The hotel and residences will offer the ultimate in services and features, according to John McDonald, managing partner of Vector Investments, developers of the property. The innovative design has been created by Arquitectonica, renowned international architectural firm based in Miami and New York. EDSA, Fort Lauderdale-based landscaping architects, will be responsible for the extensive land and seascaping. 

McDonald said the care and consideration given to both the exterior and interior will make Castillo Grand a signature building representing Fort Lauderdale�s beach as a destination resort.

With wide sweeping terraces and balconies, the tiered building with its undulating glass and stone exterior is set on a podium with lushly landscaped and recreational areas on the sundeck holding a large infinity pool complete with pool bar, cabanas and other amenities. There are 270 guest rooms and suites with an additional 46 pied-a-terres, sky villas and penthouse residences in the tower.

Owners can access all of the hotel�s amenities including 24 hour room service, transportation and car maintenance, spa, personal and housekeeping services. McDonald said there would be a marina for yachts and marine services nearby.

The hotel which has 23 floors will feature a five-star ocean-fronting gourmet restaurant, informal cafe, bar and lounges along with a 16,000 sq. foot two-story European-style contemporary spa with complete facilities for men and women. What will be very welcome in this resort and business destination city, are complete conference and business facilities including a 12,000 sq. foot ballroom and related pre-functional flexible space, commented tourism officials.

�Although the city offers the best in dining, shopping and entertainment, the ability to attract and maintain the luxury-minded visitor, whether business or leisure, has not been available. The hotel and residences are committed to a total guest experience from being welcomed by the doorman, car valet and bellman by name to the valet and housekeeping services on each floor,� McDonald explained.

�Our professionally trained and accredited concierge can arrange for everything for our guests and residents from beach activities and baby-sitting to tennis, tickets and travel arrangements. We will have hosts and hostesses with expertise in several languages to serve as interpreters as the resort will appeal to an international marketplace.�

McDonald said the response to the 46 residences has been overwhelming and reservations have been closed until contracts are fully committed. The prices for the residences will range from $600 to $1000 per square foot. The two-story penthouse will have 10,000 square feet and feature an additional 8,000 square feet of balconies and terraces overlooking the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.

The residential tower will have its own private entrance, elevators, doorman and service personnel including a service elevator with private access to the hotel. European wood custom kitchens and bathrooms, marble floors, top of the line appliances, oversized closets and private balconies are included in the residences features.

�We are expanding the economic picture of the area - city, county and state with more than 300 construction jobs anticipated during the next two years and approximately 357 resort employees on a permanent basis. In addition, during the first five years anywhere from $9M through $11M will be produced in direct economic impact benefits.

This does not include the multiplier affect due to the tourist dollars spent in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area, which can double or triple these figures,� McDonald noted.

According to hospitality investment professionals, there are few developments that generate more dollars in a local economy than a luxury hotel, particularly of this stature. Construction is anticipated later this year with occupancy planned for summer, 2002.