In an exclusive interview with Lakeland Currents this morning (July 28, 2020) developer Yehuda Netanel provided a tour and an update on the 300+ million dollar project located at I-40 and Canada Rd. Walking around the property giving instructions to multiple contractors during the course of our interview, Mr. Netanel reminded us that over half a million cubic yards of earth has been moved already to prepare the property for construction and sewer lines. That work alone has cost approximately 9 million dollars. Certain parts of the project are behind schedule, including the storefronts that run parallel with the interstate, due to an ongoing MLGW delay according to Mr. Netanel. Work on that portion of the property can not begin until power lines are moved. He was clearly frustrated by the months long MLGW delay saying he’s asked his attorney to get involved to speed up the process. Two MLGW trucks were on property at the time of our visit, but no work was being performed.
Mr. Netanel was also very excited to show the progress of the Starbucks which is located at the Western most part of the property providing direct access to interstate travelers and local commuters.
The Starbucks will not be a traditional Starbucks, rather, it will be the most unique Starbucks in the country according to Mr. Netanel. The Starbucks will look like a vintage pumphouse complete with a chimney stack. The design was submitted to Starbucks by Mr. Netanel himself, who’s also a professional architect. While management for Starbucks indicated it’s very uncommon for other designs (outside their own) to be accepted, they loved the design so much they approved it for construction at The Lake District. As Mr. Netanel said, “There is no other Starbucks like this in the country.” He also pointed out the smoke stack part of the design cost an additional $157,000 that was not needed and will not produce any return on the investment, but he was committed to making everything unique about the project. Laughing, he made a point to say the smokestack would not be used to roast the coffee beans.
Starbucks Opening Earlier Than Planned?
Mr. Netanel also informed Lakeland Currents that Starbucks has officially asked if their Lake District location can open sooner than planned. Netanel believes this is very possible and even likely by this fall but construction (including landscaping) would need to be completed. Starbucks would have to sign legal waivers since the rest of the development would still be under construction. He doesn’t believe that will be an issue and Starbucks should be open sooner rather than later.
While The Lake District has been a long process over many years, Mr. Netanel was pleased with the overall progress so far. He was adamant to point out that some locals thought this kind of progress would not be achieved yet here we are. He finished by saying, “I think this symbolizes Lakeland’s future contrary to the few in Lakeland who still do not believe in this project” and quipped saying, “maybe they are still charter members of the flat earth society?”.
