Fredericksburg officials announced today that the city and the Silver Cos. have landed what is being billed as the largest tourism development in the mid-Atlantic region.
City officials would not release the name of the business yesterday. But on its Web site, the Madison State Journal reported last night that the project is a $200 million waterpark by Kalahari Resorts.
The project will be part of the Celebrate Virginia complex. According to the Wisconsin newspaper, the Kalahari will sit on 49 acres next to the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center.
The project includes a 125,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, 100,000 square feet of conference space, and 700 guest rooms and suites.
The development to be announced is expected to bring more than 1,000 jobs to the city. Kalahari has resorts in the Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky, Ohio.
City Economic Development Director Kevin Gullette said the news will "completely redefine us as a tourism destination."
City Council members met in closed session Tuesday to discuss the terms of an incentive package for this development. Those terms have not yet been made public.
The announcement comes as City Council members continue to consider entering into an agreement to subsidize the Expo Center by $300,000 a year for three years to help it secure large group events. It also comes on the heels of a budget retreat where council members talked about how Central Park's retail properties are no longer a source of growth in city revenues.
Check fredericksburg.com later today for more details on this story.
Emily Battle: 540/374-5413
Email: ebattle@freelancestar.com
THE TIMELINE:
WHEN: Pending city approvals, site work should begin in June, and Kalahari plans to open in December 2009.
WHERE: Kalahari expects to buy 49 acres next to the Fredericksburg Expo and Confer ence Center.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Kalahari will hold public information meetings to discuss its plans on Nov. 28 and Dec. 4. Both will take place at 7 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Expo and Convention Center.