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Arlington & Lakeland’s Community Newspaper
theview
.com
February 2020
Lakeland Commons, A Game Changer
Special to The View 38002
Those wondering when the
new Lakeland Commons mixed-
use project will commence won’t
have to wait any longer to find
out, since construction may start
as early as the end of March. The
preliminary work at U.S. 70 and
Seed Tick Road has already begun
and building permits were pulled
not long ago. Once completed, the
space will serve the public with
both retail and commercial
offerings in addition to an area for
housing, which
will host
apartment
and
potential
townhomes later.
Developer Vince Smith says he
hopes the first building will be
complete in just over a year. The
location of the development is in
close distance to Lakeland Middle
Preparatory School and the
forthcoming high school. “We’re
very excited to see commercial
development of this caliber
coming to Lakeland. We welcome
it and the positive impact it will
have on the local community. I
believe it will create for Lakeland
a timeless venue tucked into an
intimate space that is close by for
many citizens,” said Lakeland
Commissioner Wesley Wright.
Starting last year, Phase 1 of
the project consisted of clearing,
excavation and grading, forming
connector roads, enhancements to
U.S. 70 and See Tick Road,
establishing sanitary and storm
sewer
facilities,
and
the
appointment of utilities and other
infrastructure. The intersection of
U.S. 70 and Seed Tick Road will
undergo realignment for improved
sightlines in the course of Phase 2.
The crossing will also gain a
stoplight to combat traffic
increases.
Projected total costs of the
project have gone over $22
million because of the increase in
construction
costs
and
advancements to initial plans.
Montgomery Martin serves as the
general contractor, while local
Renaissance Group is onboard as
architect.
According
to
Renaissance
Senior
Vice
President Doug Burris, the
Lakeland Commons will be the
first of its kind in offering both
residential and retail in one space
for the rural location.
A similar development in the
works for the city of Lakeland is
the Lake District project. This new
shared retail and residential area is
projected to double the city’s
current sales tax revenues with
nearly 160,000 square feet of
retail openings and restaurants
mixed with 75,000 square feet of
corporate offices. 390 apartments
are slated for the space above the
stores and offices along with 170
units for senior citizens. There
will also be 240 single family
homes and a hotel by the lake.
Eagerly awaiting the fall 2020
opening are promised tenants
Frida’s Mexican Restaurante,
Hollywood Feed, Malco Theaters,
Memphis BBQ Co., Phillip
Ashley Chocolates, and more.
Retailers hope to be open and
ready in time for the holiday
shopping season.
With all the new retailers, the
Lake District project will provide
at least 500 new full-time jobs,
bringing
even
more
economic
growth to the area.
Expected
population growth
with the new
residential is set at
25 percent. With
places to eat and
shop right outside
their front door,
there is no telling
what the future
growth potential
for Lakeland may
be in thirty to fifty
years from now.
Inside this edition...
Happenings, p.2
Business , p. 4-5
School News, p. 8-10
Hidden Picture Puzzle, p. 12