The City of Kissimmee is set to undergo a major transformation in its downtown core following a unanimous vote by the City Commission to approve a Master Development Agreement with Azure Hotel International, Inc.
The agreement greenlights a $180 million-plus redevelopment of the current Kissimmee Civic Center site into a state-of-the-art convention center and a 10-story, 300-room luxury hotel — a project expected to revitalize Downtown Kissimmee, create hundreds of jobs, and generate millions in economic impact.
Key Features of the Agreement
According to city officials, the agreement includes several community-first provisions:
- A 45,000-square-foot Convention Center built with no public debt, with dedicated days set aside each year for free community and city use.
- $2.5 million in annual lease payments to the City from Azure, with yearly escalators — ensuring full city investment recovery within five years.
- A 5% share of hotel net operating income paid to the City, plus complimentary access to meeting space.
- Performance guarantees and completion securities to protect taxpayers and ensure project delivery.
The redevelopment, part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio, will feature amenities such as restaurants, retail space, a rooftop bar and pool, full spa facilities, and direct shuttle service to both Kissimmee Gateway and Orlando International Airports. A public trail will also be built along the southern end of the site, connecting with nearby developments.
The City estimates the project will generate:
- $5–6.5 million in annual property taxes
- 400 construction jobs
- 150–250 permanent hospitality jobs for local residents
Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa praised the project as a transformative win for the city and its future:…