It’s called Lake District Drive and it’s one of the newest additions to The Lake District construction site. The recently created dirt road with curbs runs north from Canada Road and then east, paralleling I-40. It is part of the 160-acre mixed-used community known as The Lake District in Lakeland at exit 20.
The road construction along with other progress was discussed Monday (6.29.20) by TLD Developer and Owner Yehuda Netanel. ‘Behind me is the new Lake District Drive with curbing done last week,” he said. “To the south is the same Lake District Drive at the corner along Canada Road.” Amy Howell, CEO and founder of Howell Marketing Strategies, LLC, assisted Mr. Netanel with the presentation.
He said the main building of Phase 1, inline retail, is being readied for the roof and decorative masonry. “In the far distance behind us is grading for the townhouses.”
Mr. Netanel highlighted The Willows at the Lake, 109 townhouses which are part of Phase 1 development. He said grading for the townhomes has started, with filling and compacting the dirt. He expects infrastructure to start in September and move quickly. “These will be 109 amazing townhouses, the kind Memphis has never seen before In fact, they don’t even exist in the Mid-South.” Prices for the townhomes, he said, will vary depending on the exterior and interior finishes selected by the customer. Link to the townhouses: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OpDC6fzbI8HAcZf6sutp1kK5XZwdgDSA/view
The Willows will range from 1,636 to 1,772 square feet, each with a two-car rear-load garage and guest parking. The interiors will be open concept with a second bedroom ensuite, spacious kitchens, high ceilings, courtyards and shared common space. “The townhouses will be unique, upscale and sophisticated living. It’s a product unlike anything else.” The townhomes will front a water feature, different from the the main lake of the project. They will be built in clusters, each with a unique architectural style.
Of the development, Commissioner Wesley Wright said, “The summer is now upon us and the last few months construction has been bustling at Canada Road. The Lake District continues to impress and in many ways surpass expectations.”
Mr. Netanel said, “With so much that is happening in the news today, The Lake District’s construction stands as a sign of recovery and excitement. Despite the pandemic, the world is still spinning and we’re happy with our progress.” He said progress has been pretty brisk lately because the weather cooperated for a change.
“Starbucks just started a week ago and they’re ready to start to raise the walls,” he added. Alongside Starbucks will be Firehouse Subs and Frida’s Express.
Talking of the contractors for the project, Mr. Netanel said everybody is local. “I used to say with the exception of me but now I’m 50% local.”
Mr. Netanel mentioned the 20 X 30’ American flag on the property which was raised atop a 70’ flag pole April 22nd. He said it is in the exact spot as a planned monument sign which will be a tribute to Lakeland and has been the topic of much discussion for months. “All it says is Lakeland. There has been some discussion whether it is too high or too short.”
He pointed to a flat area which will be The Stock Market, a unique grocery for TLD. “There have been three weeks of intense underground mechanical preparations including plumbing, drainage and electrical. “This is a big endeavor. There is a lot going on before we can sell the first bubblegum.”
There is intense interest from businesses who want to be part of TLD, he said. Additional businesses he hopes to have at TLD include an optometrist, dry cleaners, pizza and a local brewery.
In the distance, he noted a yellow bulldozer at work and said that area will be the site of a gym. “There is an unannounced restaurant by the gym with a patio and near the location of the weekly Farmers Market. By Phase 2, there will be six restaurants by the lake.”
Asked if any retailers have left the project over concern of COVID-19. Mr. Netanel said there has been some concern about timing and specifically mentioned Malco Theatres. He said there are discussions to adjust their plans and what to do. But no one has pulled out, he said. “Due to the pandemic, especially in food service, there are changes to cater to customers, with balconies, patios and drive-thrus.”
The walkable lifestyle community is to be on a 10-acre lake surrounded by retail, entertainment, wellness and housing components and is to open in spring 2021. Link to the development: https://www.thelakedistrict.us/
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
