As more people move to The Villages and nearby communities, the need for health care services is increasing across Lake, Sumter and Marion counties. To improve access to emergency, surgical and inpatient services for area residents, AdventHealth announced plans to build a new 80-bed hospital.
The hospital will be part of Legacy Place, a new 700-acre mixed-use development planned along Florida’s Turnpike near County Road 470 and Central Parkway. The project is a collaboration with Florida-based Benderson Development and The Villages and is expected to include retail, dining and business space, the AdventHealth hospital anchoring the development on 25 acres.
“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.”
Legacy Place is expected to be developed in phases, with early components projected to open in 2027. Construction on the hospital is expected to begin in 2027, with an opening projected in 2030.
The Wildwood–The Villages metropolitan area has been among the fastest-growing in the country, with population increasing by nearly 20% over the past four years. U.S. Census Bureau data shows the area was the fastest-growing metro area in the nation between 2022 and 2023.
As the population expands, access to emergency and hospital services is becoming increasingly important to area residents.
“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 of 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 Development leaders said the project reflects the pace of growth across Central Florida.
“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.”
AdventHealth, a faith-based health system focused on caring for the whole person, cares for people across the region through AdventHealth Waterman, AdventHealth Ocala, physician practices and urgent care locations. The organization is also expanding in nearby areas, including a new emergency department in Fruitland Park set to open later in 2026 and new pediatric and women’s care locations in Middleton.
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.