After a decade of rumors, lawsuits, speculation, and more Lakeland Commons, also known as Lakeland Town Square, is well underway with curbs and streets recently poured and lumber shipments being delivered today, September 3, 2020. The 42-acre project is expected to cost 48 million for Phase One with a total price tag of more than 70 million once all phases are complete. The mixed-use project is located at Highway 70 and Seed Tick Rd.
The project was initially conceived and brought forward as a proposed project under former Mayor Scott Carmichael’s administration. However, after what the developer claimed was attempts to stonewall the progress a lawsuit was filed against Lakeland. The courts sided with the developer and the project was officially approved. However, under Mayor Wyatt Bunkers’ administration, the project changed in its nature. Knowing the courts had already sided with the developer, Mayor Bunker and his staff worked with the developer, Mr. Vince Smith, and proposed the idea of something more similar to a town square concept. Mr. Smith was open to the idea and worked to make the project more friendly to the needs of Lakeland. He even proposed giving some of the property to the city for a future (2nd) fire station, something Lakeland will eventually need.
Much like Mud Island, the project will be a vertical, mixed-use project. There will be stand-alone townhomes on the Memphis Arlington side of the project, as well as 2 stories of condos and flats located above retail in the center of the project. Stand-alone retail will be located along the Highway 70 part of the development. Commissioner Wesley Wright believes this can be a great project for Lakeland, especially after the change to the plans that Mayor Bunker oversaw making it more of a town square concept. Mr. Wright said, “This is a great planned development. We still have a few things to iron out like setbacks and building heights but this will be a great, walkable community for Lakeland.” He mentioned being across the street from Lakeland Prep and the coming high school will only increase the desire to live or work in Lakeland Commons.
When reached for comments the developer, Vince Smith, was equally excited about the current status. Mr. Smith said there’s much interest from retailers about the 40,000 square feet of retail space in phase one. He explained even during the pandemic shutdown inquires have been consistent saying, “the leasing activity all thru COVID has been phenomenal.” When asked what kind of retail can be expected he said, “there will be two restaurant locations as well as other boutique businesses like a fitness center, a hair and nail salon, a coffee shop, a liquor shop. Good neighborhood type businesses.” When pushed to disclose business names he said he could not at this time but planned on doing so this fall. Mr. Smith ended by saying he was very proud of the overall feel bragging the architecture and the construction is very high end. “I know the residents of Lakeland will be pleased.”
Phase one of the project is expected to open in June 2021.
