by Matt Wright
“Don’t get us stuck Yehuda. I don’t want to walk all the way back to my car,” I said to Yehuda Netanel, developer of The Lake District, as he drove me all around the expansive Lake District property early this morning. “Don’t worry, we’re in a Range Rover,” Mr. Netanel said, “this is a piece of cake.”
As we drove around and toured the property, everything from Starbucks, to retail parcels, to the dirtwork currently being done for townhomes, you tend to forget how much property The Lake District encompasses. Mr. Netanel was more than happy to show it all off.
I’ve known Yehuda for many years now (because of my time as a Lakeland Commissioner), but like a proud father, he pointed everything out, down to the smallest details as if I’d never seen it at all. “The trees we are installing down main street are 30 feet tall. It was so expensive to buy a tree that size, I actually bought some land that had mature trees on it just so I could move them,” he said. “There’s an old Hebrew saying if you can’t afford the tree, buy the forest,” he claimed. I asked if that’s a real Hebrew saying. “No,” he said, “I just made that up.”
Coming up with things mid-stride is what Mr. Netanel is good at doing. He told me all the changes and challenges over the years getting The Lake District out of the ground has actually made a better product for the businesses and homeowners alike.
“I really feel like it’s time for everyone to embrace The Lake District. Economically, the resources it provides and the amenities unavailable anywhere else,” Mr. Netanel said. “This can be a gold mine for people that want to participate.” He continued saying, “There’s a lot of talent right here in Lakeland, and I want local entrepreneurs to take advantage of this.” He said there are already some Lakeland residents that own businesses going into The Lake District, but he would like to see more.
As we toured Starbucks, which is designed to look like an old pumphouse, Mr. Netanel said they are very close to opening and they have already hired 30 people. He bragged that it will be the most unique Starbucks in the country, but bringing jobs to Lakeland is something he’s especially proud of.
As we walked through the other buildings under construction, he talked about how large the overall project has become and the time needed to “orchestrate” everything. Mr. Netanel, who lives in Southern California, spends 50% of his time in Memphis while 90% of his work schedule revolves around The Lake District project. “Part of the time I’m in Memphis is meant for recruiting businesses to Lakeland,” he said. “In fact, I was in Tupelo, Mississippi, this week recruiting a restaurant I think would be very unique to our project for the next phase.” Phase one of The Lake District (opening summer of 2021) is already 95% full, but Mr. Netanel said there will be one or two more stores that will be part of phase one. As soon as those leases are signed they will make that announcement.
Mr. Netanel also wanted to point out The Willows, which is the residential area making up townhomes and single family homes. He said they have pre-sold 30 townhomes and 45 homes already. Dirtwork is well underway for the townhomes and he expects to start work soon. “The townhomes are already permitted and we expect to start sewer work on those in 2 to 3 weeks.” The townhomes are located where the old Lakeland Raceway and dragstrip were located. As we drove to the back of the property he pointed out the remnants of the dragstrip, including the retaining walls that lined the raceway. “We will integrate those old walls into the property in some way,” Mr. Netanel pointed out. “There’s so much history, including a movie that was filmed here with James Taylor, we want to preserve them in some manner.”
“So did you have fun?” Yehuda asked as we made it back to my car. “Of course,” I said. Seeing a project like this take shape (after a decade) is always fun. It’s also a lesson in preserving. While there have been naysayers and stumbling blocks along the way, Mr. Netanel has found a way around each obstacle. Lakeland should be thankful for that and totally embrace what the project means to the future of our city. “We’re putting Lakeland on the map!” he enthusiastically said as I got into my car. “I agree Yehuda. I agree,” I said as I waved and drove off.
Stores opening in Summer 2021:
The Stock Market (grocery)
Hollywood Feed
Olive House Mediterranean Restaurant
Lakeland Wine and Liquor
Chosen Lines Boutique
White Coffee House
Gloss Nail Bar
Osaka Japanese Restaurant
Gould’s Salon
Brickhouse Fitness
Frida’s Express
Main Squeeze Juicery
Starbucks
Firehouse Subs
Boba Society
