Francis Edward Fabri will lead the conversion of the former Eolo cinema into a hotel in Florence’s Oltrarno district. The project will move forward under new ownership, although its original concept remains unchanged.

The property stands on Borgo San Frediano, in one of Florence’s historic neighbourhoods. Ad Casa, led by Andrea Duranti, initially announced the project last year. At the time, the company expected construction to begin shortly and finish by the end of 2026. Plans called for a hotel with just over 30 rooms, a restaurant and a spa. The development would occupy approximately 1,000 square metres.

However, the project stalled, and work did not progress as expected. According to the local edition of La Repubblica, scaffolding has now reappeared at the site. Meanwhile, responsibility for the development has shifted from Ad Casa to Darth Bane, the company owned by Fabri.

Francis Edward Fabri acquired the property around a year ago for an undisclosed amount. A keen Star Wars enthusiast, he intends to retain the hotel conversion project. Once completed, the property will be managed by a third-party operator. The plans also include a garage with 40 parking spaces. Nevertheless, further details about the hotel remain unavailable.

Fabri is the brother of Elisabetta Fabri, President and CEO of Starhotels, the Florence-based hospitality group. He previously held a minority stake in the company. In 2021, he transferred his 45% shareholding to his sister following disagreements over the group’s future strategy.

The redevelopment will therefore bring a new hotel to the Oltrarno area. However, the opening date, the operator and the final hotel concept have yet to be disclosed.