Kissimmee commission directs developers to revise hotel proposals, tables Tahoe Square decision

The Kissimmee City Commission on May 6, 2025 directed developers presenting unsolicited hotel proposals to revise their plans and submit updated concepts to city staff, tabling a decision on the Tahoe Square site and asking teams proposing the Civic Center hotel to return with changed terms.

The commission took the action after a lengthy public comment period that included business owners, union representatives and downtown residents who raised concerns about extended-stay designs, parking and long-term economic impacts. City Manager Mike told the commission, "These are unsolicited proposals. You don't have to choose any of the 4. This is completely discretionary, this process." The commission voted to give the Tahoe Square applicants 30 days to return with reworked plans and authorized staff to negotiate with the selected Civic Center proposers under new direction from the commission.

Why it matters: Commissioners said they want a hotel strategy that supports downtown revitalization without replicating the motel-style, long-term-occupancy properties that have generated public-safety and quality-of-life concerns in other parts of Kissimmee. The city also has set aside about $10 million for renovation or replacement of the Civic Center; commissioners said any hotel on that site should align with a…