Signature Projects
SKATE WORLD
midtown
For over 50 years, Skate World has provided a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for all ages! Currently located at 911 N. Lake Parker Ave, the latest expansion includes improved bathrooms, game room, party room, and ADA upgrades. Website: skatelakeland.com/
MIRRORTOWN
downtown
Mirrorton is a transformative development that complements and redefines Downtown. With 305 apartments and townhomes set on 13.5 acres, Mirrorton is designed to be both nestled in and a seamless extension of its surroundings.
Website : mirrorton.com/
TAPATIO’S
midtown
Lakeland’s well-known Mexican restaurant on Memorial Blvd. is receiving a makeover after being in business since 1994! The renovations, funded in part by CRA grants will include façade improvements, larger lobby, additional seating, and an expanded kitchen.
Website: tapatiosmemorial.com
SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE ROAD DIET
dixieland
For over a decade, the Lakeland community has struggled with how to make Florida Avenue a safer and more functional street for all users and to enhance the economic vitality of Dixieland, Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. The CRA is collaborating with FDOT and the City to test a reduction in vehicular travel lanes to enhance the Dixieland corridor. Give us Your Feedback: https://bit.ly/2LQ2tPe
THE WELL
midtown
Located on the corner of East Parker Street and North Tennessee Avenue, this CRA property will be turned into a collaborative small business resource center equipped with co-working spaces, a training room, and year-round programming. Completion Date: December 2021
Social Media: TheWell.Lakeland - Home | Facebook
LINCOLN SQUARE
midtown
The 5-acre site that was previously home to 120 functionally obsolescent apartments was zoned for multifamily in the middle of a single-family residential community. In 2016, the property was rezoned for single-family residential development and prototype home designed were completed. Testimonial: https://vimeo.com/401370116
UNION HALL
dixieland
Next to Lean Spaces is Union Hall, an entertainment venue and shared outdoor patio space. It boasts original 1920’s exposed terracotta brick walls, high open ceilings, concrete bar taps, and simple, yet tasteful art deco accents. Just a 1/2 mile south of Downtown Lakeland, this blank canvas is ideal for a myriad of events. https://unionhallevents.com/
CRYSTAL’S WORLD OF DANCE
midtown
Crystal's World of Dance is a community based organization that strives for excellence in artistic expressions by bringing the arts to the forefront of community experiences. Dancers have the opportunity to develop self-esteem and positive self-encouragement through the art of dance.
Grand Opening Video: https://vimeo.com/269701012
TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE
midtown
Once a former Publix, now restored and used as the Polk County Tax Collector’s Regional Service Center for Western Polk County, 916 N. Massachusetts Avenue is a 25,000 SF Art Deco structure on a 2.48-acre site. The CRA’s provision of gap funding for $600,000 of a $4,600,000 project facilitated the feasibility of the project which now brings in 1,200 customers per day to the area, restored a historically significant building, and provided jobs in an economically depressed area.
DOU Bakehouse is a wholesale bakery that specializes in handcrafted, quality baked goods ranging from cookies, cupcakes, muffins, and cakes. They service hotels, restaurants as well as amusement parks and resorts across Central Florida. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram!
LAKE PARKER SHARED-USE PATH
midtown
The southwest side of Lake Parker has transformed from a simple 5ft concrete sidewalk to a 10ft shared-use asphalt path between Bon Air St. and East Bella Vista St. This 1-mile stretch will connect General Van Fleet State Trail with the Fort Frasier Trail. Student-led historical artwork is incorporated along the bands as well as decade themed portraits. Background: http://bit.ly/37wdZYv
REC ROOM
downtown
Rec Room is an activity driven bar with a focus on video games, arcades, and other recreational activities. This Downtown attraction includes an indoor golf simulator, skee-ball, and outdoor seating. Website: recroomlkld.com/
THE JOINERY
downtown
On the banks of Lake Mirror in Downtown, lies Lakeland’s first modern food hall with over 7 specialty eateries, bar, and floral boutique. CRA assistance helped fund this now popular place in town! Website: https://www.thejoinerylkld.com/
THE YARD ON MASS
dixieland
On a former used car lot at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Parker Street, The Yard has brought a new food truck park and beer garden to Midtown. Between Downtown Lakeland and Mass Market, the CRA partnered with investors to launch a first-of-its kind concept where everyone is welcome.
LEAN SPACES
dixieland
Dixieland is now home to high-end offices and executive suites. The location, with prime frontage on South Florida Avenue, was vacant for over a decade and was once the home to the Vito’s Restaurant in the 1950’s. Amenities include a shared conference room, kitchenette, lounge areas and local art. https://thelakelander.com/a-look-inside-lean-spaces/
FUSION TRANSPORT SERVICES
midtown
Fusion Logistics Services is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider of freight services nationwide. After seeking to relocate their business to Lakeland, the managing partners were connected to the CRA to explore incentives in their planned location in Midtown. After receiving Design Assistance, Façade & Site Improvement and Infill Adaptive Reuse grant funding, Fusion moved their operations and celebrated their ribbon cutting in February 2020! https://www.fusion-us.com/
HAUS 820
midtown
Formerly a 1920s A&P Grocery Store, the space is completely renovated with wall-to-wall white brick, twenty-two-foot-high ceilings, amber stained and sealed cement floors, oversized warehouse windows with black industrial finishes. Holding up to 500 guests, Haus 820 is the newest, premiere event venue in Central Florida offering the perfect balance of vintage and modern. Book your event here.
FEDERAL BUILDING
downtown
The Federal Building is a Georgian-Revival style building constructed in 1917. Located in the central business district and steps away from Munn Park, the space includes over 15,000sf at the ground and basement levels. Once a post office, the building is now home to MOJO Federal Swine & Spirits and Smith’s American Tavern, further strengthening the push to turn downtown Lakeland into the place to be for area nightlife.
MARKET LOFTS
midtown
A collection of twelve 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartments oriented around a shared courtyard with limited access gates. The Lofts are within walking distance of Downtown Lakeland.
EAST MAIN DISTRICT GATEWAY
midtown
The East Main District is on the fringe of the downtown core with all the urban amenities. The district is affordable, flexible, unique and ripe for infill development. Because of the desire to turn East Main District into a one-stop destination for artists, creatives, home décor and innovative entrepreneurs, incentives for the area are generous.
NO BAY
downtown
NoBay Apartments is the first new development project in Downtown Lakeland in over a decade and the first new residential development of major scale in 20 years. The property, previously a public parking lot, covers 75% of a city block and is comprised of 55 bedroom apartments, 10,000 SF of commercial/retail space and interior tenant surface parking. The 55 new residences increased the market rental units available Downtown by over 60%.
The City of Lakeland has a bold vision for our Downtown! See for yourself scrolling through the story map below.
We are working alongside the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Lakeland transportation planners and engineers, to envision a complete, safe, and walkable Dixieland corridor from Lime Street to Ariana Street.
