Rossmeyer's Harley-Davidson project–a new gateway for Daytona Beach
area
It used to be
little more than just another on and off ramp flanked by aging hotels,
gas stations, fruit stands and vacant lots. But after what only can be
described as a total makeover, the area is about to become a
destination. In fact, it soon will be known as Destination Daytona.
Rick Michael,
director of the Volusia County Department of Economic Development,
welcomes Destination Daytona and sees its potential as a catalyst to
the economic development of the region. "This project has transformed
the area from ordinary to extraordinary," he said. "It's a progressive
evolution and sets the table for the success of other ventures, such
as Ormond Crossings, a mixed-use development covering nearly 6,000
acres."
Ormond Crossings
will include five million square feet of commercial space and more
than 3,000 new homes.
Destination
Daytona is a venture of area businessman Bruce Rossmeyer, who owns
Daytona Harley-Davidson on Beach Street. He has long has been
associated with the motorcycle industry and is widely recognized among
motorcycle enthusiasts. His partners are attorney David Hood and
builders Chuck Strasser and Brian Collyer.
In addition to
the sprawling new Harley-Davidson dealership, Destination Daytona will
include nearly 30,000 square feet of retail space, most of which has
been reserved. An amphitheater is being created by another well-known
American brand–Coca-Cola. A major roadside service center is planned
to include a gas station, truck stop and travel plaza, being developed
by Love's Travel Stops.
A major element
of Destination Daytona, and one that is an important part of the
region's tourism marketing efforts, is a visitors' center that will be
the first thing people see when entering the Harley-Davidson
motorcycle dealership. Rossmeyer agreed to provide 1,200 square feet
in the center for tourism officials to offer information, directions
and local advice. A similar center has been in operation at Daytona
USA for years and receives more than one million visitors annually.
"The arrangement
with Daytona USA has been a huge success," said Janet Kersey,
executive vice president/COO of the Daytona Beach Area Convention and
Visitors Bureau, "We are fortunate that Bruce Rossmeyer and his
partners have made space available at Destination Daytona that will
allow us to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors approaching our
area from Interstate 95."
Daytona USA and
Destination Daytona provide visitor center space to the Daytona Beach
Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at no cost.
Destination
Daytona is expected to begin welcoming guests for Biketoberfest, which
runs from October 20-23.
