The Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy—developed by Woodbine Development Corporation (Woodbine) for IMG Academy—is now open. Located just outside of IMG’s nearly 600-acre campus, the new five-story, 150-room boutique hotel is serving guests and clients of the world-class training facility, including visiting teams, coaches, student-athletes, staff and parents. The general contractor for the project was Tandem Construction, with architecture by 5G Studio of Dallas; interior design by Edge ID of Salt Lake City; and landscape design by SWA.
Renowned for its unparalleled training facilities and premier performance resources for students and athletes, IMG hosts clients and guests from around the world for boarding school, youth and adult camps, college and professional athlete training, team training and events.
“Woodbine has a strong culture of sports that influences our approach to projects, so we were thrilled to work on The Legacy Hotel,” said King Scovell, managing partner and chief development officer of Woodbine, which was introduced to the project by Pat Cowell, a longtime associate and friend of Woodbine and IMG. “We are confident this new property will play well with international visitors and the local community who come to take advantage of the academy’s world-class training opportunities. We also know it’ll be a great asset for residents and travelers looking for an upscale destination for meetings, weddings and more.”
IMG Academy Managing Director Chip McCarthy added, “The opening of The Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy is the realization of a long-held vision for our campus. This hotel provides luxurious and comfortable accommodations for our athletes, students and their families as well as visitors to the Bradenton community. We look forward to welcoming visitors and hosting events for years to come.”
The Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy’s architecture is complementary to the existing modern structures on campus, while exhibiting an individualized theme that draws inspiration from movement. It showcases a mix of patterns, hues, varied reflectivity and geometric elements that create a sense of motion. The hotel gives a nod to the dynamic and specific nature of athletic movement through the placement, orientation, specifications and shading of the building’s extensive glazing. The overall design serves to optimize energy efficiency by maximizing interior lighting while minimizing direct solar heat.
The interiors of the hotel exhibit a sophisticated style that feels fresh and inviting for guests from around the world. Spaces showcase rich materials, patterns and textures: tile, quartz and wood finishes with metallic accents and pops of color throughout; striking vinyl wall coverings and varied flooring surfaces; leather, wood and upholstered furnishings; and ambience-enhancing, design-driven artwork and lighting. In combination, all elements create a place where visitors can feel at home while also enjoying the carefree feeling inherent in a hotel stay.
The amenity lineup at The Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy features the ICON Eatery and Bar, a three-meal restaurant, an elevated lobby lounge and bar, and a massage and fitness facility. The hotel also offers 5,060 square feet of flexible meeting space for seminars, specialized training and other functions. Alfresco amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, outdoor event lawn and breakout spaces—creating a secluded and relaxing oasis within footsteps of the hotel building and the rest of campus. The hotel also boasts prime access to Gulf Coast beaches, shopping and local attractions.
