RIDA History

Inspired by the past.
Investing in the
future.

RIDA is built on the foundation of more than half a century of success that forms the company today.

Rooted in both innovation and perseverance, RIDA traces its founding to David Mitzner’s first real estate investment in 1975. Over the past 5 decades, RIDA has led transformative projects across the globe including Omni ChampionsGate, the Hilton Orlando, Marriott Marquis Houston, Gaylord Rockies, and Gaylord Pacific.

Over the years,  RIDA has built upon this strong foundation becoming a leader in its industry, a home for innovation, and a trailblazer in development and investment.

1975

RIDA Development Corporation is founded.

In 1975, David Mitzner founds RIDA Development Corporation. RIDA purchases its first investment, a shopping center in Houston, Texas.

Remembering David Mitzner

1979

RIDA acquires retail & office properties in Texas

RIDA acquires retail & office properties throughout the state of Texas.

1987

RIDA purchases first tract of present-day ChampionsGate, Florida

RIDA acquires a 137-acre tract at the I-4 interchange, strategically located in the growth corridor of Orlando’s renowned attractions. Overtime, ChampionsGate blossoms to a 3,500-acre master planned community.

1992

RIDA establishes its European Headquarters in Warsaw, Poland

RIDA establishes its European Headquarters in Warsaw, Poland, which remains one of the most active real estate investment firm’s in Central Europe.

Visit Apollo-Rida

1997

RIDA initiates development of ChampionsGate

ChampionsGate, FL continues to be a premier, award-winning master-planned community, with over $3 billion in completed development.

1998

RIDA begins first developments in Warsaw, Poland.

RIDA, recognizing significant economic opportunities in Warsaw, initiates the first of many of the company’s successful developments and investments in Central Europe.

2000

RIDA opens ChampionsGate Golf

ChampionsGate Golf opens, 2-18 hole courses designed by Greg Norman. 

2002

RIDA acquires the Warsaw Trade Tower in Warsaw, Poland

RIDA acquires the Warsaw Trade Tower. At the time of purchase, the building was only 10% leased and required significant repositioning. Over a four-year period, RIDA successfully increased occupancy to 95%, transforming the Warsaw Trade Tower into a prominent example of effective asset repositioning in the Polish real estate market.

2004

RIDA acquires $1B Metro-anchored shopping center portfolio in Poland

RIDA acquired a portfolio of 28 Metro-anchored shopping centers across Poland, marking Central Europe’s largest real estate acquisition in its history.

2004

RIDA opens Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

RIDA develops an Omni resort as the anchor to ChampionsGate, Florida, the largest hotel, resort, and condominium complex to be built in the United States following 9/11. 

View Profile

2009

RIDA opens the Hilton Orlando

RIDA developed the Hilton Orlando, the largest hotel of its kind completed after the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and the first to be directly connected to the Orange County Convention Center.

View Profile

2016

RIDA opens the Marriott Marquis Houston

RIDA develops the Marriott Marquis Houston in downtown Houston, TX.

View Profile

2018

RIDA opens Gaylord Rockies

RIDA delivers Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, CO. 

View Profile

2024

RIDA acquires the Hyatt Regency Orlando

RIDA acquires the Hyatt Regency Orlando in Orlando, FL for $1.1 Billion. This acquisition represents the largest single-asset sale in Hyatt’s history, underscoring the property’s prominence within the hospitality sector.

View Profile

2025

RIDA to open Gaylord Pacific

RIDA to deliver the $1.3 Billion Gaylord Pacific in Chula Vista, CA.

View Profile

Today

RIDA is the largest private developer and owner of multi-branded conference resorts

RIDA is the largest private developer and owner of multi-branded conference resorts. RIDA is actively developing a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple property types, with several developments currently in planning or under construction through its regional offices.

Hospitality Portfolio

© 2025 RIDA Development Corporation

Menu
Menu