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Central Florida Roundup
Business incubator effect in Central Florida
ORLANDO —
Hotelier Richard Kessler's latest addition to his collection, the Castle Hotel on International Drive, debuted after a $6-million renovation with a Bavarianstyle theme, expanded amenities and extensive artwork. » The recently organized Greater Orlando Economic Development Group, formed to promote international investment outreach, has scheduled a matchmaking and educational forum for Brazilian investors, for April 28-May 2 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The Orlando area ranked ninth among the nation's 100 largest metro areas for projected growth in gross metro product for 2014, according to a study by the U. S. Conference of Mayors. The 5.3% growth rate, tops in Florida, would put the Orlando economy at $115.6 billion. » Rouge, a lower-cost subsidiary of Air Canada, began servicing the airline's Toronto to Orlando International Airport route in December and this month takes over the carrier's Montreal-Orlando route. Work is under way on Crescent Central Station, a midrise project on Orange Avenue downtown adjacent to a planned SunRail commuter train station. The $39-million project by Crescent Communities will have 279 apartments. Later phases will include hotel and offce space.
ST. CLOUD —
Meritage Homes opened Nova Grove with 89 home sites. St. Cloud-based Starling Automotive is starting work on a 50,000-sq.-ft. building in south Orlando to replace its Starling Chevrolet dealership in Kissimmee.
WEST MELBOURNE —
Home builder DR Horton has begun work on Sawgrass Lakes, a 508-acre development off Minton Road. In addition to nearly 1,000 homes, the project will include an elementary school. The frst homes are expected to be completed this summer.
Edgefactory employees flm Keith Bisogno (leaning) and Frank Hoefer (white shirt) of Thermo Fisher Scientifc at the PITTCON science conference in Orlando.
PROFILE
Vestagen Technical Textiles
An Orlando company that makes bacteria-resistant fabric for scrubs, lab coats and isolation gowns is growing as venture capitalists nationwide take notice. Vestagen Technical Textiles attracted more than $7 million in venture financing from companies from Tampa to California in December, bringing its 2013 venture capital to $15.5 million. Vestagen will use the money to expand and promote its Vestex fabric for athletic and other uses in addition to health care. The fabric is designed to repel fluids and microbes while remaining comfortable by wicking away moisture.
