LAKELAND | A tentative groundbreaking for Lakeland Park Center, the planned shopping center north of
I-4, has been set for Nov. 1.
Construction on the 375,000-square-foot facility should be finished by spring 2014, said Ed Eickhoff, vice
president of development for Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust of Michigan, a real estate investment
firm.
The development should bring about 550 jobs once the 31 parcels are filled. The center also includes eight,
20,000 square-foot outdoor spaces, Eickhoff said Wednesday.
The Center will be built on U.S. 98 North just south of the Target. It will be anchored by Kohl's. A
PetSmart and Dick's Sporting Goods also are planned and there have been rumors that a Toys R Us and
Best Buy may open.
Both Toys R Us and Best Buy already have locations in North Lakeland near the center. It's unclear how
those current stores may be impacted, and Ramco-Gershenson would not confirm if those rumors were
valid.
Jason Willey, economic development coordinator for the city, said the development company has been
persistent in their plans.
"They've been working on it for 10 years," Willey said.
The new shopping center will have an open-air design, with sidewalks, benches, trees and decorative light
fixtures.