Florida Construction News staff writer
AdventHealth is planning to build an 80-bed hospital in Central Florida as part of a large mixed-use development anchored along Florida’s Turnpike near County Road 470 and Central Parkway.
The new facility will be located at Legacy Place, a 700-acre development being advanced in partnership with Benderson Development and The Villages. The project is expected to include retail, dining, and business space, with the hospital occupying a 25-acre parcel positioned as the centrepiece of the broader community.
AdventHealth said the hospital is intended to help meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.
“This region is growing quickly, and that kind of growth brings both opportunity and responsibility,” said Rob Deininger, CEO of the AdventHealth East Florida Division. “We’re planning for what families will need not just today, but years from now, making sure the medical infrastructure keeps pace with the lives being built here. This will strengthen how people receive care across the region, helping connect care and reduce the need for travel.”
Legacy Place is expected to be developed in phases, with early components projected to open in 2027. Construction on the hospital itself is scheduled to begin that same year, with completion and opening targeted for 2030.
The development site is in the rapidly expanding Wildwood–The Villages area, which has recorded some of the strongest population growth in the country in recent years. U.S. Census Bureau data indicates the region ranked as the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States between 2022 and 2023, with population growth of nearly 20 per cent over the past four years.
“This is an amazing opportunity for The Villages, Benderson Development and AdventHealth to come together to create something extraordinary for our community,” said Robert Chandler IV, CEO of The Villages. “Legacy Place will bring a variety of new retail experiences and, with a reputation for providing first-class care, AdventHealth will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of our Villagers and the surrounding area.”
Benderson Development also emphasized the scale of growth across Central Florida and the role of integrated community planning.
“The Villages represents one of the most dynamic and well-planned communities in the country, making it the perfect location for a first-class, super-regional destination like Legacy Place,” said Randy Benderson, managing director of Benderson Development. “Our partnership with AdventHealth allows us to create a destination that not only brings new retail and entertainment options to the region, but also delivers essential health and wellness services that support long-term community needs.”
