Metro Development Group, the pioneering force behind the first human-made lagoon amenity in the U.S. at Epperson Ranch in Pasco County, is bringing its signature concept to Central Florida with the development of Kissimmee Park in the East Lake Toho district. This ambitious 750-acre master-planned community, formerly known as Whaley Platt, is poised to become Osceola County’s first to feature a sprawling swimming lagoon. Situated south of Kissimmee Park Road and the Crossprairie master-planned community, Kissimmee Park has received approval for 2,818 homesites, complemented by two commercial centers and a future K-8 charter school.
Metro Development Group has confirmed that DRB Homes, Lennar, and D.R. Horton will be the inaugural homebuilders within Kissimmee Park. These three prominent builders share a long-standing and successful history with Metro, having constructed homes in their lagoon-centric communities across the Tampa Bay market and more recently in their expansion into Jacksonville. This established partnership underscores the confidence in Metro’s community development model and the anticipated appeal of the lagoon amenity.
The initial phase of development will center around a 20-acre site strategically located at the corner of Kissimmee Park and Lake Tohopekaliga roads, which will be home to the impressive lagoon. This first phase will also introduce 276 detached homes and townhomes to the community. Adam Schott, the Orlando division president for DRB Homes, expressed his enthusiasm for being part of Kissimmee Park, acknowledging Metro’s expertise in “building a community and a brand that people are aware of.” Beyond the captivating lagoon, Metro distinguishes its communities by providing high-speed broadband internet and solar-powered streetlights. DRB Homes is currently under contract for 60-foot lots and townhomes within the development, with Schott anticipating vertical construction to commence in 2026. Notably, Metro’s lagoon communities have consistently ranked among the top-selling in the nation. Mirada, the company’s third MetroLagoon community in Pasco County, witnessed 874 home closings last year, marking a significant 24% increase compared to 2023.
“I know from our traffic numbers that the amount of people who come through the model doors in our Tampa communities are fantastic,” Schott remarked, highlighting the strong buyer interest. He further elaborated that a significant portion of this interest is driven by the desire to reside in a lagoon community, describing the experience as akin to “going to Mexico…beautiful, blue water…it’s wild.”
Osceola County’s approval of the preliminary subdivision plan for Kissimmee Park encompasses the 2,818 homesites, the signature MetroLagoon, the planned commercial center, a charter school, and ample park spaces, as detailed in the site plan by Rj Whidden & Associates.
Lennar also shares a deep and enduring history with Metro Development Group, having even launched some of its initial active adult communities within Metro’s Angeline and Mirada developments. Adding another layer to this strong relationship, Jim Bavouset, a long-time Lennar executive, was recently appointed as the president of Metro Development Group. Bavouset brings two decades of experience with Lennar, where he served as in-house counsel and executive VP of national land operations.
John Ryan, Metro’s CEO, commented on this significant appointment, stating, “Jim’s career and the name he’s made for himself at Lennar is well known across the residential real estate industry. He’s got the know-how and the successful track record to be the perfect fit to lead Metro into its next phase of growth and innovation.” In his previous role at Lennar, Bavouset played a key role in securing deals for communities such as Tohoqua, Crossprairie, and Waterlin. Kissimmee Park will represent Lennar’s fourth community within the East/South Lake Toho districts.
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Jim Bavouset said, “I couldn’t be more excited to join Metro Development Group and contribute to its vision for the future. Metro has established itself as the leader in community development in Florida. I look forward to working alongside the Metro team to drive new opportunities in Florida and beyond. We will continue to deliver first-class communities to our builder partners and ultimately the families who will live in our communities as they are the reason we come to work every day.”
D.R. Horton, another key player in the regional housing market, has also been actively developing in the St. Cloud area with its Kindred development situated on Cross Prairie Parkway. Demonstrating their commitment to the East Lake Toho corridor, the Texas-based homebuilder has already secured over 900 lots within the Roan Bridge development and is actively pursuing further land acquisition along Kissimmee Park Road, signaling their strong interest in the burgeoning community.