The View 38002 02-2020_Feb The View 38002

**************ECRWSS**** PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER inform. educate. connect. 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