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Working with Architects & Developers

Developer: Three hotels vying for flag in new downtown tower

Excerpt from article By Laura Kinsler

Grothspotter | Aug 21, 2020 at 5:33 PM

This is a conceptual rendering of the hotel lounge space, which features a metal sculpture by Jorge Blanco. (DLR Group)
This is a conceptual rendering of the hotel lounge space, which features a metal sculpture by Jorge Blanco. (DLR Group)

"Summa Development Group Principals Albert Socol and Marlene Weiss have promised to bring downtown Orlando’s first 5-star convention hotel to the central business district as part of the new mixed-use tower at 319 E. Church St. The plans call for 129 branded

residences – a combination of 102 condominiums and 27 penthouse units over the hotel.

The husband-and-wife developers and lead architect Steve Cavanaugh of DLR Group met via teleconference with the city’s AppearancevReview Board Thursday to get the city’s initial feedback on the design.


During the meeting, Weiss explained the purpose for the solid band that separates the hotel from the luxury condos on the upper floors, which

one ARB member likened to a waistband.


”The band that’s in between the hotel and condo space intentionally is left blank for the famous name of the hotel we’re going to get, which

right now we have three fighting for,” Weiss said.

The condominiums will share the same branding as the hotel and will be built with the same 5-star finishes, Socol said.


Cavanaugh) described the inspiration and design process he engaged in with the clients to come up with a building that emphasized fluid curves, transparency and elegance. “We started to think of the project as almost like a sculptural piece on top of a pedestal – the pedestal being the podium of the project,” he said."







Meet Jorge Blanco: Sculptor

At Shoutout Miami we had the good fortune of connecting with Jorge Blanco and we’ve shared our conversation below. July 29, 2020


Click on the image below to access article and more images.


Hi Jorge, let’s jump right in. What are you most passionate about? Why? Creation and sharing. As sculptor, the most passionate activity is the transformation of different materials into a new unique and original object, to see my idea, after a long and hard process, become reality is absolutely inspiring. Another and very important aspect of my profession, is trying to bring, through my artwork, joy to a large audience.


Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community? Creating and fabricating my work is not easy, from a pencil and paper to a computer, it needs many different processes and machinery to manipulate and transform heavy materials, I also need large spaces, storages, and hands for for packing, shipping and installation. Perseverance and passion are the lessons in this long career . I hope the public recognizes my work anywhere.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to? The beaches of my city are beautiful, This the best option to show to my friend or visitors.


The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Elena Hernadez-Ron, my wife of 31 years who manages my studio with professionalism and grace. She has also designed books, catalogs and website and is an artist and designer too.




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