The former Vittorio Veneto barracks in costa San Giorgio will be converted into a luxury hotel. The land in question extends over more than three hectares and the building dates back to the year 1000, a product of two monasteries. Until 1998 it was the headquarters of the Military Health School.
The Lowenstein family is behind the development, having recently acquired the property. The family also owns the Cafaggiolo Medici estate in the Mugello and runs the real estate firm Lionstone. Illustrious projects feature in their portfolio, including the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, South Beach, Hilton Hotel Curaçao and EPIC Residences & Hotel.
A rendering of the new hotel complex proposed by 5+1AA architecture firm
The development, managed by Marzocco Investment & Development, is set to cost 160 million euro and will provide employment for 300 people once the hotel opens.
Diana and Alfredo Lowenstein
At a press conference Alfredo and Diana Lowenstein explained their reasons for investing in Florence. “Choosing Tuscany was a choice made out of love because the beauty and variety of the region, the extraordinary wealth of the artistic and cultural patrimony of its cities have always fascinated us. It was love at first sight 50 years ago, when we spent our honeymoon here in Florence…”
Work will begin in the spring and the hotel is expected to open in 2020.