Phillips sup spot, many of whom appear preoccupied with seeing and being seen, with nary a thought to spare for a metamorphic rock. Yes, being riddled with sidelong glances as you enter the dining room is an unavoidable initiation here, but the reward is a meal inside one of the more handsome restaurants in the city and the competent fare fired up by executive chef Dominic Rice and his capable staff.

The heavy hitters behind the restaurant – Chuck Whittall of Unicorp National Developments and Bob Amick of Atlanta-based Concentrics Restaurants – seemed bent on building the quintessential “Dr. Phillips restaurant” and, by all indications, they succeeded. The Johnson Studio, which worked on the interior spaces of both Luma and Prato, did a fine job in Slate’s design, and when the weather is right, there’s no better place to sit than next to the open accordion windows fronting a faux babbling brook. We had the pleasure of dining quasi-al fresco the first night said windows were opened – they had been shut since the restaurant opened in early June.

The fare? Well, it’s safe. That is, it’s seasonal, well-executed and lightly trendy, but there’s nothing too out of the ordinary for Sand Lake Road’s Westenders. Case in point: Green tomatoes ($7) were cleaved into half-moons before being battered, fried and served with a raita of sorts that provided a literal and figurative spice.

The focal point of the dining room is the enormous wood-fired oven; the sheen from the copper encasing the fire chamber likely blinded me, causing me to wrongly assume all items listed under the menu header “Dough” were pizzas. Then again, I would’ve been surprised, certainly intrigued, had gnocchi Bolognese ($16) been slathered all over a pie and served to me. That said, the wee dumplings were perfect, and the short rib Bolognese utterly stellar. Pizzas, by the way, are oak-fired at 650 degrees and cooked in about five minutes – not as fast as the oven at Bavaro’s in Winter Springs, but fast enough. On a separate lunchtime visit, I quite enjoyed sitting at the bar in front of the oven while chomping on the finocchiona pie ($14) with its fennel-seed-flavored salami, shaved fennel, marinated tomatoes and oregano. Service seemed to lag a bit at lunch, which was odd considering the room was half-empty.

Our experience at dinner has been far more positive, be it the service or the steak – a succulent flatiron ($24), to be specific – served on a tree-ring plate. I did have issues with the Key West tilefish ($26), however. A heavy spice rub, pickled mustard seeds and a Meyer lemon aioli overwhelmed the fish’s delicate, lobster-like flavor. Less is more with tilefish.

On the libationary front, Slate’s healthy wine list is worth noting. A sommelier friend of mine applauded the list’s coverage and range, noting how it stayed in people’s comfort zones without being prosaic. Saucy sticky toffee pudding ($7) with maple-malt ice cream is certainly an ending within the zones of comfort, but the dry and crumbly brioche doughnut ($7) was a resounding fail. No worries – you can always wipe your dessert slate clean and purchase a box of kouigns-amann from Trader Joe’s next door. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Topgolf’s Universal Boulevard attraction scores permit

A new way to play golf is making strides to become a reality near International Drive.

Topgolf Orlando, the 65,000-square-foot golfing, entertainment facility on Universal Boulevard, received its permit approvals from the South Florida Water Management District to begin construction. The project still has more government hoops to jump through, but it’s the first step toward opening the facility that is expected to create up to 125 new jobs along the tourism corridor.

Plans submitted with the water district show the facility will be three stories tall and will include the iconic Topgolf-style driving range that includes lighted-transparent features built into the driving course.

It’s also located on the Universal Boulevard strip that seems to be garnering much attention from private developers. Other projects in the mix there include a dining/entertainment center by Unicorp National Developments, a new 365-room hotel and more.

There are 19 U.S. Topgolf locations with eight others in consideration. Each location appears to advertise itself as modernized facilities that include multi-level seating, lounge-like driving areas, high-end sports bars and game rooms, as well as indoor and outdoor terrace/restaurant spaces.

A similar location slated for Jacksonville states it will attract 450,000 people a year and have an economic impact of $264.5 million over 10 years.

I-Drive’s latest tall attraction raises early lighting concerns

International Drive has several tall attractions or buildings that light up the night sky.

At the Magical Midway amusement park, the 390-foot Slingshot and the 230-foot StarFlyer are visible from Interstate 4. The Slingshot’s two crane-like towers are a glowing rainbow of light. Down the road, the Hyatt Regency Orlando, formerly The Peabody, is 428 feet tall and has beacon of light on the rooftop.

The latest attraction planned for that area is the 700-foot tower anchoring the proposed Skyplex Orlando entertainment complex.

At a recent zoning hearing, Joshua Wallack, developer of the complex, had to field early questions about lighting design.

Wallack went before Orange County’s planning and zoning commission Oct. 15 for approval needed to rezone his property on I-Drive at Sand Lake Road.

The focus instead became an argument over the height of the planned Skyscraper rollercoaster and the light the tower would emit.

Commissioner Tina Demostene brought up the lighting concerns, saying she has friends who can see the Orlando Eye from their home in Keene’s Pointe, a community southwest of Windermere.

If the Orlando Eye, at 400 feet, is clearly at visible at night, Demostene asked, what does that mean for a project almost twice as tall?

“It’s just this kind of glowing,” she said at the meeting. “It loses the iconic structure and becomes more Las Vegas-y.”

Jim Ward, a county planner, said lighting should not have been questioned at the planning meeting because it’s typically discussed by the development-review committee.

“This is zoning, so we don’t have a lighting engineer in the project at this point,” said Hal Kantor, the lawyer representing Wallack, during the meeting. “When we get to the development-plan stage we will, and we’ll address it.

The planning meeting acted as the stage for an official battle between Universal Orlando and Skyplex leaders, who have been at odds for months over the proposed development.

The focus of that spat is the height of the Skyscraper. Universal leaders contend it wouldn’t fit into the neighborhood and would likely be visible from their park. Per Orlando code, Universal’s rides and attractions can only be 200 feet tall.

Outside city limits, 501 feet tall, Wallack’s roller coaster would considerably dwarf rides at Universal, which would then stand about half as tall as the “the world’s tallest roller coaster.”

Planning and zoning commissioners voted against recommending the Skyplex for further development. Ultimately, it is scheduled to go before the Board of County Commissioners in December for more discussion and approval.

Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp Developments,said he faced similar pushback from Universal when he was working on developing I-Drive 360, home to the Orlando Eye. He’s scheduled to go before the Orange County Planning & Zoning Commission in December for his proposed 420-foot StarFlyer, a tower ride that reaches speeds of 40 mph as riders reach the top and begin spinning.

Universal’s spoken out against that project, too, said Whittall.

Orlando attorney John Morgan, who built Magical Midway but no longer owns it, said he squared off with opponents nearly a decade ago.

“You’ve got to be careful,” he said, adding he had hotels abutting his property. “They were concerned about lighting and they’re always concerned about noise.”

One concession he made was lowering music at night, to ensure hotel guests weren’t kept up too late. In terms of any lighting concerns for tall rides or buildings, those that stand above the general I-Drive skyline, Ward said the location and context of the proposed development is crucial to consider.

“You wouldn’t go to Las Vegas and complain about things like lighting,” he said.

County and I-Drive business leaders have met monthly for the last year discussing the future of the I-Drive tourism corridor. The district has been divided into subdistricts, including the Entertainment subdistrict, where the Skyplex would be built.

“I think there’s a place for everything,” said Whittall, adding concerns about dark skies is just “a silly comment.”

Morgan said I-Drive is known for the bright lights, attractions and general hum it brings to the community.

“All the way from Universal, down Kirkman, and all the way down I-Drive to SeaWorld, I see that as one giant attraction and I always have,” said Morgan. “Everyone knows what you’re getting when you get there.”

Ward says the county’s current exterior lighting ordinance may be a little out of date, having become the governing ordinance for lighting in 2003. When it was first drafted, it focused mostly on residential and standard commercial development to reflect the ongoing growth in Orange County, he said.

“It is not so sophisticated to have anticipated 420-foot-tall Ferris wheels in 2003,” he said.

When it comes to height, the ordinance only discusses parking lots or pedestrian areas.

Whittall said he worked with county leaders to properly light the Eye without creating a tacky lighting show. “It’s not obtrusive to the area,” he said.

Unicorp closer to bringing $107M shops, eateries, homes project to Horizon West

Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s planned $107 million Horizon West mixed-use development came a step closer to becoming a reality as the firm this week bought a chunk of land near Walt Disney World that it plans to turn into shops, eateries and homes.

Unicorp in two separate transactions spent about $12 million to buy a nearly 117-acre site on Winter Garden Vineland Road north of the Lakeside Village shopping complex on Oct. 21 from North of Albert’s LLP, Orange County records showed. The firm’s related Westside Shoppes LLC spent $2.2 million on a piece of it, while its related Venetian Isles LLC bought the balance for $9.8 million.

President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal the firm expects to break ground in next year’s first quarter on two pieces of the project, including the 70,700-square-foot Westside Shoppes and a 346-unit high-end multifamily project dubbed Venetian Isle. Unicorp has had plans in the works for this development since late 2014, as previously reported by OBJ.

A third piece of this project, which will be a middle school, likely will be built by Orange County Public Schools in 2017, Whittall said.

Unicorp has chosen Roger B. Kennedy Inc. as the general contractor for Venetian Isles — which will feature 302 apartments and 44 townhomes — and is in talks with Scherer Construction to handle building Westside Shoppes.

Unicorp is close to signing on a grocer for Westside Shoppes, and so far tenants will include Gator’s Dockside, Tijuana Flats, AT&T, Dunkin’ Donuts, Wendy’s, Great Clips, UPS Store, Luxury Nails & Day Spa and Flippers Pizzeria.

The new retail complex will complement one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing and top-performing submarkets. Southwest Orange County boasted the region’s lowest retail vacancy rate in this year’s third quarter at 4.1 percent, down from 5.1 percent a year earlier, according to CBRE Inc.. Average asking lease rates also grew during that period from $16 per square foot last year to $17.22 this year, and the submarket had the second-highest retail absorption in the area so far this year, with 168,284 square feet being backfilled, CBRE reported.

Apartments also continue to be in high demand in Central Florida, which reported a 96.3 percent overall occupancy rate — the highest our region has seen since 2006, according to a report by Charles Wayne Consulting Inc. The Winter Garden/Ocoee/West Orange submarket — which includes Horizon West — led the way with a 97.8 percent occupancy rate, the report showed.

Read more about what Unicorp is doing in Central Florida in previous OBJ stories and come back to OrlandoBusinessJournal.com for more.

Universal Orlando feuds with some neighbors, aligns with others

Universal Orlando has had a tough time lately getting along with some of its neighbors.

The growing theme-park complex has angered two local developers of large planned attractions who have accused the resort of stifling competition. At the same time, Universal is in a legal battle with a nearby hotel and Orange County over drainage issues.

Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said the resort generally has good relationships with surrounding homes and businesses. “We want to be a good neighbor,” he said.

Industry watchers say conflict is inevitable as Universal expands and the area around it booms.

Disneyland, which is surrounded by other development in Anaheim, Calif., has faced similar issues, including a lawsuit it filed against the city several years ago over plans for apartments. When Walt Disney established his theme-park resort here, he buffered much of it against competition and complaints by buying huge tracts of land. The Walt Disney Co. even got the state of Florida to create the resort’s own local governments: two cities and a taxing district.

“I think Universal, because they don’t have the insular protection Disney does, is going to do what they can to prohibit … attractions that draw business away from them,” said Duncan Dickson, a former Disney executive and an associate professor at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Chuck Whittall and Josh Wallack, developers behind unrelated projects on nearby International Drive, are unhappy with Universal.

After opposition from the theme-park resort, Orange County’s Planning and Zoning Commission last week voted against recommending Wallack’s Skyplex in a 4-3 vote. Orange County staff had recommended its approval. Universal argued against the height of the project, which features a 501-foot roller coaster.

“I blame them for doing business the wrong way by trying to strong-arm and dictate what happens over on International Drive,” Wallack said. “Universal’s like, ‘This is our side of town.'”

Wallack’s project will go in front of the Orange County Commission in December.

Whittall recently quit the board of an International Drive business group he said was too influenced by Universal and other big businesses. Whittall’s Unicorp National Developments is developing a complex in which a 420-foot-tall spinning ride called StarFlyer is proposed.

A representative for Universal recently urged planning officials to slow down approving height changes for the project.

Whittall also ran into conflict with Universal as he developed the I-Drive 360 complex that includes the Orlando Eye. Universal sued three companies, including Unicorp and Merlin Entertainments Group, at one point over the name of the complex, which was then called I-Walk Orlando, saying it was too similar to Universal’s CityWalk.

“They’re sore winners,” Whittall said. “They’re doing great in the market, yet they’re still souring it for other people.”

Universal has insisted that its interest in the projects has not been driven by competition. “Our concerns are about what we believe is a shared vision for our community,” Schroder said. Universal’s water-park subsidiary also recently sued the Enclave hotel and included Orange County as a defendant. The lawsuit says the county and the Enclave have permitted developers and other private-property owners to drain stormwater into an easement flowing into a lake behind Wet ‘n Wild water park, which Universal plans to close and redevelop.

“I’m very disappointed that it happened, and surprised,” Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke said of the lawsuit. “We’ve always been very good partners with the theme parks.”

Wallack and his attorney Hal Kantor say they think the suit was aimed at Skyplex, because that project could also potentially drain into the lake.

“The lawsuit is about our ability to protect and develop our property, period,” Schroder said. “This is a private lake. Orange County is dumping more stormwater into a private lake than they should.”

Universal is surrounded by a lot of commercial development but also residential neighborhoods, whose homeowners have complained through the years about the resort’s fireworks shows and noise from rides. Some of those neighbors say relations have improved through the years.

“It was a rocky start,” said Lou Roeder, a resident of the Orange Tree subdivision between Dr. Phillips Boulevard and Turkey Lake Road. But now, he said, Universal has “acknowledged what the homeowners mean to them and what they mean to the homeowners.”

In fact, Universal has found an ally in Orange Tree in its battle against Skyplex. A Universal representative last week pointed out at Thursday’s meeting that the community had sent a letter to county officials the night before. Universal acknowledged it had reached out to neighbors about Skyplex but wouldn’t give other details.

With so many different types of development surrounding it, Universal’s relationships are bound to be complicated, said Robert Niles, editor and publisher of ThemeParkInsider.com

“They have to accommodate the relationships that come with living in close proximity with your neighbors,” he said. “Sometimes you get along, sometimes you don’t.”

spedicini@tribpub.com or 407-420-5240

900 new homes on tap for west Orange County

Looking for your dream home near Walt Disney World? Well, you’re in luck because nearly 900 more new homes may be coming soon to areas including Windermere and the fast-growing Horizon West community.

Leading the charge is a plan for 423 homes by developers Florham Park, N.J.-based Ridgewood Real Estate Partners and New York-based Angelo, Gordon & Co. LP, who are redeveloping the former Marriott Grande Pines Golf Club near SeaWorld Orlando.

The developers are seeking preliminary site plan approval from the Orange County Commission for 423 single-family and townhome lots on 126.15 acres south of Central Florida Parkway and east of Westwood Boulevard. An unnamed homebuilder currently is negotiating to buy the site from the property owners, taking on the responsibility of developing the lots and then building the homes, said Jonathan Grebow, president of Ridgewood Real Estate Partners.

As of right now, all 423 homes would likely be built by a single homebuilder, but details are “still being figured out,” Grebow told Orlando Business Journal. If approved and the sale closes, construction on the lots could start in the first half of next year, he said.

See the graphic of the site map, below. Poulos & Bennett LLC is the project engineer, and Jim McNeil of law firm Akerman LLP is representing the developer.

Meanwhile, here’s a look at other residential projects that are seeking county commission approval in a meeting this afternoon:

Here’s more on what’s happening in the local residential real estate market and be sure to come back to OrlandoBusinessJournal.com for updates.

Developer Chuck Whittall quits I-Drive group in feud over attractions

September 9, 2015, 5:50pm

Prominent players in tourism and development are feuding over the role of a private group that has raised concerns about the size of proposed International Drive attractions.

Developer Chuck Whittall resigned Monday from Efficient PrTransportation for the Community of Central Florida, accusing the organization of overstepping its boundaries by trying to undermine high-profile projects. Whittall is the developer behind I-Drive 360, which includes the Orlando Eye, and a proposed spinning 420-foot ride called StarFlyer.

“They seem to be siding with big business,” Whittall said. “If you look at who’s on the board now, it’s Universal, it’s SeaWorld, it’s Pointe Orlando. … They say they represent I-Drive. Well, they don’t.”

Whittall says the big players want to suppress competition. ETC says it wants to promote responsible growth.

ETC has been around since the late 1980s, when it wanted an I-Drive stop for a proposed high-speed rail system. Since then it has provided input on issues beyond transportation. The ETC is represented on the I-Drive Steering Committee, formed by Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs to create an overall plan for the drive. State corporation records list ETC’s board officers as Universal Orlando lobbyist John McReynolds; Susan Godorov, who manages the Pointe Orlando dining-and-entertainment complex; and Doug Gehret, with Hilton.

“We won’t agree on all the issues that come before us and that’s okay, with big development and changes come big conversations,” ETC executive director Crissy Foglesong said in a statement.

“Currently, we have expressed support for all of the large-scale pending projects in the International Drive corridor; however, our membership has expressed concerns over certain aspects of these projects.”

Like Universal, ETC has warned against rushing through the StarFlyer project and another development called Skyplex, which is expected to have a roller coaster topping out at 570 feet. Foglesong has expressed concerns about their heights and said plans should wait until until the visioning plan underway is finalized.

David Vallillo, a general manager with Embassy Suites, also resigned from the ETC board last week. Valillo said in a letter he feels “the focus of this organization has taken a different direction and is no longer prioritizing the many mobility concerns that our community shares.” He did not comment further.

Skyplex developer Joshua Wallack said he is a member of the group but has not attended meetings in several months. McReynolds is “running the show there” and trying to squelch competition, Wallack said. At one ETC meeting with him, he said, McReynolds did most of the talking and “made it clear we’re not welcome in the community.”

Foglesong said: “I’ve not been in any meeting where anyone said, ‘We don’t want your project.'”

Universal had no comment.

Peter Latham, an attorney who represents Universal Orlando, has separately appeared at county meetings about Skyplex and StarFlyer. Latham said at one meeting that providing exemptions to such attractions would be “a huge character change to the neigborhood as well as a competitive advantage to one parcel owner versus its neighbor.”

Universal, which is near residential neighborhoods, is limited to heights of 200 feet for its rides.

SeaWorld spokeswoman Becca Bides said her theme park is a member and supports the group’s mission but would not answer questions about the company’s position on the new attractions. SeaWorld Orlando plans to debut Mako, a shark-themed coaster with a 200-foot drop, next year.

Caitlin Dineen of the Sentinel staff contributed; spedicini@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5240

Judge denies unit owners as Colony asset sale looms

There was both victory and defeat for each side in a six-hour Colony courtroom battle, which resulted ultimately in the usual outcome – postponement.

The meeting began at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 28 with the expectation that an auction would be held and critical Colony assets including the Recreational Lease would be liquidated and sold to the highest bidder. Heading into the courtroom, Orlando-based developer Unicorp had placed the highest bid of $650,000 and the Chapter 7 Trustee indicated acceptance.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Rodney May said earlier this month that the Chapter 7 Estate would be sold on Aug. 28 to the highest bidder and that Unicorp was in that position. But in the courtroom Friday, hours of intense argument on the side of The Association of Unit Owners to discredit Unicorp and a request by their attorney, Jeffrey Warren, to not allow Unicorp to bid at all, was entertained by Judge May. Unicorp seeks to redevelop the 17.2-acre Longboat Key resort that has been closed for five years.

At the end of the day, Judge May did rule that Unicorp is allowed to bid and that a prior agreement that the Association had to buy the Estate was no longer valid. But the Judge stopped short of approving the sale to Unicorp or entertaining bids and instead followed the request of Association Attorney Warren to hold a proceeding on Friday, Sept. 4, referred to as an evidentiary hearing in which a mini-trial will be held to evaluate the nature and the specific details of the proposal by Unicorp to buy the Estate’s assets.

Opening round

Chapter 7 Estate attorney Michael Markham explained the state of affairs to the Judge. Markham said that the Estate’s Trustee had withdrawn an agreement to sell the assets to the Association of Unit Owners and subsequently filed and approved an agreement with Unicorp. In the past weeks, Markham said, The Association had enhanced its offer and Unicorp responded in kind with a total of $650,000 in cash as well as the assumption of all future liability facing the estate.

Unicorp also has reached an agreement with the largest creditor in the Estate, the Icard Merrill law firm, to settle the balance of monies owed.

Markham told the Judge that the Unicorp offer, “Gives the highest and best offer to the Estate and gives the greatest distribution to creditors.”

And in many ways, that struck a chord with Judge May in that the basic tenet of Bankruptcy Law is to recover the largest amount of money and distribute it to creditors on behalf of the Estate.

Association Attorney Warren argued that The Association, while offering less cash to distribute, would retire its claims that it had against the Estate and also argued that Unicorp could not simply assume the liability of future litigation. In short, he made his case to disallow Unicorp’s offer and embrace the Association’s.

Time to sell or case of bad faith?

Markham grew impatient. Markham told the Judge that the Trustee for the Bankrupt Estate, “Does not want to be sitting around for several years waiting for something to happen.” He added, “Unicorp has stepped up with money, and that hasn’t happened in this courtroom in the past. The Trustee’s job is to maximize money for his creditors; that is what he has done.”

Association attorney Warren argued back vehemently, “It’s important we stop having secret side deals. The court is being told it needs to expedite this. But what is the reason? Only to benefit Unicorp and Chuck Whittall and create advantage for Unicorp.”

Warren then went on to accuse Unicorp of “acting in bad faith” and “creating great harm.” He added that the law disqualifies “bad faith bidders.”

The Association had filed previously unresolved motions to disqualify Unicorp, but no Judge has yet to agree.

As for the Association’s attempt to bid and buy the Bankrupt Estate, attorney Warren sought to convince the Judge that his client’s offer was superior. The Association held a special meeting on Aug. 18 in which it agreed to borrow money from Andy Adams who owns about 25 percent of the units. Warren argued that a $1.2 million letter of credit would cover the Icard Merrill attorney claims and that the Estate would receive $625,000 in cash.

Warren said the proceedings were forcing the owners to use a development partner (Unicorp) that they simply don’t want. Warren said that The Association contends the law does not allow the Trustee to walk away from a previous offer and agreement to purchase the assets. But that issue was refuted by the attorney for the Estate because the very terms of the agreement to sell to The Association stated that if the agreement was not consummated in 45 days, it would expire, and that is what happened.

“Unicorp has no desire to end the dispute, but to ratchet up the disputes,” said Warren.

“Your Honor,” said Warren to Judge May, “Think of the mischief out there, they (Unicorp and Colony Lender) have created chaos in this case. It makes a mockery of what has happened in these proceedings. This court does not exist to make a third party more money. If the court does not approve our offer, then we want an evidentiary hearing on Unicorp’s actions.”

Advantage — everyone…

Estate attorney Markham rose to the podium and attempted to clear the air.

He told the Judge, “Certainly there are people trying to gain advantage here. Unicorp on one side and The Association on another.”

He added that the only entity not trying to gain an advantage was the Estate. Markham said there are no secrets and said that Unicorp and Colony Lender have aligned for their own interests, just as The Association of Unit Owners has aligned with Andy Adams and Siggy Levy to secure a loan.

Markham told the Judge that Unicorp, in the Estate’s view, was simply offering more money to pay creditors and “If the Association wants to offer more, here we are.” He added that he could point his finger at any direction in the courtroom and could find blame.

A wheelbarrow of cash

All of the above wrangling took place in the first two hours of the proceeding prior to the lunch break. Just before lunch, Unicorp attorney Michael Assaf told the Judge that his client would actually increase the offer to $750,000 in cash. Assaf added that he thought the purpose as stated by the Judge earlier in the month was to “Get the highest and best amount for the Bankrupt Estate.” And he said that the litigation will only continue if The Association files appeals.

“We have done what you have instructed us to do,” said Assaf. “We came to this courtroom with a wheelbarrow full of cash. Our offer is a $750,000 cash offer.”

Assaf argued that The Association had no written offer, no written bank commitment and all they offered was their attorney’s promise which is dependent on third parties.

Judge digests then serves decision

After lunch, attorney Assaf continued by telling the Judge that the court has not heard The Association’s attorney Jeffrey Warren say he will pay more than $625,000 — “and he won’t,” said Assaf.

“Today is the day this is supposed to be resolved,” continued Assaf. He said that what was before the Judge was a best offer by Unicorp of $750,000 and indemnification against all future claims and litigation. He pointed out that Unicorp was a robust company with gross revenues last year of $72 million and more than $200 million in assets.

“We have the money and vision to redevelop this resort. The Association is attempting to buy their way out of a $23 million judgment and out of $2 million in Recreational Lease damages, and The Association caused the damages. We are not doing anything differently than The Association, which is trying to buy the $23 million judgment and Recreation Lease and not have to face the financial consequences of their actions,” said Assaf.

Warren complained that The Association could not react to Unicorp’s bids and that, “We are bidding against somebody that we don’t think has the right to bid.”

Again, Estate attorney Markham sought to bring closure to the back and forth between The Association and Unicorp.

“A lot of smoke has been thrown up in the air and it makes no sense at all. What I’m hearing is delay, delay, delay,” said Markham.

Judge May asked Markham what he recommended. Markham responded to deny The Association’s motion to prevent Unicorp from bidding and to deny The Association of Unit Owners’ motion to enforce the earlier agreement that has been superceeded by Unicorp.

Judge May agreed and denied The Association’s motions and said, “I may be sympathetic to Unit Owners but I’m not here to protect them. This is a business decision and I don’t see any evidence of bad faith by Unicorp and I believe they are a qualified buyer.”

It appeared in the courtroom as if the Judge was going to approve Unicorp’s $750,000 offer, but Association attorney Warren got up and asked for an Evidentiary Hearing.

Judge May agreed saying he did not after all of the time spent on the case, to have it reversed on appeal and that the hearing would occur on Sept. 4.

It is expected that on Sept. 4 beginning at 9:30 a.m., the Evidentiary Hearing will be held and following that hearing, the Judge is slated to approve the highest and best bid to sell the Bankrupt Estate assets.

Colony owners suffer blow in court

The Colony Association of Unit Owners and its attorney, Jeffrey Warren, did not receive a blessing from U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Rodney May on Friday in their effort to buy a critical Chapter 7 estate that includes a long-term Recreational Lease worth millions of dollars.

The Association filed an emergency motion last Monday asking the Judge to enforce a sale and Settlement Agreement between the Association and the Bankrupt Estate’s Trustee Douglas Menchise. The reason for the emergency is Orlando-based Unicorp finalized a contract the week prior to buy the Estate and the Recreational Lease after the agreement the Association had expired. The Association’s agreement was also undermined by a disagreement in the terms with the largest creditor, law firm Icard Merrill.

When the Association’s agreement to buy the bankrupt estate expired, Unicorp’s President Chuck Whittall negotiated and paid the amount owed to Icard Merrill and reached an agreement with Menchise that the Trustee said was superior to the previous agreement with the Association and the Trustee then requested that Judge May approve that agreement at an Aug. 28 hearing.

In court on Friday, the Association asked Judge May to enforce the expired settlement agreement and compel the Chapter 7 Trustee to go forward with all the terms of the sale to the Associoation.

Association attorney Warren wrote that the Trustee’s actions, “Demonstrate the profound bad faith and unclean hands with which he now seeks to invalidate the Settlement Agreement.”

Warren went on to say that Trustee Douglas Menchise has been actively undermining the approval of the Settlement Agreement by negotiating a completely different deal with Unicorp. In short, Warren argued to Judge May that the Trustee did not use his “best efforts” to expeditiously obtain approval of the Settlement Agreement with the Association.

Warren also argued that even though the Association’s agreement had an expiration date for its filing and approval, it was not bound by that date since there was no “time is of the essence” clause specifically written into the contract.

Unicorp argues opposite

Unicorp was represented in the courtroom by Michael Assaf, who argued the Association’s agreement was expired. He urged Judge May to enforce his client’s Settlement Agreement instead, which is supported by the Bankrupt Estate’s Trustee Menchise, as well as the Icard Merrill law firm, which is owed the most money in the Estate.

Assaf opened his argument in his motion and opposition to the Association of Unit Owners by saying that the term of every single member of the Board of Directors of the Association has expired and they have not followed their own rules and elected a slate of directors, which is required of the organization to make decisions and enter into contracts according to their own by-laws.

Assaf then went on to cite the fact that written in the agreement between the Bankrupt Estate and the Association was the need for approval by the Bankruptcy Court within 45 days, or the agreement would expire and become null and void as defined by the words “approval deadline.” He added that the Association’s agreement contained a provision for extending deadlines but that no extension was made.

Further, and perhaps of most significance, is the fact that Icard Merrill attorney Charles Bartlett said the Association agreement cited an incorrect amount owed to his firm and his firm could not support the agreement under those terms.

Barlett on behalf of Icard Merrill also petitioned Judge May not to support the Association’s emergency motion and said that although Association attorney Warren was aware and acknowledged that Icard Merrill was owed significantly more than was represented in the agreement, no cure took place prior to the expiration of the agreement. In fact, Assaf argued to the Judge that the Association’s motion should be denied on its face because it did not meet the definition of an emergency and therefore was a derogation of law.

Judge May decides

After reading the motions and opposition motions, Judge May denied the Association’s request to uphold their agreement and decided that on Aug. 28 the Bankrupt Estate, which contains the Recreational Lease, will be sold to the highest bidder.

The Lease is important because it represents a $70,000 per month ongoing obligation due from Unit Owners for use of The Colony spa, tennis courts, and recreational amenities. There are also about $2 million in damages due under the Recreational Lease, which is also a separate claim against the Unit Owners. It is these liabilities that compel the Association to try to acquire the assets in the Estate.

Judge May said that as of right now, the agreement between Unicorp and the Estate is the strongest offer and unless it is superseded by the Association or another party on Aug. 28, will be the one that is approved.

On the horizon

The other major court date on the horizon is on Sept. 8 when Judge May will hold a final auction for the other Bankrupt Estate in the Colony denouement that holds the $23 million judgment against Colony Unit Owners.

Unicorp as well as three other entities, including the Association of Unit Owners, have qualified to bid on that date. The $23 million judgment was won by former Chairman Murf Klauber against the Unit Owners on appeal when Judge Steven Merryday found the Association was at fault for not paying assessments to repair and renovate The Colony to the General Management Partnership that was run by Klauber. Judge Merryday found that the failure to pay the Partnership led to the demise and closing of the resort in 2010.

Analysis

For those unfamiliar with the once-famous beach and tennis resort, The Colony was in operation for more than 40 years on 17.2 acres of prime Gulf-front property on the south end of Longboat Key. Klauber managed the resort and the Unit Owners had an agreement that allowed Klauber to rent their units for 11 months and they would be allowed to personally use them for one month of the year. The litigation has continued unabated for more than five years, and the two Estates discussed above represent assets whose control could help determine the consolidation and ownership of the property.

Tags: Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, Jeffrey Warren, Judge Rodney May, Longboat Key, Longboat Key News, Murf Klauber, Unicorp, waterfront real estate

8 Orlando Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

In cities like Boston, Nashville, New York and San Francisco, visiting the neighborhoods is part of the itinerary. But in Orlando, where droves of tourists head straight to the theme parks, some of the city’s most-cherished enclaves go undiscovered. Carve out some time for exploring these eight personable neighborhoods, each with a distinct vibe and plenty of local flavor.

Downtown Orlando

By day, its high-rises bustle with office workers. After dark, the streets fill with decked-out club-hoppers. Yet downtown Orlando is packed with intriguing sub-destinations worth exploring. Orlando’s creative community shows its talent in the Downtown Arts District. Its CityArts Factory boasts several galleries, nearby arts venues rotate collections regularly, and street sculptures can be found in all kinds of locales, including the exterior of a parking garage, where “Our Journey” is worth seeking out. Lake Eola is a blue oasis. There, tourists ride paddleboats shaped like swans, locals stroll the perimeter at sunset, shoppers stock up on wholesome foodstuffs at the weekly farmers market, and groups practice yoga on the lawn en masse. Hipsters live in Thornton Park’s restored historic homes, urban professionals in its contemporary condos; both groups frequent the neighborhood’s casual restaurants, some of them headliners with noteworthy fare. Big venues draw huge crowds: the state-of-the-art sports and concert arena Amway Center and Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and the recently renovated open-air Citrus Bowl stadium. Orlando City Soccer is scheduled to open its own stadium in 2016. Before and after downtown events, attendees gather around Church Street Station, where historic buildings with fanciful adornments mix with contemporary buildings to house food, drink and entertainment venues; the area is often open only to pedestrians.

Winter Park

Just north of downtown is upscale enclave Winter Park, which was the area’s first resort community as wealthy northerners came down in the late 1800s to escape cold winters. Today, the area is popular for its scenic lakes, thriving arts community and shopping and dining scene. Park Avenue is the main thoroughfare that runs through downtown and is chock-full of independently owned boutiques, retail stores, sidewalk cafes and art galleries. The Morse Museum of American Art holds the most-comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass. Winter Park is also home to Florida’s oldest college, Rollins College, which sits on the beautiful shores of Lake Virginia. The college has a public dock and a free art museum open to visitors.

Kissimmee

A quiet agricultural community before the theme parks came to town, modern-day Kissimmee invites visitors to experience Old Florida. Visitors drive past sprawling cattle ranches while heading to traditional airboat rides. Eco tours introduce participants to Orlando’s natural side. Zip-line and ropes-course operators add a bolt of thrill to the outdoor experience. Make time to see a classic rodeo if the timing’s right. Kissimmee’s historic city center is worth a visit for its street art, including the quirky Monument of States, an early ’40s statue with mementos from 48 of the Fifty Nifty. It’s within the spiffy 25-acre Kissimmee Lakefront Park, an open-air escape with floating docks over Lake Tohopekaliga, fishing piers, wooden and paved trails, and eco “rain gardens.” Family-oriented dinner theaters abound along Kissimmee’s main tourism thoroughfare.

Celebration

The Town of Celebration is a modern take on Americana. Disney started building the self-contained neighborhood as a master planned community in 1996. Today this thoughtfully designed mini metropolis, now unaffiliated with the corporate giant, is a polished, upscale residential and commercial area with old-fashioned looking homes—big on front porches—that have modern interiors within. Market Street, the main drag, draws visitors for its indoor-outdoor restaurants with lake views. Several revered architects including Michael Graves and Philip Johnson designed signature buildings. Residents and visitors make use of Celebration’s 26 miles of walking trails and 45 parks of various sizes. A Robert Trent Jones golf course is open to the public.

Dr. Phillips/Restaurant Row

Equidistant from the Disney, Universal and SeaWorld theme parks, Dr. Phillips is the only Orlando neighborhood that draws equally from tourist corridors and residential neighborhoods. Its main drag, Sand Lake Road, has become known as Restaurant Row for its midscale and upscale restaurants, which flank the street via high-end Mediterranean-style strip centers. Boutiques, upscale grocers, and polished retailers selling goods from cigars to liqueurs beckon those looking to stock their hotel rooms or suitcases. Quiet parks dot Dr. Phillips, which was named for a citrus magnate and philanthropist. Bay Hill, a residential golf community, is home to the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Ivanhoe Row/Mills 50/Loch Haven

Ivanhoe Row and Mills 50 are up-and-coming Orlando neighborhoods known for their offbeat yet attractive businesses. Ivanhoe Row was long Orlando’s antiques center; now art galleries and trendy bars fill the vintage storefronts with hipster wares and fare. It’s a short walk to Loch Haven Cultural Park’s museums and theaters. Nearby, Mills 50 is two neighborhoods in one. Artsy with an edge, it’s an LGBT-friendly enclave lined with inexpensive cafes serving flavors that span the globe. It’s also Orlando’s Asian center, packed with Vietnamese restaurants, grocery stores and acupuncture practices. Seek out Mills 50’s utility boxes, dumpsters and exterior business walls; many are painted in colorful one-of-a-kind motifs by local artists.

College Park

College Park is technically part of the city of Orlando, yet this urban commercial/residential hybrid is a closely knit community all its own. The main drag, Edgewater Drive, is a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare with restaurants, boutiques and resale furniture emporiums. Surrounding that, 1920s-era bungalows along brick roads named for universities are home to an eclectic group of residents, most of whom shop and socialize at the now-retro 1950 Publix supermarket. Author Jack Kerouac spent time in one of the bungalows. It’s now a writer’s retreat. Away from College Park’s center, expansive homes with lake views show Orlando living at its most graceful.

Winter Garden

Plant Street, the heart of Winter Garden, is a retail and restaurant strip created from what was long a worn-down citrus center’s downtown. Quaint, friendly and free of pretention, the welcoming enclave with brick-paved streets and faux gas lamps is timeless yet trend-forward. Children jump in splash pads and couples cavort in oversized porch swings set in the center of town–where silver-haired gentlemen sometimes play Americana tunes alfresco. Adults sup and sip wine and martinis in welcoming dining rooms, cafes and watering holes—chic, bohemian or cozy. Athletes walk, jog, bike and skate by, as Plant Street is part of the expansive West Orange Trail. A brewery and indoor locavore market, plus a weekly farmers market, offer up artisan wares and groceries.

Lake Mary to create ‘Midtown’ for new $200M mixed-use project

The city of Lake Mary is looking to create an area called Midtown, in part, to house a new $200 million mixed-use development planned by Unicorp National Developments Inc.

The city is seeking a change to its comprehensive plan to create a mixed-use Midtown future land-use category. And the first project within that proposed Midtown district would be Unicorp’s planned 34.5-acre Griffin Farm Town Center at the southwest corner of West Lake Mary Boulevard and Longwood-Lake Mary Road, city documents showed.

Midtown is being proposed as the area east of Rinehart Road and west of Fifth Street, city documents showed.

A change to the comprehensive plan would require state approval and the Lake Mary planning and zoning commission is expected to discuss sending those plans to the state for review during a meeting on Aug. 25, city documents showed.

A public hearing will be held this evening on both items and the applicants are property owners Griffin Interests LLC and Piloian Property Holdings LLC, documents showed. The planning and zoning commission meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 100 N. Country Club Road in Lake Mary.

If the planning and zoning commission recommends sending the plans to the state, the county commission would have the final say-so, which could happen as early as September.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall previously talked to Orlando Business Journal about preliminary plans for the project, which include 120,000 square feet of retail — including a new-to-market organic grocery store and health club — along with 300 high-end apartments and 200 single-family homes. Previous reports also mentioned a possible Panera Bread in the development.

Whittall couldn’t be reached for comment by press time.

However, Unicorp could close on the land — owned by the historic Griffin family cattle ranchers — in January, pending approvals. The project could create hundreds of temporary construction and permanent jobs in Central Florida and would bring plenty of new housing, shopping and dining options to existing residents and those looking to move to the area.

Colony: The legal maze

THE $23 MILLION JUDGMENT

Four bidders are seeking the $23 million judgment against Colony Beach & Tennis Resort unit owners that U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee William Maloney seeks to sell. Longtime Colony owner Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber won the judgment on appeal in 2012.

Why it matters: Developers need the judgment to assess unit owners for money owed and use the funds to redevelop the resort. The association needs the judgment to bury it and prevent other developers from using it to assess them.

The latest: The following four bids will be reviewed 10 a.m. Sept. 8 in May’s courtroom:

• Newcomer Bluewater Oceanfront Investments LLC, a new Windermere-based corporation formed July 17 by registered agent Robert Butler, submitted the highest bid at $4 million along with a $400,000 deposit.

• The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association submitted a $3 million cash bid with a $300,000 deposit. • Unicorp submitted a $3.5 million bid with a $350,000 deposit.

• Naeco LLC, a New Hamshire-based corporation controlled by Delray Beach-based Ocean Properties, submitted a $3.7 million bid with a $370,000 deposit.

All offers except the association’s would still allow the winning bidder to assess unit owners for the $23 million judgment they are seeking as part of a redevelopment plan for the resort.

Parties will explain to Judge K. Rodney May why their offers should be approved and can raise cash bids at the auction.

THE REC LEASE JUDGMENT

Future development of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort requires settlement of a long-disputed recreational lease, along with a $2.5 million recreational lease judgment that U.S. Bankruptcy Chapter 7 Trustee Douglas Menchise controls.

Why it matters: To develop the entire 18-acre Colony site, a developer needs approximately three acres of tennis courts, walking trails and other amenities that sit mostly in the middle of the property. When the resort was operational, Klauber collected $650,000 a year from unit owners for their right to use the amenities. The 99-year lease has approximately 60 years remaining, but payments haven’t been made in nearly a decade. The judgment for rec lease payments and the rights to use the property are crucial to future development. Unicorp already has an agreement in place with Colony Lender LLC, which has agreed to give Unicorp rights to the 95% interest it owns on the property it acquired from Klauber’s collateral on overdue bank loans and Carolyn Field.

The latest: Menchise was bringing forward a $600,000 settlement he reached with the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association to Judge May at 10 a.m. Aug. 28.

But the settlement offer won’t be presented to May as planned because Menchise filed a motion last week to withdraw the offer. Menchise noted in his Aug. 6 motion to rescind that the agreement expired and contained a mutual mistake of fact.

Why is he rescinding it? Unicorp President Chuck Whittall announced Aug. 7 he’s reached an approximately $1.4 million cash settlement agreement with Menchise that acquires the rec lease judgment and provides more cash for Menchise to settle claims. The settlement also releases the liability of all claims involved with the rec lease estate. Judge May will review the settlement Unicorp has reached with Menchise 10 a.m. Aug. 28.

Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association President Jay Yablon, though, said the association will attempt to enforce its agreement. “We already signed an agreement that’s scheduled for approval,” Yablon said. “Behind the scenes, Whittall interfered with that and he’s trying to reach a separate agreement.”

PAYING ALL CREDITORS

The key to resolving the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort bankruptcy case, at its core, involves paying myriad creditors owed money when the resort closed its doors in 2010. Only after creditors are paid can the bankruptcy case be closed to pave the way for a future resort.

Why it matters: Becoming the largest affected creditor in the Colony bankruptcy case settles yet another legal issue because another party that expected a large payment has been paid and resolved. Settling all disputes and claims is what will end the bankruptcy case.

So who’s the largest affected creditor owed money in the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort bankruptcy case? It was Sarasota law firm Icard Merrill, which is owed $1,047,000 for legal fees involved with the case over the years.

Whittall filed a motion last week confirming that he paid Icard Merrill its amount owed, which now makes Unicorp the largest affected creditor in the case. The association intends to fight the settlement, though, because it says it reached its own three-way settlement with Icard Merrill and Menchise for the rec lease.

An agreement the association had in place to purchase the Icard Merrill claim, though, expired July 30. Icard Merrill filed an objection to the former association settlement of its claim because the amount listed it was owed was incorrect.

There are a variety of other claims from parties still seeking to be paid as part of the bankruptcy case.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

It depends on whom you talk to.

All eyes are on Whittall to see if his settlement offer with Trustee Menchise for the rec lease is considered and approved.

If it’s approved and Whittall is able to put up enough cash at the all-day auction in September for the $23 million judgment controlled by Trustee William Maloney and convince Judge May that his offer comes along with resolving outstanding claims, Unicorp will have the pieces in place to resolve the bankruptcy case. Colony Lender has also agreed to settle litigation, damages and claims it believes it has if Unicorp controls the rec lease judgment.

“We’re excited,” Whittall said. “If Judge May approves our settlement with Menchise and awards the $23 million judgment to us, we will have all the pieces in place to turn dirt at the Colony, get the economic engine there going and eventually get people back on that beach.”

Yablon, though, said if Whittall acquires the two judgments instead of the association, the legal dispute will drag on.

“If he (Whittall) gets those two judgments, then unfortunately we go full force on litigation,” Yablon said. “We will fight him right through appeals and try to turn the judgments into zero. More time will be wasted, and lots of money will be spent on attorneys who will profit from it.”

Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association files emergency motion

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association filed an emergency motion late Monday afternoon that urges U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May to enforce a $600,000 settlement agreement it reached with U.S. Trustee Douglas

Menchise for a recreational lease judgment of $2.5 million. Menchise was bringing forward a $600,000 settlement he reached with the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association to May 10 a.m. Aug. 28.

But the settlement offer won’t be presented to May as planned because Menchise filed a motion last week to withdraw the offer. Menchise noted in his Aug. 6 motion to rescind the agreement expired and contained a mutual mistake of fact.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall announced Aug. 7 he’s reached an approximately $1.4 million cash settlement agreement with Menchise that acquires the rec lease judgment and provides more cash for Menchise to settle claims. The settlement also releases the liability of all claims involved with the rec lease estate.

May will review the settlement Unicorp has reached with Menchise 10 a.m. Aug. 28.

Unicorp moves to buy Colony estate; Association argues back

A Colony redevelopment suitor, Orlando-based Unicorp, finalized a contract last week to buy critical assets including The Colony Recreation Lease from one of the resort’s bankrupt estates.

If the contract is approved on Aug. 28 in Judge May’s courtroom, it could spell a blow to the Association of Unit Owners who had a contract in place that expired and was not executed last month according to Unicorp and the Chapter 7 estate trustee.

The arguement that the contract expired allowed Unicorp’s President Chuck Whittall to create a reorganization plan with the Bankrupt Estate’s Trustee Douglas Menchise.

But for Colony Association of Unit Owners President Jay Yablon, “Any talk that the agreement expired is sheer advocation and the Association has money in the bank to execute its own agreement.”

The Association had an agreement to buy the Estate for $600,000 but there were two issues clouding the sale: the Estate was in dispute with law firm Icard Merrill over the amount of legal fees due, and the Estate maintained it owned The Colony Recreational Lease but Colony Lender and Unicorp bought the Recreational Properties at auction earlier last year and maintained that the lease transferred with the property.

The Recreational Lease is important because it was and is an ongoing obligation of $70,000 per month due from unit owners for the use of The Colony spa, tennis courts and recreational amenities. The lease continues far into the future and the right to collect goes with whomever controls the assets in the bankrupt estate. There are also about $2 million in damages due under the recreational lease that is also a separate claim and liabity against the unit owners.

The Association of Unit Owners sought to buy these assets, but, according to Whittall, their agreement expired on August 2 and subsequently Trustee Douglas Menchise filed a motion seeking to sell the property of the Estate to Unicorp.

Also, Unicorp recently paid more than $1 million to settle the disputes and bought Icard Merrill’s interest in the Estate. Whittall says that not only gives Unicorp standing, it also removed the largest creditor in buying the Icard Merrill claim.

Whittall says, “The bankruptcy court’s job on Aug. 28 is to make sure money goes back to the creditors. These are not bills we created, the Association of Unit Owners created these bills and debts and in their scenario, people do not get paid. I get the feeling that Judge May is tired of kicking the case down the road.”

But for Yablon, the agreement and contract it had in place with Menchise is binding and there is no expiration. Yablon added that the Association is filing a motion in court next week to enforce the agreement.

Whittall said that if Judge May approves the contract in place between Unicorp and the Chapter 7 Estate, it does three things: cleans up a significant piece of The Colony mess, gives the ability to enforce the claims or forgive them, or, it gives the ability to settle the claims.

Doc Klauber’s docs are strong

Unraveling the nexus of Colony legal agreements and contractual obligations is no easy task because former Chairman Murf Klauber, says Whittall, fashioned very strong agreements.

“Murf’s documents were very good; he did an excellent job in setting up The Colony agreements,” said Whittall.

Part of why all of the above is of such importance is that until the above interests are resolved, there will be an encumbrance on the title for anyone who wants to build on the property. In essence, the Recreational Lease goes with the property and must be either satisfied or resolved.

Judge May on Aug. 28 can take several paths with the Association arguing that it has a deal in place and will seek to enforce the deal and Unicorp argueing the Association’s deal is expired and their agreement supercedes the Association’s.

Whittall said Unicorp’s agreement, if approved, will leave about $600,000 for creditors in the Estate since they have already paid Icard Merrill; which was the largest creditor.

What about the $23 million judgment?

The other case set to be resolved on Sept. 8 is the sale of the other bankrupt estate that holds the $23 million judgment against Colony Unit Owners.

Four bidders including Unicorp, the Association of Unit Owners, Naeco (owned by the Key Club’s Walsh family) and Bluewater Oceanfront Investments have qualified.

Unicorp has an agreement in place for the $23 million judgment with the Chapter 7 Trustee, William Maloney, at a price of $3.5 million, but Judge May last June said that an auction would determine the highest and best bid.

The $23 million judgment was won by former Chairman Murf Klauber against the Association of Unit Owners on appeal when Judge Merryday found the Association of Unit Owners at fault for not paying assessments due in order to repair and renovate the Colony to the General Management Partnership, which led to the demise of the resort in August 2010.

Judge May will hold the final auction for the $23 million on Sept. 8 in an all-day bidding process between the four contenders.

Analysis

If the Association argues successfully that it still in fact has a deal in place for the Estate containing the Recreational Lease, there will be ongoing legal disputes since Unicorp maintains that the lease went along with the recreational property it acquired at auction last year. Unicorp would also be owed the claim that it bought from Icard Merrill.

If the Judge agrees with the Trustee and Unicorp on Aug. 28, it will continue Unicorp’s consolidation of Colony assets and Unicorp would be able to demand the rent payments or settle or negotiate for their interests.

If on Sept. 8, the Association of Unit Owners succeeds in being the highest bidder for the $23 million judgment, the Unit Owners will have successfully retired the largest liability they face at roughly $100,000 per unit in claims.

If Unicorp succeeds at being the highest bidder, the entity will be in the strongest position to either seek repayment of a judgment or negotiate.

Even if the entire $23 million were paid, it is only for past expenses and a damages claim and does not include money to bring the resort back into shape. The units still would need to be restored or rebuilt with estimates coming in at about $150,000 per unit or $37 million in total.

Additionally the sewer, fire and electrical systems would have to be restored and roads would have to be put into place.

For Whittall, even though other entities are bidding, if anyone else wins on Sept. 8 he maintains they will have to partner with Unicorp. That is because Unicorp owns the 2.3 acres that contains the waterfront, the recreational property and possibly on Aug. 28, the Recreational Lease.

“There is excitement in the air. Some day a new Colony will be a great economic driver for Longboat Key,” said Whittall.

Colony contenders bid on $23 million judgment

Arguably the most critical asset that could determine who ends up controlling The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort attracted four bidders last Thursday.

The four entities are vying to purchase the $23 million judgment against The Colony Unit Owners. The top bid of $4 million was made by Bluewater Oceanfront Investments, LLC. Bluewater is based in Windermere, FL and was formed on July 17, 2015 by Managing Member Robert Russell. Russell submitted the required 10 percent deposit, which made him a qualified bidder for the final auction that will be held Sept. 8 in U.S. Bankruptcy Judge William May’s courtroom.

Russell wrote in the letter that accompanied his bid that, “In an effort to ensure my bid is at least equivalent to existing or future bids, I am willing to offer to indemnify and hold harmless you as trustee from any costs or claims that are made or have been filed by Colony Beach and Tennis Club, and/or individual unit owners against the estate.

The second highest bid of $3.7 million was made by Naeco, LLC. Naeco is owned by the Walsh family, which owns numerous hotels in the Longboat Key and Sarasota market, including the Longboat Key Club, the former Longboat Key Hilton, as well as waterfront hotels from Florida to Northern Maine.

Naeco did not indemnify the bankrupt estate from claims in its bid.

The next highest bid of $3.5 million was made by Unicorp, an Orlando-based company, headed by Chuck Whittall, who has maintained over the past few years a desire to redevelop The Colony into a combination of hotel and condominium units sharing amenities. Unicorp’s bid does indemnify the estate against unit owner and the Association of Unit Owner claims.

The issue of indemnification against claims stems from the Association of Colony Unit Owners stating that it has up to $15 million in unsecured claims against the estate. The estate is the now bankrupt entity that was run by the general partnership and controlled by former Chairman Murf Klauber and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the resort. Klauber won the $23 judgment against the Unit Owners on appeal when Judge Merryday found the Association of Unit Owners at fault for not paying assessments due to the management partnership and for taking actions that led to the demise of the resort, which official closed in August of 2010.

The Association of Unit Owners also qualified with a $3 million bid, waiving Association claims and certain unit owner claims.

On Sept. 8, Judge May will commence an auction at 10 a.m. and the bidders will be able to argue the merit and the strength of their bid to the judge and the parties will be able to raise their bids until the close of the auction at the end of the day.

Highest and best

Judge May decided last June to hold the auction when the Chapter 7 trustee, William Maloney, filed a petition asking the Judge to approve a $3.5 million offer made by Unicorp for the estate. Maloney said that it intended to go forward with the sale to Unicorp if no higher bids were received. Due to the fact that higher opening bids have come in, the final auction will take place on Sept. 8.

If an entity other than the Association of Unit Owners buys the judgment, it would be adverse to the Association of Unit Owner’s interest in that the winner of the auction could move to demand to collect the value of the $23 million judgment. If the judgment is spread out among the owners, it amounts to almost $100,000 in liability per unit.

If the Association is successful in acquiring the judgment, it would essentially retire the largest outstanding threat and liability unit owners face.

Either outcome will inch forward the process of resolution and consolidation of interests. The owners, Klauber’s management companies, the owner of the recreational interests and outparcels, as well as potential developers have battled in and out of court for more than half a decade as the community has watched the site slowly decay at 1640 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Unicorp sells Windermere apartment complex for big price tag

Unicorp National Developments Inc. is busy building 1,000 apartment units throughout Central Florida, but it’s never too busy to miss out on a good investment sale opportunity.

Unicorp’s related Maguire Roberson LLC sold the nearly 2-year-old, 276-unit Casa Mirella apartment complex in Windermere for $50 million, or $181,159 per unit, to Raia FL SPE Hackettstown II LLC, an entity related to Ramsey, N.J.-based Raia Properties Corp., Orange County records showed. The sale closed on Aug. 3.

The price per square foot was among one of the highest in local apartment sales in the last several months. Unicorp President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal he elected to sell the property because “we received a good offer.”

Unicorp first began working on the $40 million Casa Mirella project in late 2012, debuted its first 216 units in late 2013 and completed the final 60 units earlier this year. The property was more than 90 percent occupied at the time of the sale, Whittall said.

Winter Park’s new Lakeside Crossing plaza offers solution to parking woes

The Best Western Mt. Vernon Inn is no longer standing in Winter Park, and Unicorp National Developments Inc. is finalizing plans for the $25 million boutique retail complex set to take its place — and relieve the parking headache that many are anticipating may follow.

Unicorp on June 22 is expected to go before the Winter Park Commission for approval to grow its parking structure by 77 spaces to a total of 274 spaces, which would take the complex from two-and-a-half to three levels, city documents showed. The additional parking spaces could help in relieving what’s expected to be a busy future retail complex on the busy intersection of U.S. Highway 17-92 and Morse Boulevard, documents showed.

The changes wouldn’t shift the footprint, location, setback or dimensions of the parking structure, but would raise the total height to 25 feet with the third level being roof parking, documents showed.

Meanwhile, razing of the former 66-year-old, 147-room Mt. Vernon Inn also began earlier today and it’s expected to be redeveloped into a a 37,473-square-foot boutique retail complex.

The center’s retail space is about 77 percent accounted for, and Chuy’s Mexican restaurant signed a lease to move into Lakeside Crossing, as did Sage Dental.

The previously announced Coopers Hawk Winery and Ra Sushi will not be coming to the center, but Unicorp is in talks with Kona Grill and a third restaurant concept, the company confirmed.

Other tenants who have committed include Fitlife Foods, an unnamed South Florida full-service salon and spa and Spavia massage center.

First look: A taste of Orlando’s new Slate restaurant

Orlando can finally get a taste of what Chef Dominic Rice has cooked up at a new independent restaurant in Dr. Phillips.

New neighborhood, chef-driven eatery Slate is now open at 8323 W. Sand Lake Road in Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s $12 million Parkside at Dr. Phillips retail complex, which is anchored by Trader Joe’s. The restaurant is a partnership between Rice, Atlanta-based Concentrics Restaurants and Unicorp President Chuck Whittall.

New restaurants help establish the city’s budding culinary scene, showcase top talent and help draw more visitors to the area. It also provides new opportunities for local vendors, creates new jobs, construction opportunities and more dining options for locals.

Rice hosted a media dinner on June 16 to showcase some of the dishes from Slate’s menu. Check the photo gallery for a look at some of the appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts.

OBJ first learned about slate in 2013, when Whittall first talked about this newest endeavor. Check out more recent headlines on the retailing and restaurantsindustries.

Goodbye, Mt. Vernon Inn: Unicorp to demo Winter Park hotel for new retail center

Winter Park’s historic Best Western Mt. Vernon Inn is set to become a thing of the past come June 22.

Unicorp National Developments Inc. next week will begin razing the 66-year-old, 147-room hotel on U.S. Highway 17-92 and Morse Boulevard to make way for its $25 million redevelopment of the property into Lakeside Crossing, a 37,473-square-foot boutique retail complex. It’s unknown which companies were named as general contractors for the demolition and for the project.

Kimley-Horn & Associates Inc. is the project engineer and Antunovich Associates is the architect.

Lakeside Crossing, which sits just southeast of Unicorp’s existing Trader Joe’s-anchored Lakeside Winter Park shopping center, is expected to revitalize an older property, bringing more jobs to the region as well as more shopping and dining options for residents and businesses. \

Unicorp recently confirmed to Orlando Business Journal that Chuy’s Mexican restaurant will take 7,000 square feet of space in the center. And President Chuck Whittall also had previously told OBJ Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant planned to take 11,000 square feet of space, and Ra Sushi has signed up for 6,500 square feet.

Signs for Chuy’s and Ra Sushi can be seen on renderings, but not Cooper’s Hawk. Check out some of those images in our photo gallery

May grants Colony trustee’s auction request

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May quickly corrected an attorney when he described a Colony Beach & Tennis Resort matter he believed.

“No, that was two year ago,” May said. “This case is entering its sixth year of ongoing litigation this summer.”

Colony Chapter 7 Trustee William Maloney’s attorney, Jordi Gusso, quickly responded: “Time flies when you’re having fun, judge.”

May smirked at the comment, but made one thing clear later during the June 4 hearing in his Tampa courtroom: He won’t let appeals or past decisions mire the way he handles the case in the future.

“The district court could wipe out the sanctions,” May said. “I’ve been surprised a number of times with (appeal court) decisions made and the lis pendens (lawsuits against unit owners) might be upheld. It makes more sense to schedule bidding and see where it leads.”

May approved an emergency motion from Colony Beach & Maloney that allows him to move proceed with bid and auction procedures for a $23 million judgment against unit owners this summer.

Maloney, who doesn’t foresee a settlement among Colony parties, urged May to move forward with a process that could lead to an August auction of a judgment that longtime Colony owner Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber won on appeal against unit owners.

Maloney seeks to sell the judgment to Unicorp National Development President Chuck Whittall, who offered $3.5 million for the judgment, or a higher bidder with a better offer at auction. Maloney and Whittall, who already submitted a $200,000 deposit for his offer, have already signed a contract for the judgment.

“In the face of a $3.5 million cash offer, it’s appropriate to bring this forward to you,”

Gusso said. Gusso asked for a bid process for other parties to compete with Whittall’s offer that included the following parameters: an all-cash offer and a deposit that would amount to 10% of the amount of the total bid. The first available bid above Unicorp’s, Gusso said, should be set at $3.6 million.

May called the motion and parameters reasonable.

“You’re doing your fiduciary duty by bringing this to me,” May said.

Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association Attorney Jeff Warren disagreed with May’s assessment and asked for a continuance of the motion, citing not enough time to review the motion and the motion being prejudice against his client.

Warren noted that the association asked May last month to consider barring Unicorp and Colony Lender from being qualified as active bidders as part of recent sanctions May levied against them.

Warren also said that Unicorp and Colony Lender’s appeal of the sanctions means that lawsuits levied against unit owners that May ordered to be lifted remain in place for the time being.

“That’s a disadvantage to unit owners and those looking to bid on something that has a lawsuit pending on it,” Warren said.

May disagreed with Warren on several points. Warren said a settlement the association proposed to Maloney in May that included wrapping up issues with other parties (minus Colony Lender and Unicorp) wasn’t considered.

“We think the trustee hasn’t exercised good business judgment by attempting to sell the asset for cash instead of even considering a settlement that resolves more than half the claims in this case,” Warren said. “And we think they (Colony Lender) don’t come to the court with clean hands.”

U.S. Trustee Douglas Menchise, who controls everything regarding a disputed recreational lease and a rec lease judgment for $2.5 million, also objected to Maloney’s motion.

“The court has yet to determine who owns what for the (rec lease) asset,” said Menchise, who said a bigger asset shouldn’t be sold before the rec lease matter is determined.

Michael Assaf, attorney for Colony Lender LLC, took offense to Warren’s comments, noting Unicorp made the judgment offer. “Unicorp is trying to assemble the pieces, not Colony Lender,” Assaf said. “Colony Lender is being acquired by Unicorp and has nothing to do with this.”

Assaf said no other party has put up cash offers for Colony auction pieces like Unicorp.

“Because of hard feelings about Colony Lender, they (the association) are unfairly making Unicorp out to be evil,” Assaf said. “The truth is Unicorp has the only skin in the game because they are the only one willing to write a check.”

Assaf said if developer and Colony unit owner Andy Adams would have put up $15 million as part of a proposed association settlement that went awry two years ago, the case would be resolved.

The comment irked May, who cut off Assaf’s speech.

“That’s totally out of bounds,” Assaf said. “Stop, stop, stop. You’re out of bounds on several points.” Gusso noted that the association and other parties still have a right to object to a future sale.

“We came hand in hand with the association in 2013 with a settlement,” Gusso said. “But the big void was an absence of cash. There’s an all-cash offer on the table and the trustee is simply trying to maximize the recovery of its asset.”

After Gusso’s speech, May granted Maloney’s motion.

Bids for the auction are due July 30. A hearing will be set in August or early September for an all-day hearing and auction for the judgment May will oversee. Appeals for the bids and auction process will be accepted until Aug. 15.

The association was granted a bit of relief, though, from its objections to Maloney’s motion when Warren convinced May to relax Gusso’s all cash offer parameters.

Warren pushed for offers that include both cash and/or a combination of parties agreeing to a waiver of claims to resolve issues.

“I’m arguing for more than just cash,” Warren said.

After a short recess so Maloney could consider the request, Gusso announced the trustee is agreeable to offers that he can deem appropriate for both cash and/or a waiver of claims/settlements with parties.

Developer planning $200 million mixed-use project along Lake Mary Blvd.

Near the corner of W. Lake Mary Boulevard and Longwood Lake Mary Road, sits a large patch of land which Orlando-based developer Unicorp National Developments Inc. hopes to turn into a mixed-use development.

“It’s a 35 acre piece of property [that has been sitting vacant there forever, and the parents passed away and the children decided to sell the property,” explains Chuck Whittall with Unicorp.

Right now, the land [map] looks like something you would find in a farming community and Whittall says that’s exactly what they want to model the development after.

“Lake Mary is a great area. It’s a great piece of dirt, and it affords a great opportunity. We expect to bring an organic grocery store there. We’re negotiating with a couple health and fitness clubs, restaurants and retailers, and we’re also going to have residential and apartments as part of it.”

Plans for the project include 300 upscale apartments in the complex.

“Lake Mary has a lot of good jobs coming there with all the growth, and we think there’s a need to do really nice high end apartment homes.”

Whitall says they’re expecting to break ground on the $200 million project early next year.

“It’s going to be a great project, and it’s going to be unlike the central Florida market has ever seen. We are really going out of our way to do something special there.”

Exclusive: Unicorp plans huge mixed-use project in Lake Mary

Unicorp National Developments Inc. is expanding its development pipeline further east on Interstate 4 into Lake Mary.

The Orlando-based developer — which was responsible for bringing niche grocer Trader Joe’s to Orlando — is working on plans for a new 35-acre, mixed-use development on Lake Mary Boulevard, President Chuck Whittall told a group of real estate professionals during the June 11 RealShare Central Florida conference.

Whittall told Orlando Business Journal his firm has the site under contract on the southwest corner of West Lake Mary Boulevard and Longwood Lake Mary Road and is working through approvals with the city of Lake Mary for what he’s calling Griffin Farm Town Center. Tentative plans for the project, which Whittall said would be valued at “a couple hundred million dollars,” include single-family homes, apartments, a grocery store, shops, restaurants and a possible health club, he said.

Unicorp could close on the land — owned by the historic Griffin family cattle ranchers — in January, pending approvals. The project could create hundreds of temporary construction and permanent jobs in Central Florida.

Unicorp already has plenty of projects throughout the region, including the recently debuted $250 million I-Drive 360 complex, the neighboring Vue at 360 complex, $25 million Lakeside Crossing shopping center in Winter Park and the Westside mixed-use complex in west Orange County, among others.

The firm’s developments have brought plenty of temporary construction jobs to the region, as well as offering hundreds of retail and service jobs, plus offering new shops, eateries and entertainment facilities for travelers, business professionals and residents area-wide. Whittall joined Skipper Peek of Tavistock Development Co. LLC, Paul Ellis of CNL Commercial Real Estate, Marianne Gurnee from the Florida Department of Transportation and Steven McCraney of McCraney Property Co. during a panel discussion on development and redevelopment opportunities in Central Florida.

Chuy’s Inks Deal for Winter Park Restaurant

Winter Park will soon welcome a new neighbor by the name of Chuy’s.

The Austin, Texas-based restaurant chain signed a lease for a 7,000-square-foot space in Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s $25 million Lakeside Crossing retail complex, which is set to replace the historic Best Western Mt. Vernon Inn on U.S. Highway 17-92.

Unicorp President Chuck Whittall said Chuy’s Tex-Mex will be one of three restaurants in the new development, which is across the street from the Trader Joe’s-anchored Lakeside Winter Park shopping center.

“We excited to have them [at this development],” Whittall said. “There’s no real Mexican restaurant in Winter Park, and we think it will do very well there.”

The restaurant will feature indoor and outdoor seating and is set to open in June or July 2016 when the entire project debuts in Winter Park.

Chuy’s currently has three Orlando-area locations, including one in Unicorp’s $100 million I-Shops development on International Drive.

The chain previously said it wanted to open at least four to five locations in the Orlando area, and was considering submarkets like Winter Park, Lake Buena Vista and east Orlando near the University of Central Florida. Meanwhile, Whittall said they’re close to finalizing another tenant for the Lakeside Crossing project, which will be announced in a few weeks. In addition, Unicorp is putting the finishing touches on the new Slate restaurant in Dr. Phillips, which is set to open on June 10.

New Wine Bar to Debut at I-Drive 360 this Summer

Restaurant group owner Bob Amick has plenty to do when he travels to Orlando.

The president of Atlanta-based Concentrics Restaurants — a group that owns, manages and develops restaurant concepts across the country, including Luma on Park and Prato in Winter Park — is working on three concepts in the Orlando area, two of which will debut this summer.

Concentrics has teamed up to open restaurants at two Unicorp National Development Inc. projects: Slate, at the Trader Joe’s-anchored Parkside at Dr. Phillips complex; and Somm, a wine bar at the $200 million I-Drive 360 entertainment complex.

Somm is slated to open in July near the entrance of the 400-foot Orlando Eye observation wheel. The wine bar will offer a curated selection of boutique and fine wines developed by advanced sommelier Justin Amick, Bob’s son.

In addition, Somm will carry craft beers, artisanal sodas and a selection of hot and cold dishes prepared by Slate restaurant in Dr. Phillips.

Meanwhile, Slate’s debut on Restaurant Row is right around the corner. The 4,500-square-foot modern American restaurant is set to open June 10, according to Unicorp President Chuck Whittall, and will offer wood-grilled cuisine and a seasonally driven menu headed up by Chef Dominic Rice.

“We’re excited to expand in the flourishing Orlando culinary scene with Slate and Somm,” said Bob Amick, owner and founder of Concentrics Restaurants, in a prepared statement. “We selected the location for Slate near the residential end of Sand Lake Road to bring a new dining option for the residents of Dr. Phillips, Isleworth and Windemere, but we also foresee it becoming a top culinary destination for all Central Floridians as well as visitors.”

The Johnson Studio designed Slate. Get an inside look at Slate’s construction process here. And check the May 29 weekly edition of Orlando Business Journal for a closer look at Slate.

In addition, Concentrics is working with Tavistock Group to open a restaurant later this year in Lake Nona’s Laureate Park. However, Amick previously told Orlando Business Journal that the restaurant doesn’t have a name yet.

Mt. Vernon Inn to be replaced with new development

The historic Mt. Vernon Inn in Winter Park will be demolished in the next 30 days. City Commissioners have approved a 68,600 SF development called Lakeside Crossing to replace the former home of Red Fox Lounge on the corner of Morse and 17-92. The new development will house three new restaurants and ten retail spaces. The developers, Unicorp National Developments, are planning to put in a 300 + space parking garage to help alleviate the parking issues across the street where popular sops like Trader Joe’s draw large crowds of daily shoppers. Unicorp had originally planned to put in a luxury apartment complex called the Luxe, but plans for the project were not embraced by the City or by residents, leading them to scrap their original concept.

Plans approved to replace Mt. Vernon Inn

The new project that will replace Winter Park’s historic Mt. Vernon Inn has been given the green light to start construction. City Commissioners gave final approval on Monday for the 68,600-square-foot Lakeside Crossing project, the latest development in Winter Park by Unicorp National Development Inc. The development sitting along U.S. Highway 17-92 across from the Lakeside Winter Park shopping plaza will include three restaurants and 10 retail spaces, accompanied by 300 parking spaces spread between a parking lot and a two-floor garage. It’s a project that combines the charm of Winter Park with something more modern, said Unicorp President Chuck Whittall. “ We want the elegance of Park Avenue but with the poshness you’d find in a brand new development,” Whittall said. “We’re really not going the next mile, but the next 10 miles in architecture and design.” The parking will play a part in relieving the parking woes in the shopping plaza across the street, Whittall told City Commissioners earlier this year. The popularity of the plaza’s Trader Joe’s location continues to bring large crowds of residents, with multiple cars circling the parking lot trying to find spaces. Winter Park Mayor Steve Leary said more parking is a welcomed site. “I think all the parking we can provide to residents and guests in the community is helpful,” Leary said. The project approved on Monday followed a long winding road of amendments and downsizing. The project was originally shown to residents last July as a 170-unit apartment complex and parking garage with retail and restaurant space mixed in. That design was met with reluctance from many residents and some City Commissioners, fearing the project wasn’t in character with Winter Park and could potentially make existing traffic problems worse along U.S. 17-92. “ Already 17-92 and the side streets as well are just overwhelmed with traffic,” Winter Park resident Barbara Bytell said during an informational meeting last October. “They were not designed to carry that amount of traffic.” But some residents believe the project has become too plain. Former Winter Park Mayor Joe Terranova said during a February City Commission meeting the development has become a disappointment since Commissioners requested the project be scaled-down. The project could have instead been the city’s first planned development – one of mixed-use buildings of larger size, he added. “What we have here is a nice design, but it’s a strip mall,” Terranova said. “It doesn’t add anything to the character of Winter Park. It doesn’t do anything for 17-92. It’s same old, same old.” The Mt. Vernon Inn meanwhile has become dilapidated, with many of its windows broken and its doors boarded up. Whittall said the Inn will be torn down within the next 30 days. An application has also been made to increase the garage’s height from two levels to three levels, which will go before the city’s planning and zoning board in June, Whittall said.

Orlando Eye: First look from the top of the wheel

The Orlando Eye has had its doubters. “But what can you actually see up there?” has been a common refrain, followed by “After all, this isn’t London.” Well, stop the presses, this isn’t London, folks. True, Central Florida can’t offer the historic vistas such as Big Ben or the River Thames, but there’s still interesting landscape to take in from nearly 400 feet above Florida. You just have to concentrate a little. For an area known for sprawl and man-made attractions, there was a surprising amount of nature visible from inside one of the I-Drive 360 attraction’s 30 capsules during a media preview Wednesday morning. To the east, all sorts of greenery skirting around Lockheed Martin and heading for the Atlantic coast. To the west, the blue waters of Big Sand Lake and Little Sand Lake are in the foreground just beyond Interstate 4. “ I think it’s genuinely surprising,” said James Paulding, Merlin Entertainments Group’s head of new openings for North America, who said he found the nature to be a lovely benefit during his initial rounds on the Eye. Other early users agreed. “ Look at this beautiful view up here. You can see everything,” said daredevil Nik Wallenda as he stood atop the wheel — outside his capsule, mind you — before completing a short morning constitutional up there.Flash Animation

The wheel spins first toward the south, and about the time our capsule cleared the Sea Life Aquarium building that shares space with the Eye, we got a new perspective on the massive Orange County Convention Center. Just beyond that is the aqua-colored rail of Kraken, coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. About a quarter-way around the circle, we noticed a yellow ball popping up over the horizon. It was Downtown Disney’s Characters in Flight balloon. From there we spotted other Walt Disney World landmarks including Spaceship Earth at Epcot and Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. The possibility that I was spying a wee little Cinderella Castle had me wishing for binoculars. Farther north, mounds of dirt from Universal Orlando construction projects were dominant, but the longer we peered, the more we saw, including the Incredible Hulk coaster and Hogwarts castle, home of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Islands of Adventure theme park. At the top, we tried to find Kennedy Space Center, which Merlin says can be spotted on a clear day. Although Wallenda said the grayish conditions were perfect for his gig, that wasn’t true for seeing the gigantic Vehicle Assembly Building about 50 miles away, as the crow flies. To be fair, the morning haze also was obscuring downtown Orlando, which appeared mostly in silhouette form. As we descended I remembered a high-flying International Drive ride I took years ago. It was a constant-motion, open-air, white-knuckle experience that left me with an I-Drive impression that consisted primarily of a blur of rooftops, air-conditioning units, minivans and blacktop that was frighteningly easy to imagine hitting head first. Not so much with the Eye. The enclosed capsules have AC, full-length tinted glass and a soothing voice-over pointing out sights and sharing Florida historical facts. A small bench is built in for folks who need a standing break during the 22-minute journey. The square-ish capsules hold about 15 people, so this attraction might be more challenging for claustrophobics than acrophobics. Still, I’d rather be inside than standing on the roof, which is how Wallenda returned to the ground. The overall relaxing atmosphere had me re-evaluating the area. I-Drive’s colors seem brighter and cleaner, and that made me want to stay awhile. Orlando Eye officially opens Monday, but there are preview “flights” available Friday-Sunday. For tickets and more information, go to officialorlandoeye.com and click on “Sign up.”

Nik’s Eye view: Wallenda walks The Orlando Eye

His great grandfather once said, Life happens on a wire.” But for a few minutes on Wednesday, April 29, it happened on a wheel. Daredevil Nik Wallenda made history with a walk atop Merlin Entertainments’ The Orlando Eye at Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s I-Drive 360. The stunt was the first of its kind and a high water mark for public relations at the multimillion-dollar entertainment complex, opening May 4. Due to limited parking and the expected media presence, the public had been asked to watch from home, but that never helps. Hundreds gathered to watch the event from the complex entrance. A short weather delay did not dampen the fun, or the crowd, as expected morning rains held off long enough for the walk, which only spanned a few yards but was enough to create a buzz and bring the love.

Sharks, seahorses and more: A look inside Sea Life Orlando Aquarium at I-Drive 360


It may not be as large as SeaWorld, but International Drive’s new aquarium is a sight to see for tourists who want to know more about our watery neighbors under the seas. Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, one of three major Merlin Entertainments attractions at I-Drive 360, held a media preview on April 27 to showcase what guests can expect to see come May 4 – its official opening date. The experience, which took OBJ Photographer Jim Carchidi and I about an hour to complete, takes you through the various oceans and natural ecosystems of the world and gets you pretty darn close to many of the lifeforms that call the seas their home. Guests can get as close as the acrylic/glass window allows to look at fish as small as seahorses to the massive Wobbegong Shark, which was my personal favorite. The attraction will join the Madame Tussauds wax museum and The Orlando Eye attractions opening on May 4 including the dozens of other attractions, restaurants and entertainment venues at the $200 million I-Drive 360 complex. New attractions like I-Drive 360 help draw more tourists to Orlando — which had more than 60 million visitors in 2014 — as well as spur economic impact in the billions of dollars for the region.

Nik Wallenda prepares to walk the Orlando Eye

10 New Hot Spots on Orlando’s International Drive

The American Society of Travel Agents recently named Orlando the No. 1 “Hot Spot for Summer Travel” in 2015. After a multi-year surge of blockbuster expansions at Orlando’s world-class theme parks, International Drive (I-Drive) is following suit with the addition of new retail, dining and entertainment venues. Visit Orlando, the destination’s official tourism association, is sharing 10 new ways this summer’s visitors to Orlando can experience I-Drive 360: I-Drive 360 In the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor, I-Drive 360 is a new entertainment complex and home of The Orlando Eye. The massive project will include attractions, restaurants, music venues and retail locations. 1. SEA LIFE Orlando delivers breathtaking views of over 5,000 underwater creatures from the three oceans of the world. Guests can experience face-to-face encounters with sharks in Orlando’s only 360° Underwater Tunnel as well as touch the velvety back of rays during the touch pool experience. Interactive educational talks will guide guests through the wonders of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans while providing majestic views of the creatures that roam these mysterious waters. 2. Madame Tussauds, the world’s most famous celebrity wax attraction, offers guests a star-studded experience with its signature red carpet treatment. Visitors will move through themed rooms where they can observe and interact with waxworks of their favorite film, music, sport and historical celebrities. 3. The Orlando Eye is a 400-foot-tall observation wheel providing breathtaking panoramic views of Central Florida within fully enclosed, air-conditioned glass capsules. Before entering the 20-minute ride, guests will enter a 4D theatre and watch a short film about Florida. 4. Skeletons Animals Unveiled!, a first-of-its-kind museum, exhibits over 400 skeletons in creative poses and dioramas. The 7,750-square-foot space will feature exotic animals from all over the world as well as eight human skeletons. The walk-through experience will last about 90 minutes and will include interactive exhibits. 5. Naru Restaurant & Sushi Bar, a Brazilian sushi chain, debuts its first U.S. location at I-Drive 360. The 140-seat restaurant blends the best of Japanese and Brazilian cuisine and features Sakerinhas, a perfect fusion of Japan’s sake and Brazil’s caipirinha drink. 6. Tin Roof is a bar, eatery and music venue welcoming its first Florida location on I-Drive 360. Promising live music every night, guests can expect local and regional rock and country bands on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with acoustic acts during the week. The legendary Nashville venue will bring an eclectic environment as well as creative food offerings and signature cocktails. More information about I-Drive 360 restaurants and shops can be found on Visit Orlando’s blog. Dining Hot Spots 7. Mango’s Tropical Café, one of Miami’s hottest dance clubs, will open a new location on International Drive. The 55,000-square-foot entertainment space features a stage, dance floor and restaurant serving Floribbean Cuisine and tropical cocktails. Drawing inspiration from Caribbean and South American carnivals, the nightlife destination features high-energy dance performances featuring diverse genres of Latin music. 8. Del Frisco’s Double Edge Steak House features chef-driven cuisine paired with the best aged, hand-cut USDA Prime Beef and fresh-off-the-boat seafood including Australian cold-water lobster tails with an extensive award-winning wine list and genuine hospitality. Attractions and Shopping 9. Orlando International Premium Outlets adds four new stores to their retail lineup with DKNY, the retail store for fashion designer Donna Karan, along with high-end watchmaker, Citizen, handbag and accessory maker, Vera Bradley and Italian fashion brand, Diesel. 10. Escapology Orlando and America’s Escape Game, are the two escape game locations on International Drive. Both venues offer guests the exciting opportunity of being locked in themed rooms where they must rely on clues and their wit to solve puzzles and find the key to escape. With new rooms being introduced periodically, there’s always something new to unlock on International Drive. About Visit Orlando Visit Orlando is the official tourism association for the most visited destination in the United States, with representation in more than a dozen countries around the world. Visit Orlando, together with its 1,200 member organizations, represents the area’s leading industry.

First look: Inside Orlando’s new Slate restaurant under construction in Dr. Phillips

Dr. Phillips recently welcomed its newest resident, Trader Joe’s grocery store, and now another new addition to the neighborhood is taking shape right next door. Unicorp National Developments Inc. President Chuck Whittall has teamed up with Bob Amick, owner of Atlanta-based Concentrics Restaurants, and Chef Dominic Rice to open a new restaurant called Slate. The 4,500-square-foot eatery is part of Unicorp’s $12 million Parkside at Dr. Phillips complex on Sand Lake Road. It will feature a modern American seasonal menu, and about 60 workers will be hired for the restaurant, Amick said. New restaurants not only create temporary construction jobs and permanent jobs, but also new opportunities for local vendors and more dining options for area businesspeople and residents. I got a chance today to tour the restaurant with Amick and Rice. While construction is still ongoing and furniture for the restaurant will be delivered May 11, Amick expects Slate to open around May 30. When you first walk in, you’ll notice an industrial feel with steel, brick and copper accents, and plenty of glass chandeliers. The entry of the restaurant will feature a wine wall, and as you walk into the main dining room, you immediately get the feeling of sitting at a chef’s table. The large open-concept kitchen will showcase the culinary work and the large L-shaped floating bar in the restaurant will give guests a view of the dining room or the outside seating. Another section of the dining room will feature a large wood storage wall for the wood-burning grill and oven. It also will feature a fireplace that can be seen both inside and outside of the restaurant.

Orlando Eye lights up the night sky

The Orlando Eye, the 400-foot observation wheel on International Drive, officially lit up for the first time Thursday night with the flip of a giant switch. The new attraction, which will open May 4 in the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex, will be lit with about 64,000 LED bulbs, said a spokeswoman for Merlin Entertainments Group, the wheel’s operator. The attraction has been lighting up for the last several nights as construction workers finish the light installation, a process that took four weeks. While Thursday’s display appeared lit with a purple tint, the wheel’s lights range in color, including pink, red, blue and green among the mix. Merlin officials said the wheel can be lit for various holidays or other celebrations. The Orlando Eye terminal building also includes Madame Tussauds wax museum, Sea Life Aquarium and a food court. The complex, developed by Orlando-based Unicorp, also includes restaurants and retail shops.

The seven most-anticipated new theme park rides in 2015

Will you and your gang be heading to a theme park (or two or three) this year? If so, you’ll surely want to hop aboard your favorite tried-and-true rides. Butpart of the fun at parks is checking out the latest additions. We’ve already reviewed the newest coasters coming in 2015, so let’s run down some of the other new rides and attractions — the latest and greatest — that park fans are eagerly awaiting this year.

Justice League: Battle for Metropolis at Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags St.Louis

Perhaps the most anticipated non-coaster ride that will be battling for attention in 2015 will come from Six Flags, the park chain that is renowned mostly forits butt-kicking coasters. Actually, make that most anticipated rides: Six Flags locations in Texas and Missouri will both be opening Justice League attractions.

The ultra-sophisticated rides will borrow concepts from the Universal and Disney parks. There will be roving motion base vehicles and projected 3D media a la attractions such as Universal’s Transformers. As in Disney’s Toy Story Mania rides, passengers will be issued blasters to rack up points (and defeat the evil Joker). The multi-modal attractions will also include animatronic characters, real sets, 4D sensory effects, and other high-end trickery to offerimmersive E-ticket experiences rarely seen at regional parks.

RELATED: Six Flags theme park guides

Voyage to the Iron Reef at Knott’s Berry Farm

Another ride that wouldn’t be out of place at nearby Disneyland, the interactive Voyage to the Iron Reef will also feature 3D imagery and invite passengers to shoot their way, video game-style, through richly realized environments. In this case, the targets will be weird, mechanized, ocean beaststhat are threatening to destroy Knott’s Berry Farm.

Fast & Furious – Supercharged at Universal Studios Hollywood

The dancing cars sequence, a cheesy homage to Universal’s “Fast & Furious” movie franchise that has capped Universal’s iconic Studio Tour for a few years, will be replaced with a new, cutting-edge showstopper. Similar to the tour’s King Kong scene, the trams will enter a show building, and passengers will be virtually transported into the middle of hyperactive, effects-laden mayhem. Universal will supercharge the poky trams by placing them on hydraulic motion bases that will move in sync with the frenetic 3D action projected onto a 360-degree screen that will extend 400 feet (making it the world’s longest screen of its type) and completely envelop riders. While the trams will scarcely move, passengers will feel as if they are furiously hurtling at 100 mph alongside the ultra-fast sports cars.

RELATED: Universal Studios Hollywood guide

The Orlando Eye at I-Drive 360

After a busy 2014 that saw the opening of Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and the Magic Kingdom’s Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride, the major Florida parks will be taking a virtual breather this year. Something big – and I mean really big – will debut along popular International Drive, however. At 400 feet, the Orlando Eye will be among the world’s tallest observation wheels. It will offer a leisurely 20-minute ride in air-conditionedcapsules and should offer stunning, panoramic views of the nearby parks. The I-Drive 360 entertainment, dining, and shopping complex will also feature Sea Life Orlando aquarium and a wax museum, Madame Tussauds Orlando.

RELATED: The five tallest observation wheels (and one to come)

Thomas Land at Edaville USA

In 2015, Edaville USA will open a major expansion based on the long-running PBS series, “Thomas and Friends.” The featured attraction will be a ride aboard a full-scale train led by Thomas the Tank Engine. Located near Cape Cod, the 20-minute scenic route will wind through cranberry bogs. There will be a total of 14 new rides, including a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and a drop tower, all inspired by Thomas characters such as Cranky the Crane and Harold the Helicopter. Sir Topham Hatt will preside over the land and invite visitors to explore the Island of Sodor.

SpongeBob SubPants Adventure at Moody Gardens It’s not a theme park, per se. But the edutainment center, Moody Gardens, will welcome a park-like attraction starring the goofy and loveable SpongeBob SquarePants and his pals from Bikini Bottom. Using digital puppetry, animated characters rendered in 3D will be able to improvise and engage with audience members during the show. If the attraction and the puppeteers/voice actors can nail the tone and the giddy vibe of the popular Nickelodeon TV show, SpongeBob SubPants should be especially entertaining.

Daredevil Nik Wallenda plans to walk on moving Orlando Eye

NEW YORK, April 14 (UPI) — Nik Wallenda has announced his next major death-defying feat will take place on Florida's soon-to-open Orlando Eye. The daredevil said at a New York press conference Monday that he will attempt to walk on top of the 400-foot tall observation wheel without a tether or wire while it is moving on April 29. The Orlando Eye forms part of the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex, which will celebrate its grand opening this month. "When I heard about the Eye, I just had this vision of how cool it could be to tackle it and on top of that it's just really an amazing structure to behold. There are so many [actual] moving parts to this walk that I think people are going to enjoy watching it as much as I'm going to enjoy taking part in it," Wallenda said.

Nik Wallenda Set To Tackle Orlando Eye For Next Incredible Attemp

NEW YORK, April 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — With each walk, Nik Wallenda, “King of the High Wire,” has always managed to push the envelope and this time, he just may have agreed to what could be his most dangerous and unique walk yet. Today, during a New York City press conference, the famed daredevil revealed that his next feat will take place at the soon-to-be-unveiled Orlando Eye, located in the most-visited tourism destination in the US–Orlando, Florida.

On April 29, 2015, Wallenda will attempt to walk on top of the giant observation wheel without a tether and without a wire while it is moving. Standing 400-feet tall, the Orlando Eye forms part of the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex, which celebrates its grand opening this month and is located in the heart of Orlando’s newly revitalized International “I-Drive” District.

From the top, the Eye provides breathtaking views of Central Florida in all directions, with sights of downtown Orlando’s skyline, theme parks, lakes, and lush landscapes. On a clear day, one can even see Cape Canaveral at a distance.

During the press conference, Wallenda explained why he chose the Orlando Eye as his next challenge.

“When I heard about the Eye, I just had this vision of how cool it could be to tackle it and on top of that it’s just really an amazing structure to behold. There are so many (actual) moving parts to this walk that I think people are going to enjoy watching it as much as I’m going to enjoy taking part in it.”

Follow Nik on social media as we get closer to the walk for more late breaking news and updates.

To download video of “The Orlando Eye” click here.

Orlando Eye

The new iconic 400-foot tall observation wheel provides breathtaking views of Central Florida in all directions, with sights of downtown Orlando’s skyline, theme parks, lakes and lush landscape, and on a clear day, views of Cape Canaveral on the east coast. See more at: https://www.officialorlandoeye.com/

Nik Wallenda Will Walk on 400-Foot-Tall Spinning Orlando Eye

Famous daredevil Nik Wallenda announced Monday that his next stunt won’t be a high-wire act: He will be walking on the spinning Orlando Eye, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel in Florida that is slated to open next month.

“It’s extremely unique,” Wallenda said of the April 29 event.

“My whole life is about facing death in the eyes,” the seventh-generation aerialist said at a press conference. “Do I think of death? Often.”

He said he will take a passenger capsule to the top of the structure and will walk on the outer rim as it spins — without a safety harness or a balancing pole. He said he has not determined how long he will walk, though it would take about 20 minutes for the wheel to make a full revolution.

Smooth sailing for Dr. Phillips Trader Joe’s opening

Trader Joe’s opened Friday morning in the Dr. Phillips neighborhood with no traffic jams and a relatively short line, compared to the raucous opening in Winter Park last summer.

Trader Joe’s is known for big opening ceremonies that sometimes attract hundreds of people with long lines and traffic. That happened last June in Winter Park, which was the first Trader Joe’s to open in the Orlando area. In Dr. Phillips on Friday, police patrolled the area, but there was almost no evidence of the event outside of the new shopping center parking lot. The Dr.Phillips location has a very different configuration than the Winter Park center.The newer center is set back further from the road, with parking behind the building. “I hope I exceeded the expectations of the community with what we built here,” said Chuck Whittall, CEO of Unicorp Developments International, which built thenew shopping center. Unicorp plans to open it first venture into the restaurant business soon, next door to Trader Joe’s. Terri Buce was among the first to emerge from the store after it opened. She was pleasantly surprised by the prices and the quick line. “I thought Trader Joe’s might make the prices higher because of this location in Dr. Phillips,” said Buce, who lives a short walk away from the new store. “But they were the same prices they have everywhere.” Buce said many of her neighbors were worried about the impact on traffic. “It will add traffic. I drive past here for work, and the last mile takes 15 or20 minutes already. So I may avoid this for a while, and take the long way around,” Buce said. Another resident who lives nearby, Earl Vasquez, said the area already has too much traffic, and he expects the store will only add more. But he said he hadn’t heard much complaining from neighbors. “Everybody calls this area restaurant row now. We have four grocery stores within a mile, so that’s good to have options,” Vasquez said. Besides Trader Joe’s, there are two Publix stores and a Whole Foods.

Trader Joe’s opens in Dr. Phillips – Grand opening marks 2nd Orlando-area store

 

ORLANDO, Fla.- Orlando's newest Trader Joe's opened Friday morning in Dr. Phillips, welcoming guests who had lined up outside. The grand opening took place at 8 a.m. at 8323 West Sand Lake Road. Trader Joe's first Orlando-area location opened in Winter Park in June 2014. The neighborhood grocery store said 80 percent of what they carry is under their private-label brand and has nothing artificial in the products. Fans of the store say it offers the quality of the store Whole Foods, but at Walmart prices. Right after the Winter Park location opened, customers discovered huge challenges when it came to parking. The Winter Park location has 150 parking spots for Trader Joe's and the many other retailers and restaurants in the shopping center. While many believe the Dr. Phillips location boasts a larger parking lot, they're wrong. The parking lot for the new location will have even fewer parking spots than Winter Park, boasting just 97 spots for Trader Joe's and the new restaurant, Slate, which is expected to open later this year. The Orange County Sheriff's Office will be directing traffic along that stretchof West Sand Lake Road for the grand opening weekend.

Exclusive: Unicorp to buy site near Disney, break ground on new retail center

Dirt is expected to start moving this year to prep for a new retail center in a fast-growing residential area near Walt Disney World.

Unicorp National Developments Inc. expects to start construction in early fall on Westside Shoppes, a 70,700-square-foot neighborhood shopping center on the corner of Winter Garden Vineland Road and Reams Road in Orange County’s Horizon West master-planned community. A general contractor hasn’t yet been selected for the project.

The estimated $10 million-$14 million retail complex is planned to be part of a mixed-use development that includes a 402-unit apartment complex called Venetian Isle and a middle school. It’s expected to bring hundreds of temporary construction jobs to the area, while also providing much-needed shops, restaurants, services and schools for the booming residential neighborhoods nearby.

The 116.8-acre site, which is just north of the existing Publix-anchored Lakeside Village shopping plaza, is owned by Longmont, Colo.-based North of Alberts LLP, Orange County records showed. Unicorp President Chuck Whittall told Orlando Business Journal his firm should close on the purchase of the entire site in July.

He expects to announce signed retail tenants in another month or two, but some that had previously been mentioned in marketing materials include Tijuana Flats, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe and Title Boxing Club, among others.

Orlando becomes first destination to surpass 60M visitors

The 2014 tourism numbers are in, and boy, are they good for the metro Orlando region. Visit Orlando reports that more than 62 million people visited Orlando in 2014,marking an all-time new record for the U.S. travel industry. In addition, a record 32 million room nights were sold in Orlando in 2014, resulting in bed tax collections topping $200 million for the first time in Orange County. “This historic milestone is the latest testament to Orlando’s leadership in tourism,” said Visit Orlando President and CEO George Aguel. “It’s a tribute to the steadfast commitment and continued investment by our tourism community, the special brand of service that greets our visitors and the global marketing and sales efforts of our Visit Orlando team and member companies.” A number of expansions and new additions to area theme parks helped contribute to the totals. In 2014, Walt Disney World Resort completed New Fantasyland, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort opened. Visitors to Orlando in 2015 will experience the first full year of these exciting expansions that opened in 2014 and be the first to see several new attractions, including I-Drive 360, featuring a trio of new attractions from Merlin Entertainments, as well as a multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. “The impact of tourism on our community is remarkable and, in fact, the travel and tourism industry is the largest generator of jobs and economic impact for our region,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “In addition to delighting visitors and families from around the world, our travel and hospitality industry helps to support a great quality of life for Orlando’s residents, including our amazing new performing arts center and outstanding sports venues.”

Firefighters scale 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye for rescue training

ORLANDO – The 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye is the tallest Ferris wheel on the EastCoast, and Orange County firefighters spent Wednesday climbing all the way to the top of the structure as they tried out for a special operations team. Crews competed Wednesday to be on the team that will be prepared to rescue people from the observation wheel in an emergency. Out of the 70 people who tried out Wednesday, 40 will be selected for the team of elite firefighters. They will spent about three days at the Orlando Eye for training. “To train on a structure like this is very unique,” said Orange County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief David Hollenbach. Strapped in only a harness, the firefighters climbed up a 400-foot-high latter that runs up the entire Orlando Eye, having to stop to reposition themselves asthey made it up the wheel. Orlando Eye staff provided the firefighters with new ropes and equipment to navigate the wheel. “Our responsibility for Orange County Fire Rescue Special Operations is to identify the low-frequency and high-frequency events, train our people for themand continuously train them,” Hollenbach said. They also had to learn how to operate the ride and open the gondolas from the air to rescue passengers. Merlin Entertainments, the same group that operates the Orlando Eye, also operates the London Eye, and brought in people from London to assist with Wednesday’s training. “They have many years of experience,” said Robin Goodchild, general manager of the Orlando Eye. “Also having worked in London, myself, at the London Eye, we’ve never had any need to rescue anyone from the London Eye, and we don’t for see that being an issue here. It’s just a part of the preopening planning and testing phase.” Hollenbach said the firefighters’ training would be finished by the time the Orlando Eye opens on Monday, May 4, as part of the new I-Drive 360 complex.

First look: Trader Joe’s to debut Dr. Phillips store (Video)

Ready for some Two Buck Chuck wine, Dr. Phillips? Trader Joe’s on April 10 will open the doors to its much anticipated store No. 2 in Central Florida — this time on Orlando’s southwest side. The Monrovia, Calif.-based niche grocery store will debut at 8 a.m. at 8323 W. Sand Lake Road atUnicorp National Developments Inc.’s Parkside at the Dr. Phillips shopping center. And the craveable products — ranging from fresh produce and dairy to prepared foods and snacks — will be displayed among artwork that boasts some of the best the neighborhood has to offer. Hand-painted murals grace the walls featuring scenes like Bay Hill Country Club, Big Sand Lake, the I-Ride Trolley, theme parksand more. The back wall of the store, meanwhile, features a timeline on Trader Joe’s. Store manager Tim Weaver, who moved to Orlando from St. Louis nearly a year agoto open Trader Joe’s in Winter Park, said though most stores are similar in size, the decor and shoppers are really what make each location unique. “We try to tailor each store as local,” said Weaver, during a sneak-peek tour of the store on April 7. “Florida, in general, is a growing market for us. We will be the 15th store in Florida, and Naples was the first in 2012.” About 80 percent of the estimated 100 workers at the store are from the immediate area — including some who will transfer from the Winter Park store, Weaver said. As for the crowds, the Orange County Sheriff will have officers on-site directing traffic and managing parking from April 10-13. Hopefully, that will help avoid major holdups on Sand Lake Road — though you should give yourself plenty of time if you plan to visit. Check out the slideshow for a sneak-peek tour of the store and see what else Weaver had to say in our video.

Be Among the First to Fly at I-Drive 360 in Orlando Opening May 4

Orlando’s newest major retail, dining and entertainment complex on International Drive is just weeks away from the official grand opening and buzz about I-Drive 360 is sky high. The project has altered Orlando’s skyline forever with the construction of a large observation wheel named The Orlando Eye at the center of the complex. Beginning May 4, 2015 vacationing in Orlando will reach new heights with all new family fun and thrilling attractions. Anchoring the massive new complex are three new attractions from Merlin Entertainments – operators of LEGOLAND Florida. The attraction you can now see from all over Orlando is The Orlando Eye where guests can enjoy the sights from 400 feet in the air. Day or night, “flyers” will enjoy a breathtaking experience in one of 30 capsules. To enjoy the full flight experience, guests are encouraged to pair their ride on The Orlando Eye with a pre-flight 4D Cinema Experience. Opening with the new Madame Tussauds is a line-up of music stars, Hollywood film legends, sporting greats, historical icons and local heroes displayed in a way that has made the attraction world famous. Included in the Orlando collection will be figures important to the Florida area. Visitors can grab a ‘selfie’ with A-listers from Selena Gomez to Ricky Martin, measure up against sporting greats like Orlando local, Tiger Woods and former Orlando Magic player, Shaquille O’Neal and relive the Apollo missions with astronaut Neil Armstrong. Discovering the magic beneath our oceans comes alive in a whole new immersive attraction called SEA LIFE Orlando. The design and feel of this unique 25,000-square foot aquarium attraction puts guests in the middle of a lost underwater city teaming with marine life. Visitors will enjoy interactive exhibits, bubble aquariums, floor-to-ceiling displays, and 360-degree and 180-degree ocean tunnels featuring more than 5,000 sea creatures. “First to Fly” Weekend We have an exclusive opportunity for you to be among the first to experience these attractions before they officially open. The “First to Fly” weekend is a special ticket that can get you access to one or all three attractions between March 1 – 3, 2015. More Fun, Dining and Shopping Boasting a wide range of dining options, I-Drive 360 offers everything from live entertainment to the largest collections of craft beers on tap in Orlando.When fully opened, there will be something for every food craving and shopping urge. Enjoy some fresh food and some fresh tunes at Tin Roof where the menu is influenced by generations of popular American music. At Yard House you can sip from 140 beers on tap including a rotating selection of seasonal and limited draughts on the “Chalkboard Series.” Carrabba’s and Outback Steakhouse are also currently serving up classic food favorites. Your quest to have a cool drink in the Florida sun just got easier. Get your official Orlando tumbler at the new Tervis store. America’s favorite insulated drinkware has made its local debut. Make no bones about it, SKELETONS: Animals Unveiled will be one of the most talked about attractions along International Drive when it opens this April. You can browse 300+ REAL bones of 300 species of animals, including humans. Kicking up in May will be Cowgirls Rockbar Orlando, where guests can ride the mechanical bull, or drink and dance with “sassy” cowgirls. Sugar Factory Orlando, a celebrity favorite will satisfy any sweet-tooth craving. Try a delicious goblet drink or splurge for The King Kong Sundae begining in May. One of I-Drive 360’s biggest benefits is the free parking. Oh, and did we mention that the free parking is in a convenient, covered garage?

Eye on I-Drive: 1-month out update

ORLANDO — May 4 is a huge day for the I-Drive 360 complex and three of its big attractions. That’s the official grand opening date of the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium.

So will they be ready? And what’s opening earlier on International Drive?

We spoke with both Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall and John Stine, the sales and marketing director for the I-Drive 360 complex.

Orlando Eye: Whittall said that all “major constuction” is over and done with. The 400-foot-tall wheel is in its “final testing stage” as engineers and crew are the only ones getting inside the vehicles. Whittall expects to take his first spin next week. Stine said lighting and electrical work needs to be completed.

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium: Stine confirmed the first round of fish and marine animals have been introduced to the aquarium. The little guys need time to acclimate to their new home before the big boys — sharks! — get in there.

Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum: Jimmy Fallon, Jim Parsons and Ricky Martin are already comfy with their new digs, but Stine said a few additional figures may be on their way. Regardless, the attraction is “near completion.”

Skeletons: Animals Unveiled: The grand opening is April 25. As you can see from the image above, the bones of more than 400 birds and animals are now arriving!

Tin Roof – A Live Music Joint: It’s been open for months.

McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon (located at Vue @ 360) : This new-place-to-party is throwing a three-day bash with special festivities April 9 to April 11. VIPs/media have an event from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on April 9, with doors opening to the public at 10 p.m. McFadden’s is bringing in special guest Vanilla Ice April 11, so that night is really considered the “grand opening.”

Cowgirls Rockbar and Sugar Factory: Both are slated for a “sometime in May” grand opening. Lots of construction remains. Cowgirls is “home to Orlando’s only mechanical bull.”

Also opening elsewhere on International Drive:

Mango’s Tropical Cafe (located near I-Drive and Sand Lake Road): Soft opening expected in July. This club is going to be three to four times bigger than the one on Ocean Drive in South Beach. Live entertainment includes Michael Jackson tributes, a “Magic Mike”-style number, mariachi bands, Flamenco dancers, salsa, bachata… yep, you’ll be groovin’ no matter what you’re into.

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill (located at Artegon Marketplace): Already open. Big country music act Thompson Square performs May. 2.

Meet the new kid on the block: I-Drive 360

Thirty-one days.

The countdown is on for the opening of the $200 million I-Drive 360 project that Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments, started in 2013 and is set to open on May 4.

It’s hard to miss the development now, as it’s one of the newest and most-prominent spots on International Drive — not to mention its giant observation wheel that’s visible from miles away. Each day, tourists wander throughout the center looking at the storefronts under construction, asking anyone on-site when it will open — even us, when we visited to do this feature.

On opening day, the center will cater to Orlando’s 60 million visitors via Merlin Entertainments Plc.’s 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye observation wheel, Madame Tussauds Orlando wax museum and Sea Life Aquarium Orlando. Merlin’s attractions building also will serve as the Orlando hub for connecting tourists to Legoland Florida in Winter Haven, a Merlin Entertainments theme park.

In addition, the complex will host several restaurants, shops and entertainment venues new to Central Florida, including Skeletons: Animals Unveiled museum, iCafe de Paris, Sugar Factory restaurant and upscale candy shop, Tin Roof live music bar, Cowgirls Rockbar Orlando country western bar, Paramount Fine Foods, Naru Restaurant & Sushi Bar and Tapa Toro, in addition to some favorites that also can be found elsewhere in the region.

Twice a day, the complex will showcase a $1.5 million water show set to music and color-changing lights. In addition, the complex will offer free parking in its 1,600-space garage, which is near many other tourist attractions like King’sBowling, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show and Pointe Orlando.

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