A modern vision of the Ovation redevelopment project to revitalize the former Orlando Sun Resort site.
The Osceola County Commissioners have approved plans for the long-abandoned Orlando Sun Resort & Spa to be redeveloped into ‘Ovation.’ This new project, spearheaded by Meyers Group, aims to rejuvenate the area with retail, entertainment, and hotel accommodations, addressing community concerns arising from the previous state of neglect. With an investment of $192 million and a focus on community needs, the Ovation project promises to transform the Kissimmee skyline and boost local economy.
In a skyline-shifting move, the Osceola County Commissioners have recently breathed new life into the long-abandoned Orlando Sun Resort & Spa. This vacant site, which has sadly become nothing more than a shadow of its former self, has been gathering dust and negativity for over a decade. But it appears that change is finally on the horizon!
On March 3rd, a well-established developer from Aventura, Meyers Group, received the green light to push forth with a plan that the community has been eagerly waiting for. The approval will allow the development to move forward with the proposed project, charmingly dubbed “Ovation”. This ambitious redevelopment aims not just to beautify the area, but also to combat the adverse impacts caused by the derelict resort, which has been linked to multiple crimes and the occasional fire mishap during its long period of neglect.
The resort, located at 6375 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. in Kissimmee, once thrived as the Hyatt Orlando Resort in the 1970s. However, after the post-September 11 decline in tourism, the resort reluctantly closed its doors in the early 2000s. It tried its best to pick itself up by reopening as the Orlando Sun Resort in 2007, but soon fell back into mismanagement, leading to its final closure in 2012.
The time has come for transformation, and the proposed “Ovation” is expected to usher in a new era of vibrancy to this vital tourism corridor just a stone’s throw away from Walt Disney World.
While specific details are still taking shape, the vision for this redevelopment is ambitious and community-centered. Initial plans for Ovation boast a whopping initial investment of $192 million. It isn’t just about fixing up an old building! The project is set to include a striking 800,000 square feet of retail, entertainment, and restaurant space alongside 500 hotel rooms. Imagine grabbing a bite to eat, enjoying some live entertainment, or learning something new at a museum—all without straying too far from the magic of Disney.
And let’s not forget the essential parking garages ensuring that visitors have easy access to the bustling hub.
Meyers Group is planning to invest $30 million into this groundbreaking project, while Osceola County is stepping up to shoulder the majority of the costs. Together, they’re looking to navigate the next steps within a 120-day window after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)—a strategic move that facilitates growth without tying them to immediate legal obligations.
As the plans unfold, there’s positive chatter in the air. The Osceola Economic Development Director has emphasized that Ovation will not only uplift the community but also boost the county’s tax revenue, creating a win-win for everyone involved.
With so much potential intertwined in a single project, the future landscape of Kissimmee is poised for an exciting transformation. Soon enough, instead of an empty shell of a resort, residents, tourists, and Disney enthusiasts alike will find themselves surrounded by the buzz of shopping, dining, and live entertainment, all thanks to the fulfilling of a shared dream.
Stay tuned for more updates as this project moves forward, setting the stage for a dazzling new chapter for both Kissimmee and the beloved Orlando area!
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