Olympus Sports and Entertainment unveils 250-acre master plan estimated to create 6,000 jobs and $1.4 billion in economic impact
Olympus Sports & Entertainment, a visionary brand and development project, said Tuesday night the company plans to build on 250 acres in south Lake County’s Wellness Way area, close to the western gateway of Walt Disney World. The project is estimated to create more than 6,000 jobs and generate more than $1.4 billion in economic impact during a 10-year period. The project is seeking annexation into the City of Clermont, which has the utility rights for the property.
The community, which will be named Olympus, with the tagline “Epic. Every Day” will include multi-sport training and competition venues; leading-edge wellness, health and fitness facilities, and a village that features sports-themed, world-class hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment.
Olympus founder and CEO Michael Carroll, along with economist Henry “Hank” Fishkind, presented the project to the Clermont City Council at a workshop Tuesday evening. Council workshops are for informational and discussion purposes. No votes were taken.
Carroll, whose background includes working with Olympic Games and other premier sports events, such as the Ryder Cup, said his company had conducted a global search for the right location for his project before landing on Clermont. Carroll said Olympus would focus on many of the world’s most popular sports, such as tennis, swimming, ice hockey, surfing, track and field and gymnastics. All of the arenas and venues will be “broadcast-ready,” he said.
Clermont City Manager Darren Gray said, “Today is a resounding show of confidence in our ‘Choice of Champions brand,’ our city’s leadership and our community. It shows what is possible when private and public enterprises share common principles and goals. It is also about the future — providing jobs and inspiring future generations.”
Council members said they found the project “interesting.” Carroll said he plans to submit his plans for the first of September. The city’s Planning and Zoning Board will hold its first hearing on the project in October. The project will go to the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity before returning to the Council for a hearing in December. Carroll’s plans are also contingent upon purchasing the property.
Carroll said: “Olympus is grateful to Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks and City Manager Darren Gray for their leadership and commitment. Together, we are leveraging the power of sport, wellness, fitness and entertainment in a very innovative and market-driving way. The foundation we lay today will be used not only to build an iconic development but also to leave a positive community legacy for tomorrow. We are driven by a passion to deliver ‘Epic Everyday’ for the long-term benefit of all stakeholders.”
Crafted by the well-respected planners and engineers, the Olympus master plan is comprised of complementary development zones, including:
- Multi-sport competition and training venues for professional, amateur and Olympic athletes. Featuring sports celebrities, legendary coaches and global sports brands/properties.
- Cutting-edge wellness, fitness and sports-medicine facilities for athletes, individuals, families, businesses and the local community. Featuring public fitness trails, state-of-the-art fitness & health club, healthy living/destination spa, and renowned orthopedic doctors/groups.
- World-class hospitality, dining, shopping and office/conference venues for visitors, businesses and local residents. Featuring premier restaurant brands, unique retail brands, leading hotel/resort brands and more.
Olympus Senior Planner and Development Director Brian Wheeler said: “The Olympus plan integrates environmental stewardship, civic spaces, unique geography and world-class facilities. It is all about creating experiences that are unique and unforgettable. I am thrilled to be working with the amazing Olympus team on this inspiring project for Central Florida.” Wheeler has 34-plus years of experience in environmental design and land planning.
Olympus CFO Van Hoffman said: “We designed a plan centered on innovation and sustainability, and that plan is creating great partnerships in sport, wellness, technology, education, entertainment, hospitality and more. We look forward to announcing these partnerships in the months ahead as we build to our ‘official’ launch in 2020.”
About Olympus Sports & Entertainment Group, LLC
Olympus Sports & Entertainment Group, a Florida Limited Liability Company, is the creator and manager of Olympus, a landmark sports, wellness, fitness and entertainment development. The team is comprised of experts in architectural design, land planning, finance, real estate development, operations, sports marketing, branding and communications. The Olympus team is driven by a passion for creating long-term value for all stakeholders.
