Tall & Urban News

The developer of the proposed Vertical Medical City in downtown Orlando has filed an application with the city for the construction of a mixed-use medical tower in the North Quarter District.

Ponte Health CEO Tabitha Ponte said the firm is negotiating a 100-year land lease for about 2.5 acres (1 hectare) at 1000 N. Orange Ave. The site is bounded by the SunRail tracks and Orange Avenue on the east, Marks Street to the south and Garland Avenue on the north and west.

The application indicates the project would be a mixed-use high-rise tower with offices, ground floor retail, an assisted living facility and incorporated parking. Ponte said the tower would be 35 stories; the project previously received FAA approval to build up to a maximum height of 444 feet (135 meters).

The developer of the proposed Vertical Medical City mixed-use tower said it hopes to break ground in January 2020. Ponte declined to discuss the project budget, which was previously reported at US$1 billion, proposed uses or the phasing.

The vacant lot formerly housed the Braun Cadillac dealership, but it was demolished in 1994. A proposed office tower and multifamily project submitted in 2006 never advanced beyond the application stage.

For more on this story, go to the Orlando Sentinel.