BUILDING A LEGACY: Kissimmee’s Legacy Resort will have more than 6,700 homes, upscale hotels and retail. It is expected to generate $66.2 million a year in local taxes, says Main Street CEO Rob Miller.

Along Osceola Parkway near Shingle Creek, construction gets under way this year on 1,000 acres that will become home to Legacy Resort, a $3.3-billion community of upscale hotels, vacation properties, retail and recreation.

Southeast Florida developer Main Street Management Services broke ground on the site in December and is partnering with US Home, ICI Homes, Sumner Kramer Investments and American Leisure to build more than 6,700 units. The resort is expected to attract European, South American and domestic tourist families, generating $66.2 million annually in local taxes without having an impact on the school system, says Rob Miller, CEO of Main Street.

One of the largest developments of regional impact in Florida, Legacy marks a departure for Main Street, which has focused on shopping centers and office buildings, Miller says.

The development will leave 320 acres intact as wetlands and is emphasizing ecotourism with horse stables, hiking trails, canoeing and golf. Safari Todd's Wildlife Productions is leasing property for an educational facility where visitors can view Florida panthers, snakes, alligators and other native species.

Main Street, which was behind a failed attempt to build a convention center in Osceola County, also is working on plans for a national sports facility just south of Legacy. Sponsored by the U.S. Specialty Sports Association and SwimUSA, it will include an Olympic-size swimming pool and seating for 10,000 spectators, as well as 10 baseball diamonds and four soccer fields.