The Kissimmee City Commission is gearing up for a pivotal decision on May 6, during which a partner for a landmark downtown hotel development will be chosen. Following a recent workshop that showcased four distinct proposals, each presents a unique pathway for revitalizing Kissimmee’s central business district. This decision signifies a milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to attract a high-quality hotel to its downtown area. Mayor Jackie Espinoza has highlighted the importance of this choice, noting that each project comes with its benefits and challenges. With diverse proposals addressing different market needs, the city seeks to balance growth, economic impact, and community integration as it evolves.
Competing Visions for Toho Square
Kissimmee Place Development Group (KPDG)
The Kissimmee Place Development Group (KPDG), headed by urban planner Santiago Fernandez, has proposed a Public-Private-Partnership aiming to develop a Hyatt Place hotel and conference center. This $92 million project plans to energize the Toho Square area, incorporating 300 rooms and 30,000 square feet of conference space, designed to inject vitality into the surroundings. By wrapping the Toho Square parking garage, the phased development intends to seamlessly integrate public spaces and amenities, reflecting a keen focus on community enhancement. Fernandez noted that the proposed location, within Kissimmee’s Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), would benefit from connected amenities and public spaces, including ties to the city’s train museum.
KPDG’s proposal also boasts a strategic approach to blending commercial and communal spaces, creating an environment that supports both local engagement and business activities. By enhancing connectivity within the community and featuring conference facilities, the project aims to attract business travelers while providing locals with new amenities. The proposal’s emphasis on multi-functionality and community integration positions it as a strong contender to transform Toho Square into a vibrant urban space.
Skyview Companies’ Extended-Stay Proposal
Skyview Companies has presented an alternative vision with an extended-stay, apartment-style hotel under the Sonesta ES Suites brand. This project contrasts with KPDG’s proposal by targeting long-term visitors and offering 113 rooms spread across two segments: a five-story building featuring a pool on the west side of the parking garage and a three-story building on the east side facing E Monument Avenue. With nightly rates ranging from $125 to $145, Skyview’s plan aims to make extended stays in Kissimmee more affordable. CEO Stephen Liberty emphasized their local successes, such as the Beaumont redevelopment and Allen Apartments, to bolster Skyview’s credibility and commitment to quality and speed. Liberty projected that the hotel could potentially open by Q4 of next year.
Skyview’s extended-stay hotel prioritizes the needs of longer-term visitors, providing amenities and a living experience akin to apartment-style accommodations, tailored for comfort and convenience. The proposal’s focus on affordability and extended-term occupancy aims to cater to travelers looking for home-like environments, making it attractive to both business and leisure guests. This approach underscores Skyview’s strategy to differentiate itself from other proposals by filling a niche market within the hospitality sector.
Reimagining the Civic Center
IHRMC Hotels & Resorts’ Full-Service Option
IHRMC Hotels & Resorts has shifted from their initial Hampton Inn concept to propose a Hilton Garden Inn for the civic center site. This full-service hotel will offer 120 rooms, a restaurant, an outdoor garden terrace, and a bar, with an estimated budget of $27.6 million. In addition to the hotel, IHRMC’s proposal includes renovating the existing civic center for continued public use, operating under a profit-sharing agreement with the city. CEO Jan Gautam outlined that construction could be completed within 18 to 20 months following groundbreaking, offering a swift timeline for bringing new amenities to the area.
By reimagining the civic center site, IHRMC showcases its strategy to enhance existing infrastructure while introducing modern accommodations. Their commitment to integrating the updated civic center into the hotel’s operational plan reflects a dedication to maintaining communal spaces and providing a balanced mix of public and private benefits. Such an approach ensures that the development serves both tourists and local residents, fostering a sense of continuity and improvement.
Azure Hotel Holdings’ Luxury Ambition
Azure Hotel Holdings has proposed a bold vision to transform the civic center with a 10-story luxury hotel that would involve demolishing the current civic center structure to make way for the new development. The estimated $171 million project includes 300 rooms and a 40,000-square-foot convention center, featuring structured parking and shuttle services to the Kissimmee Gateway Airport. Designed by renowned firm Pininfarina, the high-end hotel aims to join the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio, with daily rates ranging from $180 to $250 depending on the season. CEO Ramon Gomez projected an anticipated opening in 2029, with financing commitments covering 90% of construction costs and a 10% contribution from the city.
Azure’s proposal for a luxury hotel with extensive amenities reflects a significant investment in creating a premium destination in downtown Kissimmee. The project’s grand scale and luxury features aim to attract high-spending tourists and business travelers, which could bring substantial economic benefits to the city. The integration of shuttle services and structured parking demonstrates Azure’s focus on providing a seamless experience for guests, ensuring the development is well-connected and accessible.
Common Themes and Strategic Considerations
Economic Impact and Community Integration
Across the board, the proposals emphasized their commitment to contributing to Kissimmee’s economic growth. Detailed financial plans were presented with projections of economic benefits aimed at stimulating business, tourism, and long-term community engagement. From the development of public spaces to integration with local attractions, each proposal underscores the importance of creating environments that foster community interaction and economic viability. This shared focus indicates a collective understanding of the crucial role that hotel developments play in revitalizing downtown areas and supporting broader urban development goals.
Community integration also stood out as a predominant theme, with developers presenting visions that align with local needs and aspirations. By enhancing public spaces and creating amenities that benefit residents and visitors, the proposals aim to create more vibrant and attractive downtown environments. This approach ensures that new developments support both the local economy and the wellbeing of the community, aligning with Kissimmee’s long-term vision for growth and improvement.
Developer Commitments and Labor Practices
In addition to emphasizing economic impact, developers highlighted their commitment to delivering high-quality projects promptly. A strong emphasis was placed on responsible labor practices, with support for unionized labor and provision of employee benefits being key discussion points. These commitments addressed Vice Mayor Angela Eady’s inquiries, reflecting the importance of maintaining fair labor standards and contributing to the overall project’s success. Each developer articulated a dedication to creating value not only for guests and the city but also for the workforce involved in building and operating the hotels.
The emphasis on labor relations and employee benefits indicates a broader awareness of social responsibility within the development community. By ensuring fair labor practices and supporting workers’ rights, developers can contribute to creating positive working environments that enhance the overall quality and sustainability of their projects. Such commitments are integral to gaining community support and ensuring the long-term success and positive impact of hotel developments in Kissimmee.
A Transformative Decision for Kissimmee
The Kissimmee City Commission is preparing for a crucial decision on May 6, during which they will select a partner for a landmark downtown hotel development. After a recent workshop highlighting four diverse proposals, each option presents a unique opportunity for revitalizing Kissimmee’s central business district. This decision marks a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to bring a high-quality hotel to its downtown area. Mayor Jackie Espinoza has emphasized the importance of this choice, noting that every project comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. The city hopes to balance growth, economic impact, and community integration as it navigates this decision. The various proposals address different market needs, making it essential for Kissimmee to carefully evaluate which plan will best serve the community and stimulate the local economy. As the city evolves, this decision is seen as pivotal in shaping downtown Kissimmee’s future and ensuring its success as a thriving commercial hub.
