Civitas Capital Finances New Orlando Hotel Project
A $386 million loan will fund the construction of a new 700-room InterContinental hotel on International Drive.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Construction
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Civitas Capital Group has provided a $386 million senior construction loan to support the development of a major new InterContinental Orlando hotel. The project is being led by Flag Luxury Group and Unicorp National Developments.
Why it matters
The new hotel aims to boost convention business and provide lodging for visitors heading to the nearby Universal Epic Universe theme park. This investment arrives as Orlando maintains its status as one of the most visited destinations in the United States.
The project will feature 700 guest rooms, 105,000 square feet of meeting space, and a 730-space parking garage. This facility serves an Orlando tourism market that recorded 76.7 million visitors in 2025.
The players
Civitas Capital Group
This investment firm specializes in providing structured capital solutions for real estate development projects.
Flag Luxury Group
The firm is a developer specializing in high-end hospitality and resort properties in major markets.
Unicorp National Developments
This Florida-based company manages large-scale commercial and residential real estate projects.
FINFROCK
The company provides integrated design-build services, including architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.
JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group
This firm provides advisory and transactional services specifically for the global hotel and tourism sectors.
The details
General contractor FINFROCK will manage the development, utilizing its integrated design-build capabilities to handle architecture and precast manufacturing. JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group served as the advisor to the developers throughout the loan procurement process.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Civitas Capital Group announced the construction loan.
First quarter 2027: Vertical construction is expected to begin.
Third quarter 2029: The project is expected to reach completion.
Market Landscape
This project capitalizes on the sustained tourism demand demonstrated by the 76.7 million visitor count recorded for Orlando in 2025. It positions the developers to capture significant market share from travelers visiting the nearby Universal Epic Universe complex.
Residents and local businesses may experience temporary construction-related traffic or activity near 8001 International Drive over the next three years. Long-term, the project will expand the availability of meeting and convention space for local business events.
The takeaway
This development highlights the ongoing shift toward larger, amenity-rich hospitality projects in major tourist hubs. Travelers should expect an increase in available luxury accommodations near the region's major theme parks by the end of the decade.
What happens next
Vertical construction is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2027, with the project slated for completion in the third quarter of 2029.
Further reading
For more updates on large-scale infrastructure and development in the region, visit Orlando Construction.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WJFW.
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