Posts filed under 'Real Estate'
Posted: April 2, 2010: 10:11 am
Other than reporting that Cypress Gardens is in Winter Park (!?) the March/April Issue of Tampa’s Maddux Report contains a Polk County Corporate Report that touts projects far and wide. In the Winter Haven area, mention was made of the CSX Intermodal Rail Terminal, LEGOLAND Florida, The East Polk Committee of 100, Winter Haven’s high tech downtown “Inland Fiber and Data Park” as well as the USF Polytechnic Business Accelerator located in 610 Plaza. The article goes on to note Winter Haven Hospital’s $40 million expansion and Polk State College’s inaugural bachelor’s degree program with 169 students enrolled. With other great projects noted throughout Polk you can’t help but feel there’s a lot going on … just not in Winter Park! Don’t let the cover fool you … “The End?” pertains to the future of Florida’s film industry.
You can read for yourself here beginning on Page 24.
It provides a much more comprehensive look than Florida Trend’s April Economic Yearbook.
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, Employment Opportunity, Health Care, High Speed Rail, Merlin Entertainments, Real Estate, Tourism, Transportation
Posted: March 12, 2010: 5:02 pm
Artist concept looking SE from interection of Ave. A and Third St. NW
Winter Haven City Commissioners met today (Friday, March 12) in a Quarterly Planning Workshop designed to discuss potential new projects and review the status of previous priorities.
One primary area of interest involved a proposed downtown parking garage that would be situated on the block where the Ritz Theatre is located. The garage would essentially wrap around the theatre. Conceptual plans call for first floor retail space for urban connectivity and several floors of parking spaces including a top deck. Total number of spaces would number slightly more that 5oo.
Commissioner Jamie Beckett pointed to the new “Business Continuity Center” located in the 610 Plaza building (formerly Verizon) that can accommodate overnight up to 250 workers from a business that has suffered an interruption due to catastrophic circumstances anywhere. Beckett said his number one question from downtown businesses dealt with parking and he added, “Where will we park those 250 extra workers.” (Also, a developing downtown technology sector now employs approximately 230 people and is projected to employ 500 by 2012.)
City Manager Dale Smith noted that parking garages are never inexpensive but the current economic climate should produce a cost effective climate for building.
The commissioners instructed staff to develop definite plans and recommendations on how to proceed.
The planning workshop lasted three-hours and dealt with a variety of topics. The Commission is also interested in evaluating the need for updating the Community’s visioning document, “Our Future By Design.”
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Downtown, Real Estate, Technology
Posted: January 21, 2010: 1:31 pm
It’s official. Representatives from Merlin Entertainments confirmed this morning that their company will construct their second U.S. Legoland Park on the historic Cypress Gardens property. (The park will be the largest Legoland so far.)
In a page torn directly from the promotions book of Dick Pope, founder of Cypress Gardens, Merlin Entertainments officials presented a news conference that involved a Florida panther, large orange and Polk County logo constructed completely of Lego blocks. If that wasn’t enough, the grand finale featured 100,000 Lego blocks cascading from a front end loader to the screams of delight from young guests from the Florida Baptist Children’s Home.
Facts at a glance:
Projected re-opening: Late 2011
Employment: Estimated 1000 jobs
Highlights: Rides, displays, interactive lego building for the whole family. And Merlin CEO Nick Varney (left) assured everyone present the the Cypress Gardens botanical gardens are in very safe hands with his company. They are part of what makes this location so special.”
Varney told of his first visit to Cypress Gardens in October of 2008 when he “absolutely fell in love with the park.”
The park will see 40 million lego blocks used in its construction.
Varney declined to specify the exact amount of the company’s initial investment rumored to exceed $150 million.
On hand for the festivities, Florida Governor Charlie Crist accepts a Lego replica of a Florida Panther from Merlin CEO Nick Varney
State Senator J. D. Alexander, Nick Varney and Winter Haven Mayor Jeff Potter
More than 400 billion Lego blocks have been manufactured in the company’s history. Varney described Florida as the world’s number 1 tourism destination and noted his park will fare well as it is positioned 180 degrees apart from a traditional theme park. He noted, “Most parks put you on something (like a ride) and do something to you. We set ourselves apart by inviting the guest to join in interactive activities such as race car building where parents compete against their children.” He admits the 23 month build out is ambitious but he feels very manageable. Mr. Varney also noted that of all the locations worldwide that his company has worked with government officials, their Florida and Polk County experience has been among the best. He also thanked the local businesses who have posted “Welcome Legoland Florida” on their reader boards.
Welcome to Winter Haven Mr. Varney and Merlin Entertainments. Mr. Pope wouldn’t have it any other way.
Post Update 1-22-10: In interviews after the news conference Nick Varney confirmed plans to reinstate the famed Cypress Gardens ski show “with a Lego twist.” He also noted that long range plans call for the property to become a Legoland Resort and including at least one hotel.
Note to Contractors: If your company is interested in being considered during the construction of Legoland Florida, the contact name is Ian Sarjeant, senior project manager. He can be reached at ian.sarjeant@legoland.com or 760-931-9159. He is compiling a list of prospective contractors, working on how the company is going to handle bids, etc. in preparation for work to begin.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, Employment Opportunity, Merlin Entertainments, Real Estate, Tourism
Posted: January 15, 2010: 1:37 pm
Orlando Theme Park News is reporting that Screamscape (a theme park industry blog) suspects Cypress Gardens may have been sold:
“(1/15/10) The big shocking news of the day is that Merlin Entertainment may actually have purchased Cypress Gardens. Check out the Polk County website and do a search for “land south adventures” and you’ll find three documents at the bottom dated 1/12/2010. The first two detailing how property ownership is being transferred from Land South Adventures to “Merlin Entertainments Group Florida” while the third involves the matter of unpaid tax Land South owed, but has now suddenly been paid and the lein from the Florida Department of Revenue has been released.”
You can visit the Screamscape report here. The blog was the first to report some months ago that the Gardens was one of three locations being considered as a potential location for a Legoland Florida.
We have no local confirmation at this point but will report further information as it develops. Merlin Entertainments is the second largest provider of entertainment in the world following Disney. Should these reports prove true, this could be a very positive development for Polk tourism and especially Winter Haven. Stay tuned.
| See other posts filed in: Cypress Gardens, Real Estate, Tourism
Posted: December 10, 2009: 11:42 am
This Chamber and this blog have made no secret of our support for the planned CSX Integrated Logistics Center (ILC). This intermodal facility and the anticipated business park that will surround it have the potential to be a positive economic engine that is sorely needed in not only Winter Haven but Central Florida. Having visited Alliance, Texas in May of 2008, area business leaders and elected officials have witnessed firsthand the type of facility that can be created and the type of business and economic development that can follow.
We were fortunate to talk briefly with CSX Director of Media Relations Gary Sease this morning about the potential of this week’s legislative approval of a comprehensive railway plan for Florida. We asked what initial steps would take place. Sease noted, “This week’s vote puts two processes into motion. First, the Florida Department of Transportation and stakeholders will begin discussions regarding SunRail and the 61 miles of infrastructure upgrades that will be necessary to accommodate that commuter rail system. Timelines will be developed and implemented and, overtime CSX will relocate its Orlando intermodal and automotive operations to the Winter Haven ILC.” He indicated this planning will begin within weeks. Once a SunRail timeline is developed a plan for the Haven intermodal facility will be created that meshes with the commuter rail timeline.
Then CSX subsidiary Evansville Western Railway will begin construction of the ILC which is estimated to require approximately a year. The first order of business will be the construction of an entrance roadway from Highway 60 into the 318 acre intermodal site. In an economy beaten down by the closing of Cypress Gardens and tourism in general as well as lingering lethargy in the real estate market and local job losses, the Evansville Western project is a welcome opportunity to further diversify the area economy. It should be noted too, that recently City and Chamber officials toured the Port of Tampa with a large contingent from Lakeland. During the tour the guide noted a large area of the port that is planned for the expansion of handling containerized goods that will travel through the Panama Canal when its widening is completed in 2014. Much of that containerized consumer goods will potentially find its way to the Winter Haven ILC.
Sease was complimentary of Winter Haven City officials, Chamber representatives and others for their support and advocacy. He also pledged that CSX is committed to continuing their good corporate citizenship which has meant so much to so many area organizations. One example – last year CSX organized more than 150 volunteers to install new playground equipment, a running track, benches and other needs at Eloise Elementary. They also support safety oriented outreach such as the Red Cross. United Way of Central Florida is also among their beneficiaries. Tori Kaplan, CSX Director of Corporate Citizenship, also mentioned a new company initiative called “Trees for Tracks.” The company plans to work with communities to plant a tree for every mile of track they operate – more than 21,000 trees will be planted.
Sease closed our conversation noting that Florida took a major step forward in creating a comprehensive rail plan that addressed Orlando’s SunRail, South Florida’s Tri-Rail as well as high speed rail (particularly the Tampa-Orlando link). He added, “It’s time to put past difficulties aside and work together to address challenges and opportunities we will inevitably face in the future including job creation and economic stimulus while developing commuter, passenger and freight rail service that can make Florida a national leader.”
Positive effects are already at hand as U.S. Senator Bill Nelson’s office has announced a $40 million jumpstart for Orlando commuter rail funding. The Orlando Business Journal reports the details here.
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Economic Development, Employment Opportunity, Real Estate, Transportation
Posted: August 14, 2009: 12:21 pm
Look for New American Cuisine with a Southern Twist” – Michael Johnson
Look for a total makeover for the former “Christy’s Sundown” … well, everything but the “Sundown” as that is what the establishment will be called when it reopens, possibly by December. Fred Johnson (of Fred’s Southern Kitchen fame and a Plant City restaurant dynasty) is finalizing arrangements with current owner James Bronkhorst.
The Sundown will feature new american cuisine with an emphasis on southern fare … an “upscale comfort food” as described by new manager Michael Johnson (Fred’s son) and a recent graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. Asked to cite an example Michael described “crab with sherry in puff pastry.”
Sounds like new beginnings and great tastes in a familiar location. We look forward to telling you when you can visit.
(A little history on the name … The Sundown was a restaurant when Nick Christy leased it in the early 1950s. Back in the day, the Klemm Packinghouse operated across US 17 from the restaurant. When the workers got off for the day (at sundown) they would frequent the restaurant. The Klemm family still leases the property for use as a restaurant. The family and the community have a long-standing affection for the name. Pictured above: Sundown surrounded by citrus groves circa 1956)
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Renovations, Dining, Real Estate
Posted: July 30, 2009: 3:21 pm
The Florence Villa community boasts an elegant new senior apartment complex for those 55 years and older. Lakeside Terrace is located at 391 Avenue O, N.E. adjacent to Lake Maude. The 84 unit building features 42 one-bedroom and 42 two-bedroom apartments. Residents also enjoy a clubhouse with kitchen and entertainment bar (pictured at left), business center with high speed internet, 24-hour emergency maintenance service, large swimming pool and planned recreational and daily activities. And it’s a pet friendly complex, too!
The professional landscaping also features a majestic mature oak central to the pool area that was preserved in the design of the grounds.
The complex was built and will be managed by the Picerne Management Corporation. With 35,000 residences they are one of the largest developers and managers of rental properties in the nation. For more photographs of Lakeside Terrace visit this link.
Below left is a view of a standard kitchen (there is a wheelchair accessible option) and right is the living room area.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Economic Development, Real Estate
Posted: June 15, 2009: 12:08 pm
Got Milk? Velda Farms? You may have noticed a new two-story building coming out of the ground behind Andy’s Igloo. No, it’s not additional storage for ice cream … but close. The 15,000 sq. ft. building will house the Velda Farm’s Corporate offices currently located in Lakeland. Approximately 50 people will now be housed in the building that represents more than a $2 million investment.
About the Company…
Arthur Vining Davis, former Chairman of the Aluminum Co. of America, built the Velda plant in the 1940’s in Miami to process pineapples that he planned to raise nearby. However, when this proved to be unsuccessful, Mr. Davis started manufacturing ice cream around 1947; milk processing was added shortly afterward. This Miami operation was later sold to a dairy cooperative, which also had a plant in Winter Haven. Velda Farms was sold by the dairy cooperative to the Southland Corporation in 1962. In 1964, a separate operation in Tallahassee also known as Velda Farms and owned by the Coble family was purchased by the Southland Corporation.
Under Southland’s ownership, a major enlargement and modernization of the Miami plant was began in 1976. The Winter Haven plant was renovated and enlarged a few years later.
Throughout the ensuing years the company was owned by a variety of corporations. Other dairies were acquired and the product line expanded.
On December 22, 2001, Velda Farms became a part of the Southeast Region of National Dairy Holdings, LP, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Its line of business is whole dairy products manufacturing fluid milk, ice cream/desserts, cheese and creamery butter. Annual sales are estimated at more than $200 million.
Contractor is Winter Haven-based Everett Whitehead and Son, Inc.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Economic Development, General Announcements, Real Estate
Posted: February 18, 2009: 12:19 pm
Lakeland-base Marcobay Construction is developing and constructing a 200,000 sq. ft. $10 million distribution warehouse on Avenue G, NW at 42nd Street west of Westwood Middle School. The tenant will be announced at a later date. Financing has been provided by a Polk County lender.
Google Earth TM
This particular parcel across from Carpenter Contractors is possibly the largest undeveloped tract left in the Inwood area. This development is a welcome contrast to current economic news and trends. We will update this post as more information becomes available.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Real Estate
Posted: December 31, 2008: 11:40 am
As 2008 comes to an end we offer our list of ten significant Winter Haven developments from the past twelve months. While the economy has slowed, there is still much positive local activity. A great many developments hold promise for the future. Here’s our selection – each is linked to the original blog post. What would you add?
10. DCA approval of the CSX intermodal rail facility
9. Winter Haven Hospital completes $40 million addition.
8. PCC one of nine community colleges to offer four-year degrees
7. Ledger New York Times buys News Chief
6. Winter Haven opens new airport terminal
5. City plans for Chain of Lakes property
4. Winter Haven Hospital attains Magnet status
3. Six Ten Corporation/T3 Communications “Inland Fiber and Data Technology Park” downtown
2. Winter Haven Parks Grow by 250 acres since 2000
1. Cypress Gardens closes … to reopen in March 2009
What would you add to this list?
The Chamber extends our best wishes for a bright and prosperous 2009. And remember … buy from local merchants, the job you save may be your own!
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Downtown, Economic Development, Health Care, News Media, Parks and Green Space, Perspective, Real Estate, Technology, Tourism, Transportation
Previous Posts
Other than reporting that Cypress Gardens is in Winter Park (!?) the March/April Issue of Tampa’s Maddux Report contains a Polk County Corporate Report that touts projects far and wide. In the Winter Haven area, mention was made of the CSX Intermodal Rail Terminal, LEGOLAND Florida, The East Polk Committee of 100, Winter Haven’s high tech downtown “Inland Fiber and Data Park” as well as the USF Polytechnic Business Accelerator located in 610 Plaza. The article goes on to note Winter Haven Hospital’s $40 million expansion and Polk State College’s inaugural bachelor’s degree program with 169 students enrolled. With other great projects noted throughout Polk you can’t help but feel there’s a lot going on … just not in Winter Park! Don’t let the cover fool you … “The End?” pertains to the future of Florida’s film industry.
The Official Website of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
