We recently connected with Albert Socol and have shared our conversation below.
Albert, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The project is a 33 floor J. W. Marriott with 231 hotel rooms,109 branded condos and convention space and 9 floors of parking. The condos have views of 23 acre Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando.
Albert, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have been an Architect/Developer for 56 years. I started in Coral Gables , Florida with over 1 million square feet of office and condo projects. All the projects won awards. I moved to Naples , Florida and worked on Twin Dolphins condos and Fifth Third Bank, the largest office building in Naples, Florida. I recently sold CitiTower in Orlando , 233 luxury rental units , 25 floors. CitiTower won 3 awards. The architects were Baker Barrios in Orlando. I was the developer. They have won many awards for their architecture. The new J. W. Marriott 33 floors is next door to CitiTower. It will take 3 years to build. The architects are DLR in Chicago that specialize in 5 star hotels.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I never give up. I project I take on someone else has failed. I studied planning which helps me to understand zoning.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I moved to Naples, Florida 27 years ago and the project Twin Dolphins had a structure on the site rotting for many years. I had to get the zoning to do a building taller and larger than the existing . 90% of the existing homeowners had to agree. It was very difficult! I got it done and it took 2 years! I ended up with a condo and it was published in Naples Illustrated Magazine 6 pages and I sold it.
Contact Info:
- Website: summa development group .com