The City of Lakeland has officially approved the site plan for a new independent senior living community within the larger Ashmont mixed-use development, representing another significant milestone for the rapidly expanding project near Canada Road and East Davies Plantation Road.
Lakeland City Manager Emily Harrell confirmed that the site plan for the Independent Living facility has received approval, referring specifically to the age-restricted active-adult community planned across from the Cracker Barrel restaurant.
According to planning documents submitted to the city, the development will include a mix of 248 residential units consisting of 130 one-bedroom units, 112 two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units. Developers have emphasized the project is intended to serve active adults and independent seniors rather than function as a traditional assisted living facility.
Plans for the community include several resort-style amenities designed to create a lifestyle-focused environment for residents. Proposed amenities include an 11,000-square-foot clubhouse featuring game rooms and lounge space, a 2,000-square-foot fitness center and spa, and a 16,000-square-foot pool area. Additional outdoor features are expected to include two pickleball courts, outdoor gathering areas, outdoor kitchens, and a dedicated dog run.
The development will operate as a gated community with a private internal road network. Two entrances are planned along East Davies Plantation Road, including a primary southern entrance near the leasing center and resident amenities, as well as a northern entrance designated for residents, emergency access, and service traffic.
While site work is already underway, no public completion or opening date has been announced for the independent living facility.
The senior living project represents one portion of the broader Ashmont mixed-use development, which has continued to expand in recent years. Large single-family homes are currently under construction on the north side of the property, while additional site work is ongoing for both the senior living community and the future retail section of the development.
Ashmont developer Vince Smith has previously shared during city meetings that efforts are underway to recruit a grocery store for the development, although no specific retailer has been publicly announced at this time.
