AdventHealth to Anchor New Legacy Place Development in The Villages

THE VILLAGES, FL (May 8, 2026) - Benderson Development, in collaboration with The Villages, has announced plans for Legacy Place, a new destination taking shape along Florida's Turnpike near County Road 470 and Central Parkway. The 700-acre mixed-use super-regional development will bring together retail, dining, business and wellness in a highly connected setting - and will be anchored by a new AdventHealth hospital on 25 acres.

At the center of that vision, AdventHealth plans to build an 80-bed hospital with emergency and surgical services. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with an opening projected in 2030.

Legacy Place will span nearly three miles along Florida's Turnpike at the new southern gateway to The Villages and is positioned in one of the fastest-growing areas in Central Florida. Designed as a long-term investment in the region, the 3 million-sq.-ft. development will feature walkable public spaces and a mix of premier, unique-to-market shops, restaurants and services that reflect the lifestyle of The Villages while significantly expanding what is available in the region.

"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 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 leaders said the project reflects the scale and momentum of growth in the region.

"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."
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.

As more families settle across Lake, Sumter and Marion counties, demand for emergency, inpatient and specialty services continues to increase, and AdventHealth's new hospital is expected to help meet those needs.

"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."

The project builds on AdventHealth's longstanding presence in the area, where the organization already cares for families through AdventHealth Waterman, AdventHealth Ocala, physician practices and urgent care locations. AdventHealth is also expanding in nearby communities, including a new emergency department in Fruitland Park set to open later in 2026 and new pediatric and women's care locations opening in Middleton.

In addition to expanding access, the new hospital is expected to support the local economy by creating jobs and bringing long-term investment to the area. Across Florida, AdventHealth's presence supports thousands of jobs - both within its facilities and through local businesses that help build, maintain and operate them.

AdventHealth, the only national health system headquartered in Florida, operates 33 hospitals and 27 freestanding emergency departments across the state. It continues to expand as more communities see rising demand for hospital and emergency services.

Legacy Place is expected to be developed in phases, with early components projected to open in 2027.