Mosaic Co. plans to create a commercial real estate development project on their reclaimed phosphate land in southwestern Polk County.
The proposed resort would feature a conference center and lodge with approximately 150 rooms, expandable to 300. There would also be several four-bedroom villas adjoining the lodge. Resort amenities would include high-end leisure facilities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, game rooms, a fitness center and a lakeside boathouse. Also planned are retail outlets and food and beverage facilities.
Mosaic estimates that the resort would mean more than a $50 million investment in the community with its launch, and anticipates that 250-280 full-time jobs would be created in Polk County.
"There've been so many jobs lost in the mining community, and this is a way for the phosphate companies to bring some of those jobs back," says Amee Bailey, a senior planner for the
Polk County Growth Management Department, which is reviewing the Mosaic proposal. "I think it's a significant change and it's a positive change (for Southwest Polk). I think it will be well received in the community."
Mosaic leaders are awaiting approval from county and state officials, but feel confident regarding the support of new developments and its plans to open the resort in 2013.
"You want to open a facility in an emerging market. We want to be the newest and best thing to emerge when the market reopens," says Parker Keen, Mosaic's assistant vice president for land management.
Writer:
Nancy VaughnSource: Parker Keen, Mosaic; Amee Bailey, Polk County
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