CHAMPIONSGATE, Fla. --- Marc Reicher, senior vice president of development at ChampionsGate Resort in south Orlando, said he is cautiously optimistic that growth in the area will create new demand for high-end retail opportunities in the ChampionsGate area.

Reicher said the ChampionsGate area saw 20 percent residential growth from 2001 through 2006.

"As residential growth has blossomed here, we are creating a new downtown with 100,000 square feet of commercial space and 180 units of multi-family rental," said Reicher.

ChampionsGate has also negotiated growth, inducing road work, including the widening and extension of ChampionsGate Blvd. to U.S. 27.

"We anticipate strong demand for high-end commercial retail space in Downtown ChampionsGate as retail opportunities catch up with residential," Reicher said.

For more information, contact:

Marc S. Reicher, Senior Vice President Development ChampionsGate, 407-397-2500

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142