The Orlando, FL-based developer received preliminary approval last year for a 54-story tower in front of the Showcase Mall parking garage. But the 750-room tower was opposed by MGM Mirage, which argued the project, as designed, was too big for its less-than-an-acre footprint.
Revised plans, submitted for approval last month, call for a 43-story tower with 688 rooms. Although 11 stories shorter, if built it will still become the city's tallest occupied structure. The Palms casino resort is currently the tallest, with 42 stories.
However, breaking the 42-story threshold and maxing out the site means waivers still will be necessary, a potential predicament that has planning department personnel ultimately expecting a more slender, 42-story design that would mean a couple of hundred fewer rooms.
An executive with Westgate Resorts developer Central Florida Investments Inc. was unavailable for comment on Monday. Westgate has an option to buy the site in front of the mall parking garage. The planning commission is scheduled to consider Westgate's use permit application May 8. The project could be underway later this year.
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