Italian Developers Capture South Florida
South Florida, the tropical paradise we know and love, can be a challenging business environment for residential developers coming from overseas.
So, it’s great to report on a company with strong European roots that continues to make its mark in the region. Coral Gables-based developers The Calta Group, are market leaders with over $150 million in its development project pipeline spread across South Florida’s most prestigious markets. The Calta Group’s projects are diversified between ultra luxury single-family residential and Class A multifamily properties.
“Post-pandemic South Florida’s appeal has grown immensely, and a new crop of buyers and renters have emerged,” says Gaetano Caltagirone, president and co-Founder of The Calta Group. “We cater to domestic and overseas buyers -- and now renters -- who appreciate functional design, as well as smart and sustainable detail and finishes in their homes,” explains Ignazio Caltagirone, CEO & co-Founder of The Calta Group.
Multilingual globetrotters Gaetano and his brother Ignazio have extensive development experience in one of Italy’s most prominent real estate dynasties, having completed upwards of $1.5 billion in transactions. They bring a refined European sensitivity to building homes that fit harmoniously into the local environment.
Beginning in South Florida in 2010, the family-owned firm has weathered tumultuous real estate cycles while growing their business. They have built an impressive multidisciplinary team, which approaches each project with an exceptional pursuit of excellence. Coming from Italy, the Caltagirone brothers emphasize attention to detail. “We focus on delivering high-level finishes using the best materials and consider everything from lighting placement, to quality doors and kitchen hardware. Incorporating sustainable solutions into our projects is also a given,” says Ignazio Caltagirone.
The Calta Group’s success is reflected in a portfolio of ultra-luxury custom and spec single-family homes in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, South Miami and Pinecrest. They develop highly desirable homes that lead their respective market with record sales.
The company recognizes that single-family buyers, both domestic and new arrivals, appreciate a distinctly Florida vibe that makes their year-round residences feel like a vacation home. Many of the homes include resort-style amenities such as a pool, gym, saunas etc. “These amenities in a tropical environment make a home the ultimate sanctuary,” notes Gaetano Caltagirone.
The Calta Group has diversified into multifamily development and expanded its geographical footprint with the recent acquisition of a 180-unit multifamily development site in Hollywood, Florida. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, with proximity to Hollywood’s commercial center, the project will appeal to young professionals and their specific lifestyle needs. “We’re going to offer residents a fresh perspective on urban living with amenities suited to evolving tastes and preferences and of course, our signature attention to detail,” says Iganzio Caltagirone. Unit sizes will be smaller than comparable apartment buildings, but more efficient, and with more common area spaces that appeal to the resident demographic. “Younger people are not looking to live in these spaces long term. They don’t necessarily want to spend much time in their apartments and prefer common areas.” Amenities will include an onsite business center so residents can simply walk downstairs to work, as well as a dog park and dog-washing stations.
The Calta Group is actively pursuing multiple multifamily development projects in South Florida’s burgeoning and bustling neighborhoods. As recently featured in The Miami Herald, the firm plans new projects in the Little River neighborhood, catering to area workers next.
This article was done in partnership with The Calta Group