KPMG LLP has begun construction on a $400 million, 55-acre facility for learning, development and technology innovation in Orlando, Florida.
KPMG announced plans in January to construct the facility within Orlando’s Lake Nona community. The campus will include 800,000 square feet of space for classrooms, meeting rooms, residences and dining. KPMG hopes to complete construction by the end of 2019.
“This campus is our firm’s largest capital investment ever,” said KPMG chair and CEO Lynne Doughtie in a statement. “More than that, it’s an investment in our people. Today marks a major milestone toward creating a world-class environment that inspires our professionals to achieve their fullest potential and helps enable our firm to attract and retain the best talent.”
The facility will highlight new technologies and include an innovation center for training and client meetings. A heritage center on the site will showcase the firm’s history.
KPMG is receiving tax exemptions worth approximately $3.5 million from Orange County for the site, according to the
Florida Governor Rick Scott welcomed the start of construction on the new facility. “I am proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of KPMG's new facility and the creation of 330 new jobs,” he said in a statement. “KPMG is a global company with an incredible presence in our state and today's announcement shows how important it is to do all we can to fight for these major jobs wins. We are competing at a global scale, and we will keep working with our economic development partners from across the state to help create new opportunities for our families. I look forward to seeing this new facility and welcoming KPMG employees from across the nation to our great state.”
Other firms have also been investing in training and technology facilities in recent years, including Deloitte, which opened Deloitte University in Westlake, Texas, in 2011. CohnReznick opened an Innovation Lab in New York last year for showcasing new technology to clients.
