In 2001, Holy Land opened in Orlando. Essentially, it was a theme park for the religious nestled near Universal Orlando and right off Interstate 4 for all theme park goers to see.
For nearly 20 years, Holy Land operated as a tax exempt organization. Due to their tax exempt status, they were required to make one day a year free for guests to enter according to Wikipedia.
In early 2020, Holy Land laid off most of their employees and closed their theatrical performances, restaurants, and stores essentially shuttering Holy Land forever. It did open for two free days in April of 2020. In May of 2020, they announced on their Facebook page that they were “closed until further notice.”
In August of 2021, the land that the abandoned Holy Land sits on was sold to Advent Health for 32 million dollars.
Click Orlando recently reported that Advent Health plans to develop a four story, 80,000-square foot building on the 14 acre land. These new additions include an emergency department, medical offices, and a surgical center. Eventually, a full hospital is also planned on that site.
Click Orlando gained these plans and blueprints from an application for approval with the City of Orlando’s municipal planning board. Plans need to be approved to move forward. The next meeting is on February 15th.
Kari Vargas, CEO of AdventHealth Winter Garden, said, “As with any project, we’re evaluating not just today’s needs, but the types of health care that will be needed as Orlando continues to grow.”
I never visited Holy Land, but I’ve passed it often while driving on Interstate 4. However, a hospital is always a necessity. I suppose it’s a shame for the closing of Holy Land for those who appreciated going there and those who worked there.
Did you ever go to Holy Land? Comment below and let us know.
Source: Click Orlando
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