Kalahari coming to Fredericksburg, Virginia
Kalahari Resorts has announced plans for a $200 million indoor waterpark/resort/event complex in the
Celebrate Virginia
tourism district of Fredericksburg, VA. Celebrate Virginia is a 2,400-acre residential and commercial development along
Interstate 95, approximately 55 miles south of the nation's capital.
The third Kalahari-branded property will become part of a buildout plan to include Celebrate Virginia’s first indoor
waterpark at 200,000 sq. ft., immense conference and event space, and over 800 African-themed guest rooms and suites. In addition,
Kalahari Resort at Celebrate Virginia will feature a luxurious Spa Kalahari, a variety of dining, nightlife, and retail
offerings.
Official Statement - August 2010
Comments from Todd Nelson, Owner/CEO, Kalahari Resorts
Today Kalahari Resorts advised the City of Fredericksburg, its Economic Development Authority and Governor McDonnell's office that we will not utilize the allocation of $30 million of Recovery Zone Facilities Bonds by the October 15 deadline to partially finance the development of a $260 million Kalahari Resort in Fredericksburg, Va.
Due to the current lending climate, Kalahari Resorts has been unable to secure the balance of the financing necessary to build the resort. We have invested significantly in the development of this project and will continue to pursue financing options. We are preceding the deadline with this announcement to make certain that the Governor's office has sufficient time to re-allocate the bonds to other projects.
Kalahari Resorts' properties in Sandusky, Ohio and Wisconsin Dells, Wis. have experienced significant 2010 year-over-year financial results amid difficult economic conditions. We remain committed to opening Kalahari Resort in Fredericksburg, Va. which would provide 1,230 jobs and contribute $174 million to the Fredericksburg regional economy.