Civitas Provides $386 Million Construction Loan for InterContinental Orlando

Financing advances construction of a 700-key luxury hotel on Orlando’s International Drive, developed by Flag Luxury Group and Unicorp National Developments, minutes from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Universal Epic Universe.

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Dallas, Texas — October 26, 2026 — Civitas Capital Group announced today that it has provided a $386 million senior construction loan to Flag Luxury Group (“Flag”) and Unicorp National Developments, Inc. (“Unicorp”), for the InterContinental Orlando. The loan supports construction of a 700-key luxury hotel at 8001 International Drive, planned to include multiple food and beverage outlets, approximately 105,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space, and a six-level parking garage with approximately 730 parking spaces. Other amenities include a conservatory, spa, fitness center, club lounge and pool.  

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“Civitas’ credit platform is a national leader in large-scale construction financing with an active focus on the hospitality sector,” said Austin Khan, Managing Director and Head of Investments for Civitas.

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“This transaction checked many of the boxes for our program, including experienced and well-capitalized sponsorship, outstanding market fundamentals, and the need for a creative structuring solution."

_{- Austin Khan, Managing Director and Head of Investments for Civitas}

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Khan added: "Orlando is well represented by institutional ownership for large-scale trophy assets, and we are excited to be a part of bringing this hotel to market.”

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The InterContinental Orlando will rise on International Drive in the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor, three miles from Universal Epic Universe and minutes from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. According to Visit Orlando, The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, Orlando was the most-visited destination in the United States in 2025, welcoming 76.7 million visitors.

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“Unicorp has been building in Central Florida for decades, and International Drive has never had more momentum,” said Chuck Whittall, President of Unicorp National Developments. “This loan allows us to break ground on the first phase of a multi-billion-dollar masterplan and will create jobs, anchor group business for the convention center, accommodate Epic Universe customers, and bring a world-class brand to the corridor.”

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The hotel will offer 700 guest rooms averaging approximately 471 square feet, including 33 junior suites, 50 suites, and five VIP and presidential suites. Guest amenities will include a spa and wellness facility with pool and fitness center, multiple food and beverage outlets, a business center, and the brand’s signature Club InterContinental lounge. The property is positioned to reflect the evolution of the InterContinental brand, combining elevated amenities with culturally immersive programming.

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“Closing this financing marks the moment that the InterContinental Orlando moves from vision to construction,” said Paul Kanavos, Chairman and CEO of Flag Luxury Group. “Orlando is one of the great hospitality markets in the world, and this resort will be a flagship for InterContinental hotels and will set a new standard for luxury on International Drive.”

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Site work is already underway, with vertical construction expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and completion expected in the third quarter of 2029. FINFROCK, a Florida-based vertically integrated design-build firm, will serve as general contractor. FINFROCK has completed more than $350 million in projects with the sponsorship and has delivered large-scale Orlando hospitality developments including the 2,800-room Endless Summer Resort at Universal Orlando and Terra Luna Resort adjacent to Universal Epic Universe.

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JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group served as advisor to Flag and Unicorp in connection with the transaction.

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About Civitas Capital Group

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Civitas Capital Group is a leading EB-5 regional center operator and trusted real estate capital partner. Since 2009, Civitas has invested in over 50 real estate development projects with a 100% USCIS approval rate, always anchored by the firm’s core values of Focused Creativity, Institutional Stewardship, and Respect & Grace. On behalf of thousands of EB-5 investors and their families, the firm digs deeper to uncover opportunities that others miss, combining decades of underwriting experience with flexible structuring and uncompromising integrity. The result: Civitas is trusted by EB-5 investors and real estate innovators to deliver creative solutions, disciplined execution, and enduring commitment.

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Follow Civitas Capital Group on LinkedIn.

Learn more at civitascapital.com.

Media contact: eric.celeste@civitascapital.com