Developer Proposes $192 Million Revamp Of Abandoned FL Hotel That Is "Magnet For Emergency Calls"

Photo byYouTube Screenshot, WKMG

I've written several articles about developers repurposing hotels and malls for new types of use in Florida, including an Orlando Best Western becoming affordable housing and an abandoned hospital in St. Peterburg also providing future housing. Some Floridians have expressed support for these types of projects. And now an empty hotel - Orlando Sun Resort & Spa- which has seen some law enforcement activity in times past may become a massive $192 million redevelopment.

About The Orlando Sun Resort & Spa: This hotel, located at 6375 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, has an interesting history. It began life as Hyatt Orlando Resort with over 3,000 rooms in the 1970s. It had an outstanding location close to attractions. However, by the 1990s, it began to change ownership as the nearby attractions began to build more of their own on-site hotels.

In 2007, it was renamed Orlando Sun Resort and underwent a $1 million dollar refurbishment. Despite this, it had still struggled and would eventually close for good in 2010. Since that time, it has been abandoned and would eventually fall in disrepair and decay.

It has also become a place that sometimes necessitates law enforcement. According to the Orlando Business Journal, the hotel is "a magnet for emergency calls," with 150 calls for the sheriff's department in three years. There have also been 13 fires over ten years.

The Proposal For Redevelopment: Developer The Meyers Group is going before the Osceola County Commission for a memorandum of understanding with the county for a $192 million project that would include hotels, restaurants, live entertainment, museums, a parking garage, and conference and meeting room space.

If approved, both the County and the developer would have 120 days to finalize a development agreement.