Flamingo Crossings Project Finally Moving Forward?
Back in 2007, Disney announced that it would take a 450-acre section in the westernmost part of property (around the intersection of Toll Road 429 and Western Way) and sell it to developers to build it into a master-planned lodging, dining, and retail location. There was a flurry of application for permits, concept art produced, and a lot of media buzz.
After the initial surge of interest, the project seemed to disappear off of the radar. Every few years, there would be a half-hearted attempt at a press release to stir up interest in the project, but little site prep was ever done.
All that may be about to change. In May 2014, a permit was filed for and approved with the South Florida Water Management District that shows a site plan for Flamingo Crossings.
According to the permit filing, Phase I of Flamingo Crossings would involve 130.49 acres of “tourist-commercial development”, which would include “2 hotels and associated site amenities”.
On October 2, 2014, the Orlando Sentinel and other sources reported that groundbreaking on this project would begin on October 16, 2014. The two hotels that will be part of phase one are both Marriott brand – TownePlace Suites (an extended-stay brand) and SpringHill Suites. Both are slated to open in January 2016 with a total of 500 suites between the two hotels.
With the announcement of Marriott’s involvement in the project and an actual groundbreaking date set, it is likely that this project will move forward. However, it is easy to express some skepticism about this project. With its remote location (beyond Animal Kingdom in an area that is largely undeveloped), and its standard hotel theming shown in the concept art from the Orlando Sentinel (shown here), it would appear to be just another hotel in a region saturated with hotel options. The current site plan seems to show very little in the way of dining and retail options to encourage people to flock to this site.
So what’s the game plan for this property? Literally, it is a game plan.
The main thrust of this property will be to encourage people participating in events at Disney’s Wide World of Sports to stay there, especially in the extended-stay suites that will be far less expensive than a DVC suite. From the site plan, it is pretty easy to see that the swimming pool is designed to look like football uprights. There is also a large basketball court and gymnasium on the site plan. There also appears to be bus parking on site – something that is woefully lacking from the All Star resorts.
For guests traveling to Walt Disney World for the sole purpose of participating in events at Wide World of Sports, this may provide a less expensive alternative to staying on property.
Yedla Management Company, which will run the hotels, issued a press release highlighting the offerings of the hotels:
The SpringHill Suites Orlando—South At Flamingo Crossings will have 248 suites while the TownePlace Suites Orlando—South At Flamingo Crossings will have 250 suites and studios with full kitchen appliances. Both hotels will have access on site to 1500 square feet of meeting and event space (including catering services), a Starbucks retail outlet, fitness and business centers, a 24-hour self-service market, pool bar and grill, and team sports practice fields.
Is this, plus the potential of a comparable or lower price point, enough to draw groups away from the All Star resorts? Marriott seems to think so, and is certainly willing to take steps forward to the development of Flamingo Crossing. Only time will tell whether Marriott will hit a home run or strike out on this costly new development.
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We are exited about more Marriott Hotels coming to the area. None of the articles have mentioned on whether the general contractor is a locally based company. It would be a nice gesture to have the work being performed by local work staff. Does anyone know who the general contractor is for these projects?
Media Contact:
Mary C. Kenny
Mary C. Kenny & Associates
(321) 230-1707
Mary@maryckenny.com
JL Properties, Inc. to Break Ground on Two Marriott Hotels in Flamingo Crossings, Located at the Western Gateway
to Walt Disney World Resort
SPRINGHILL SUITES AND TOWNEPLACE SUITES Slated to Open January 2016 Featuring Robust Recreational Facilities Including Athletic Fields, Resort-Style Swimming Pool and State-of-the Art Fitness Center
Anchorage, AK/Bay Lake, FL – October 6, 2014 – JL Properties, Inc., a national, diversified residential and commercial real estate development and management firm based in Anchorage, Alaska will be breaking ground on the SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotels located in Flamingo Crossings on October 16. The hotel project will be developed by its company’s subsidiary, JL-FX Hotel Development, LLC, and operated by Yedla Management Company. The project is slated to open January 2016 and is expected to create about 125 full-time jobs.
“We are pleased to bring a quality development to the Central Florida tourism corridor,” states Jonathan Rubini, Chairman and CEO of JL Properties, Inc. “We have been looking to develop the right branded hotels in the best location for several years and feel confident that we have hit a home run by being the first development to build in Flamingo Crossings.”
Flamingo Crossings is a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use tourist district conveniently located outside the Western entrance to Walt Disney World Resort. The unique district, master-planned by Walt Disney Imagineering, is designed for the value-conscious traveler, featuring hotels, retail, casual and fast-food dining, gas, grocery and services.
The 248-key all-suite SpringHill Suites, located at 13279 Flamingo Crossings Blvd., will be a hotel experience infused with space and style designed to appeal to business and leisure travelers who seek stylish, fun and spacious, yet functional accommodations at an affordable price.
The hotel will feature complimentary hot breakfast served daily, The Market (24/7 access to food and beverage, snacks and sundries), approximately 1,500 square feet of flexible meeting
& event space, free wireless high-speed Internet (Wi-Fi) throughout the property and in all
guest suites, lobby computer and on-site business services.
JL Properties, Inc. to Break Ground on Two Marriott Hotels Located in Flamingo Crossings
The guest suites feature spacious king and double queen suites, pull-out sofa bed and lounge chair, plush bedding, well-designed space with separate areas for sleep, work and relaxation, large well-lit work desk and ergonomic chair, free in-suite high-speed Internet, microwave, mini-fridge and coffeemaker, large flat screen television with free cable and premium movie channels.
The 250-key extended stay TownePlace Suites hotel, located at 13295 Flamingo Crossings Blvd., will deliver a unique stay experience by providing thoughtful spaces for both working and relaxing and helps guest settle in by acclimating them to the neighborhood through the TowneMap® map wall, which displays local favorite restaurants, services and attractions. A moderately priced brand, TownePlace Suites offers a tiered rate structure based on length of stays for travelers who are on the road for a longer period of time.
The hotel will offer guests the option of spacious studio suites as well as two-bedroom suites, a cozy lobby, approximately 1,500 square feet of flexible meeting & event space, guest laundry, business services, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, In a Pinch® 24/7 food/beverage pantry, complimentary breakfast, Complimentary On Us® 24-hour coffee service and is pet-friendly.
The guest suites will feature Home OfficeTM Suite with significantly improved work and storage areas, large flat screen television with cable, including HBO, fully-equipped kitchen and free in-room high-speed Internet access.
For the convenience and enjoyment of guests, both the SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites will feature a coffee bar serving freshly brewed coffee, cappuccino, and espresso as well as freshly prepared bakery products with stay in service or to go options.
In addition, guests at both hotels will also share the unique amenities such as the state-of-the art fitness center, resort-style swimming pool, whirlpool spa, lounging areas and athletic facilities. Visiting athletic teams will enjoy and benefit from the several sports practice fields with batting cages and picnic areas. The complex will boast a dynamic outdoor poolside restaurant and bar with interior and exterior seating featuring full lunch and dinner service/menu offerings, light bites as well as a full liquor bar.
About JL Properties, Inc.
Based in Anchorage, Alaska, JL Properties, Inc. was formed in 1990 by the two current principals, Jonathan Rubini and Leonard Hyde. Today, Mr. Rubini and Mr. Hyde are supported by an experienced staff, which includes property managers, building engineers and a JL sophisticated system of fiscal control and management. Over the Company’s 19-year history, JL Properties, Inc. has grown and managed a portfolio owned by affiliated entities with a
market value in excess of one billion dollars. Their company specializes in multiple areas of development including: government projects, commercial office building development, retail
development, third party development, industrial properties, military housing, Fairbanks residential properties, philanthropic development, commercial property acquired portfolio and redevelopment projects. For more information, visit jlproperties.com.
JL Properties, Inc. to Break Ground on Two Marriott Hotels Located in Flamingo Crossings
About TownePlace Suites
TownePlace Suites by Marriott is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand in the moderate price range. Ranked #1 for mid-price extended stays by Business Travel News’ Hotel Chain Survey in 2011 and 2012, TownePlace Suites is the only brand to rank at the top of its tier for both years. Ideal for travelers who need accommodations for longer stays, TownePlace Suites offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living/working and sleeping areas. Launched in 1997, the brand currently has more than 200
locations in the United States and Canada. TownePlace Suites participates in the award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, contact the TownePlace Suites toll-free number at 800-257-3000 or visit towneplacesuites.com or become a fan at facebook.com/towneplacesuites or twitter.com/towneplacesuites
About SpringHill Suites
SpringHill Suites by Marriott is an all-suite brand that offers design and style at an affordable price, appealing to both business and leisure travelers. Ranked highest in the Guest Satisfaction Study for the Upscale Brand Segment by J.D. Power and Associates’ 2012 North America Guest Satisfaction Index Study, the brand features spacious suites and smart layouts that allow guests to relax and reenergize. Launched in 1998, the brand currently has nearly 300 locations in the United States and Canada. SpringHill Suites participates in the award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, contact theSpringHill Suites toll-free number at 888-287-9400, visit springhillsuites.com or become a fan at facebook.com/springhillsuites or twitter.com/springhillsuites
About Yedla Management Company
Based in Huntsville, AL and a satellite office in Orlando, FL, Yedla Management Company (YMC) operates full service, focused service and lifestyle hotels throughout the country with brand affiliations including Marriott, Starwood and Hilton. YMC’s hotels are consistently awarded the highest honors in guest satisfaction and overall excellence within the hospitality industry. The company offers vast experience in all areas of hospitality management and development with a proven record and strong resources to support essential functions during the development, preopening and operational stages. YMC’s expertise covers all disciplines including hotel operations, sales, revenue management, food & beverage, human resources, accounting/finance, marketing, public relations, engineering, construction/design and information technology. For additional information, contact Stuart Newmark at 407-230-7055 or visit yedlahotels.com.
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I will look into the Gaylord-Palms. Thanks for the suggestion. The World Center looks amazing! To stay where we can have a full sized fridge and free breakfast or stay at a location that caters to more of a convention crowd. We are a family of fife. Time to do some vacation homework. My fav!
I look forward to new Marriott properties in Orlando. My husband travels for business often and only stays at Marriott properties which gives us a chance to earn Marriott Rewards. We are fortunate to be able to cash these in and not worry about the cost accommodations when we travel to WDW
Hi Jennie,
I’m sure you already know about this, but the Gaylord Palms is now part of the Marriott chain, so I’m hoping you can use rewards there — it is a wonderful hotel and the service we got there was on par with the Grand Floridian, for a much lower cost!
I’ve also heard great things about the Marriott World Center, although I haven’t stayed there myself. Both of those are a very easy drive from Disney property.