General Contractor Connor & Gaskins Unlimited Nears Completion on Historic South Beach Condominium Project

NAPLES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Artecity, a luxury condominium complex that encompasses the historic Governor Hotel in the historic Art Deco District of Miami, nears completion. Developers ST Residential recognized the exceptional value of this landmark project and teamed with Connor & Gaskins Unlimited as general contractors to complete the unfinished buildings and amenities, now set for a late 2012 completion date.

“With the project’s historic designation in the Art Deco district, we knew we were dealing with a complicated project, requiring unique nuances specific to the area”

Once a distressed property, the bi-product of the ambitious and over-constructed condominium frenzy that peaked in 2008, the five building complex is comprised of two residential condominium towers, the renovated Governor Hotel and construction of eighteen two-story townhome units plus ten two-story loft villas.

Jaime Valdivia, the on-site owner representative for ST Residential says he selected Connor & Gaskins Unlimited in early 2012 to complete the project because of their experience in the Miami market.

“With the project’s historic designation in the Art Deco district, we knew we were dealing with a complicated project, requiring unique nuances specific to the area,” said Valdivia.

As one of the principal architects of the original South Beach, Henry Hohauser himself would be impressed with the attention to historic detail wrought by the construction team. Artécity radiates luxury and history as an upscale residential enclave in the heart of South Beach’s cultural district. Among Connor & Gaskins tasks was to refabricate rounded fascia reminiscent of the roofing style incorporated by Hohauser and his colleagues at the time. Distinguishing art deco features of Artecity include curved corners and wavy stainless steel hand rails along the balconies. The process to rebuild an original mosaic fountain long ago cracked by overgrown plant roots and discolored by incessant sunlight and chemicals, took months of research and custom-made tile work.

According to ST Residential, more than half of the units have been sold since work commenced in February of 2012. In addition to completion of the high-rise condominium, Connors & Gaskins permitted and completed the construction of the East and West Park Villa units, the NE Plaza Villa, and the balance of the project site work and completion of the lush landscaped gardens of Artecity’s center court.

For more information on Connor & Gaskins Unlimited, visit www.CGunlimited.com or call 239-293-2608.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Photographs of the site before and after renovation are available.