Developer Vince Smith recently updated the Lakeland Industrial Development Board (IDB) on the progress of Ashmont, a mixed-use development situated at the intersection of Canada Road and Davies Plantation Road. While progress is being made, Smith emphasized that much work remains.
Ashmont is still in its early stages, with land currently being cleared and graded for future construction. Smith acknowledged concerns about the extensive tree clearing that has taken place over the past year but reassured the board that conservation efforts have been a priority. Of the total 100 acres, 23 acres will remain untouched, with plans to eventually dedicate this land to a conservation group. “One day, after we’re finished with our work, we will likely dedicate that to a conservancy,” Smith stated.
Smith anticipates that the first infrastructure to be completed will be the streets in the residential section of Ashmont (seen below in Area 2), with construction on single-family homes expected to begin next year. The development plans include 41 lots, each approximately 1/3 of an acre, with homes expected to be around 4,000 square feet. While the names of the builders and architectural styles have not yet been disclosed, more information is expected this fall. Additionally, townhomes are planned for a later phase of the project (Area 4).
Mr. Smith was asked by board members if there was any news to share about retailers ready to commit to building in Ashmont. “We have a tremendous amount of interest,” Smith said, but he was not comfortable sharing names at this time. The Ashmont development will feature a retail section with stores, restaurants, and potentially a new grocery store (Area 6). More about that can be read here.
An assisted living facility is also currently planned (Area 1), however, Smith noted that finding a company to operate the entire assisted living facility has been challenging. As a result, the facility may be adapted to serve as a “quasi-assisted living facility” for those aged 55 and over. Mayor Josh Roman, the city’s liaison to the IDB, inquired about the possibility of including a senior center within the assisted living facility. While final plans have not been made, Smith indicated that approximately 3,000 square feet of the facility could be dedicated to a senior center. The city’s current senior center is located at IH Managerial Park on Canada Road. It remains unclear whether a senior center at Ashmont would replace the existing facility or complement it.
