PROJECT DETAILS
LOCATION : Florida Tollway
MARKET : Commercial
AREA :
This projected design for Florida's Turnpike Enterprise by Cordogan, Clark & Associates, on behalf of Tollway developer Wilton Partners, won a national design / build competition. It transforms roadside amenities for travelers into a destination spot for visitors and locals. Located 10 miles outside of the Kissimmee Area, the 450 acre site welcomes visitors to the Gateway Center and acclimates them to the area's attractions. The Gateway Hotel and Conference Center accommodates business and leisure visitors, while retail spaces, a performing arts venue, parks, and four sit-down restaurants, transform the roadside rest stop into a leisurely destination place.
Unique aspects of the Florida landscape, such as indigenous plants and flowers, are featured in garden and park areas. Water retention ponds are designed to be beautiful landscape features that help control the immense amount of ground water the region typically receives. At the Gateway Center, sun screens are positioned to block the harsh Florida sun, but not the views, and they also help to maintain comfortable interior temperatures in an environmentally friendly manner.
