Against a background of symbolic flowers, The Lake District (TLD) started foundation-pouring today (3.27.20) with vertical concrete block walls expected to be placed Monday.
Developer Yehuda Netanel said of the 160-acre development at I-40 and Canada Road in Lakeland, “We are laying the foundation and rebar and pouring the concrete. Once the concrete cures, concrete blocks will be placed Monday. The wall will go up in the air.”
He said the flowers symbolize the positive future. “Now more than ever it is good to add a visual symbol,” said Mr. Netanel.
Because of social distancing required during COVID-19, only a few people came to watch the construction work, including Mayor Mike Cunningham, Commissioners Richard Gonzales Jr. and Wesley Wright and City Manager Shane Horn.
Commenting on the months and months of rain, Mr. Netanel said,” Weather has impacted everybody’s target date. We are proceeding with the work and plan to open Phase 1 in the spring of 2021.”
Also on site today was the final grading for Lake District Drive, the internal main street staring on the east side of the project and winding west near the interstate and into the main development. Mr. Netanel said two days ago a road, not impacted by mud from future rains, was laid to give access to the site.
Construction is managed by Linkous Construction, Memphis general contractor.
Groundbreaking for the project was Feb. 5th.
The Lake District is divided into two phases with phase 1 now underway. The project will include a mix of retail, local restaurants, hotels, entertainment, office space, wellness and residential. Once completed, The Lake District will be home to approximately 2,000 people. Phase 1 includes 103 townhouses as the demand for living in Lakeland has increased.
Link to the project: www.TheLakeDistrict.us
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
