Development News for Lakeland, Florida

Emerald Arts Center Project and Strategic Property Acquisitions Approved by CRA Advisory Board

The CRA Advisory Board recommended approval for the transformation of the 1922 historic structure at 235 North Florida Avenue into the Emerald Arts Center. This multi-use campus will feature a cafe, retail space, gallery, art education center, maker space, and artist studios. The project involves significant renovation costs and a requested CRA incentive of $250,000, exceeding the administrative cap. Board members expressed support for the project's aim to reactivate a historic downtown property and contribute to cultural and economic development. The board also approved the acquisition of two strategic properties: 841 West Lemon Street for $198,000 and 927 North Tennessee Avenue for $186,300, both intended to catalyze further redevelopment and infill efforts within the downtown CRA and its associated districts. Additionally, a proposed transfer of city and CRA-owned properties was approved to facilitate strategic redevelopment and residential infill, involving several parcels including storm water facilities and buildable land.