Kissimmee Approves $180M Downtown Convention Center, Hotel Redevelopment

The Kissimmee City Commission unanimously approved a Master Development Agreement with Azure Hotel International to redevelop the city’s Civic Center site into a $180 million project featuring a 300-room luxury hotel and a 45,000-square-foot convention center. The development will include amenities such as restaurants, a rooftop pool and bar, a spa, retail spaces, shuttle services to local airports, and a new public trail connecting to nearby areas, aiming to revitalize downtown Kissimmee and stimulate economic growth. Officials project the project will generate between $5 to 6.5 million annually in property taxes, create 400 construction jobs, and provide 150 to 250 permanent hospitality roles. The agreement ensures no public debt will be incurred for construction, guarantees an annual lease payment of $2.5 million to the city, and reserves days for community use of the convention center at no cost. Mayor Jackie Espinosa described the initiative as a 'generational investment' that will strengthen the local economy and community, while Azure Hotels expressed enthusiasm about delivering a long-lasting destination. Although no construction timeline has been released, Azure has already engaged local businesses in hiring efforts, signaling swift progress.