After delay, proposed Orlando ‘tallest building’ sails to next step

ORLANDO, Fla. — The building that could become Orlando’s tallest is through a major hurdle, and another step closer to breaking ground.

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Orlando’s Planning Board unanimously approved Health Towers Tuesday morning.

The project, previously known as Vertical Medical City, is located at 1000 North Orange Avenue, which is currently an empty lot next to I-4.

The 444-foot, 35-story tower would be three feet taller than the former SunTrust Center and focus on geriatric medical care and residences.

Read: Orlando’s future tallest skyscraper takes big step toward breaking ground

The Planning Board previously approved the project, but pandemic-related delays led to the permits expiring last year.

The FAA re-approved the building’s height in November.

There are still several steps to go before the project can break ground.

Watch: Mount Dora officials reject development with shorter buildings than originally planned

The building’s developer, Tabitha Ponte of Ponte Health, said on Tuesday that she was on track for mobilized construction in three months if everything goes well.

Last year, she said she was closing financing for the project.

Ponte said she expects a 42-month construction timeline, which placed potential completion and occupancy in December 2026.

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