It was a celebratory afternoon for The Lake District (TLD) today (2.5.20) as owner and developer Yehuda Netanel broke ground on Phase 1 the 160-acre lifestyle community at Canada Road and I-40 in Lakeland.
Under drizzly skies and a temperature of 46° there was an air of excitement that one of the largest developments in the Memphis region was underway.
Joining Mr. Netanel were Maggie Gallagher, director of Development for The Lake District; officials from Lakeland including Mayor Mike Cunningham, Vice Mayor Josh Roman and Commissioners Michele Dial, Richard Gonzales, Jr. and Wesley Wright; Rusty Linkous, president of Linkous Construction, general contractor for the project; Jim Atkinson, urban planner at A2H; Victor Buchholz, principal at LRK; and Shane Horn, Lakeland city manager.
Among about 100 spectators were those who will live or own businesses at TLD as well as Lakeland residents showing their support for the development and Gus, the Hollywood Feed dog. (Hollywood Feed is one of the announced tenants.)
Phase 1, which will focus on the construction of 200,000 square-feet of retail and entertainment, including a Malco Theater which will have nine screens and eight lanes of bowling; The Stock Market, a specialty grocer; restaurants; and retail shops. It is to be open this fall in time for holiday shopping.
Anchor tenants in addition to Malco include Gould’s Salon and Spa, Osaka Japanese restaurant, Brick House Fitness, Starbucks, AT&T, Hollywood Feed, Gloss Nail Bar, Germantown Wines and Liquors and more, said Mr. Netanel. Following and as a part of Phase 1, will be 109 residential town homes.
Phase 2 will include a boutique hotel site, an office building and more retail, restaurants, entertainment, single family homes and apartments.
When completed, The Lake District will consist of a 160-acre multi-use, lifestyle residential, retail, office and entertainment district that will be home to approximately 2,000 residents living in townhouses, single-family homes and apartments over retail, said Mr. Netanel.
With shovels poised in the dirt, Mr. Netanel asked each official to speak, starting with Mr. Linkous. Saying he is pleased to have gotten to know Mr. Netanel over the last 18 months, Mr. Linkous added, “I am honored to be a part of this great project.”
Mr. Linkous said he expects the first concrete in seven to ten days, noting the project is weather-driven because of the rain. He said the foundation will be poured and slab and block work will begin.
Mayor Cunningham said he was speaking on behalf of the citizens of Lakeland and he appreciated all Mr. Netanel had done. He recognized the project as the shining beacon for the City.
Commissioner Dial spoke of TLD as a great destination for all while Commissioner Wright said the project will put Lakeland on the map. Commissioner Gonzales said, “Let’s get her done.”
As president of the Moving Lakeland Forward PAC, Derek Johnston attended the groundbreaking and said, “Today is truly a milestone not only for The Lake District, but for the City of Lakeland itself. Breaking ground on The Lake District project has been a long time coming and a test of the City but will reward the City many times over. We are proud to see The Lake District vision coming to life and look forward to its future. Thank you to Mr. Netanel for choosing this City for this development.”
Wearing a TLD tie complete with the logo, Mr. Netanel said this was a day many hoped for, yet a day many did not think would happen. “Hindsight is always 2020,” he quipped. “We will become the new regional draw of Shelby County and hopefully be on the national map.”
Given to each attendee was a souvenir of the day, according to Mr. Netanel. With TLD logo, it says “The Lake District – More Power to Me!” and is a power source. 
Following applause, Mr. Netanel said, “Let’s go to work guys.”
