Benderson Development and The Villages Announce 700-Acre Legacy Place Mixed-Use Project Anchored by AdventHealth Hospital
THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Benderson Development, in collaboration with The Villages, has announced plans for Legacy Place, a 700-acre mixed-use development along Florida's Turnpike near County Road 470 and Central Parkway. The project will be anchored by a new AdventHealth hospital and is positioned at what the partners describe as the southern gateway to The Villages, one of the fastest-growing corridors in Central Florida.
The development is planned at approximately 3 million square feet and will span nearly three miles along Florida's Turnpike. It is designed to include retail, dining, business, and wellness uses in a walkable setting. Early components are projected to open in 2027, with the full project expected to be delivered in phases.
AdventHealth to Build 80-Bed Hospital on 25-Acre Site
At the center of Legacy Place, AdventHealth plans to construct an 80-bed hospital with emergency and surgical services on a 25-acre parcel within the development. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with an opening projected for 2030.
"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."
AdventHealth already operates in the surrounding area through AdventHealth Waterman, AdventHealth Ocala, physician practices, and urgent care locations. The organization is also adding a new emergency department in Fruitland Park, set to open later in 2026, and new pediatric and women's care locations in Middleton. Across Florida, AdventHealth operates 33 hospitals and 27 freestanding emergency departments.
The new hospital is also expected to support the local economy through job creation and long-term investment in the area, according to the announcement.
Population Growth Drives Development Rationale
The Wildwood–The Villages metropolitan area has been among the fastest-growing in the country, with population rising by nearly 20% over the past four years, according to the announcement. As more residents settle across Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties, demand for emergency, inpatient, and specialty medical services has increased alongside demand for retail and dining options.
"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."
Robert Chandler IV, CEO of The Villages, echoed that framing. "This is an amazing opportunity for The Villages, Benderson Development and AdventHealth to come together to create something extraordinary for our community," Chandler said. "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."
Project Details and Disclosures
The Legacy Place announcement does not disclose a total project cost, specific tenant commitments, or financing details. The development is described as a long-term, phased investment, with the first components expected to deliver in 2027 alongside the start of hospital construction.
What to Watch
Several factors will shape how Legacy Place develops over the coming years. The initial tenant mix — which retail, dining, and service users are signed first — will determine whether the project establishes itself as a regional destination. The hospital's 2030 opening timeline means the medical anchor will not be operational during the project's early commercial phases.
Benderson Development and The Villages have not announced a groundbreaking date for the overall Legacy Place site beyond the 2027 construction start for the AdventHealth hospital.