A Legendary, Visionary Team in Sarasota Real Estate Development
Buyers should rightly ask about the track record of any development team — architects, contractors, the financial partners and the developer itself. Are they experienced in the Sarasota market? Are past clients pleased with the quality and durability of delivered condominium residences and amenities? Are the design teams, contractors and financial partners established, trusted and experienced?
On all these fronts, The Ronto Group and its trusted team welcomes — indeed encourages — this conversation, for this group has repeatedly delivered projects of similar scope and scale with exceptional success up and down the Gulf Coast. And especially in landmark Sarasota projects. Their reputation is for consistently delivering value without compromise.
THE RONTO GROUP
Along the storied Gulf Coast, from tony Naples to trending Sarasota, are landmarks of grace and sophistication. Condominiums yes, but beyond this they are monuments to quality and commitment. All are exclusively residential, and as such are required to satisfy owners — a far more demanding audience than the transient hotel guest. For more than 50 years The Ronto Group has earned an enviable reputation for projects that make an immediate, and lasting contribution to their communities. The benefit to the future owners at Amara is a richly experienced developer, one that is passionate about quality, and as true to their word as their craft.
Wheelock Street Capital LLC.
Wheelock Street Capital L.L.C. is a private real estate investment firm founded in 2008 by Merrick R. Kleeman and Jonathan H. Paul, two veteran real estate private equity investors, each with over 30 years of broad real estate transaction experience across all major asset classes. Wheelock has assembled a premier investment and asset management team and produced a 10+ year track record of demonstrated and consistent outperformance over industry benchmarks.
Since inception, Wheelock has raised seven funds, representing over $4 billion in capital commitments and deployed over $5 billion in total value on behalf of well-known institutional investors. Its in-house expertise in hospitality, residential land, multifamily, industrial, office, and retail effectively provides an existing foundation for direct opportunistic and long-term value investing.
Recent Florida residential partnerships with Ronto include Rosewood Residences Lido Key, Rosewood Residences Naples, The Owen (Sarasota), and Infinity at The Colony.
MHK Architecture
MHK Architecture & Planning was founded in 2009 by Matthew Kragh, AIA. The driving principles behind MHK are character, reputation, talent, and hard work. Strongly committed to excellence, and a desire to exceed client expectations, MHK has created a great amount of respect in the design and construction industry.
MHK collaborates with The Ronto Group at Encore Naples Square, The Owen on Golden Gate Point, and AMARA marina residences, also on Golden Gate Point.
The firm’s numerous awards include AIA Florida Southwest Firm of the Year; Luxe Gold List 2025 and Interior Design Best of Year 2024 for AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue.
Lillian Wu Studio, NYC
Lillian Wu Studio is a boutique, award-winning interior design studio based in New York City. Its design palette features a sophisticated, modern décor sensibility. Strategic window placement to frame the views, custom light fixtures, furnishings, and decorative objects are some of the innovative and unique touches the firm brings to its designs. Lillian Wu Studio has done the interior design for luxury Rosewood properties around the world, including in Bangkok, Myanmar, and Washington, D.C.
The Studio is engaged with The Ronto Group for amenity and residential design at Rosewood Residences at Lido Key and Naples, for AMARA on Golden Gate Point, and at NORA West Palm Beach.
Connor & Gaskins Unlimited
National builders of considerable renown, Connor & Gaskins Unlimited has completed projects in over 40 states. Known for their expertise in project management and disciplined processes, over 90% of their clients use the firm time and time again because of the quality of workmanship and large team of skilled sub-contractors. Completed projects include hotels & resorts, condominiums, mixed-use multi-family and retail projects, travel centers, medical & office buildings, as well as restaurants & clubhouses. CGU’s most relevant projects include Ronto’s 24-story Altura Bayshore condominium in Tampa and complete renovation of the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Sarasota.
DWJA of Sarasota
David W. Johnston Associates (DWJA) was established in 1982. Since then, DWJA has become a leader in city, county, and commercial landscape architecture. Their work can be viewed on almost every street throughout downtown Sarasota as well as many commercial and residential high-rise buildings in the Sarasota and Manatee area.