Downtown Ocala has really come around in recent years, as a major redevelopment of the area has been aimed at making it not only a commercial and residential hub, but also a place for dining and entertainment that draws from all over the city.
Now, Ocala City Council and is looking to advance efforts toward the redevelopment of Midtown Ocala, hoping to revamp this area in similar ways to Downtown. The Midtown area is notably larger than Downtown, and there are anchor locations that can be used to "tie in the emerging arts and cultural district, including the Reilly arts Center." There is also a fire station on Northeast Tuscawilla Avenue that will soon close, and the site can be used for multi-story, medium density townhomes. Furthermore, the Concord parking lot, which is owned by the city, could partner with a "developer to build a mixed-use commercial and residential complex." Office and residential buildings could be built on the current Sun Trust site, if the bank agrees to sell the property for redevelopment.
What's more, the Osceola Trail, which is still in the works and will be used for walking, biking and more, could connect the north side of Midtown near the Reilly Arts Center and Discovery Center all the way to the south end of downtown.
There are many, many more potential sites for redevelopment and a revitalization around the Midtown area that could really help to bring new life to this part of Ocala. For more details and information on what this development project may entail and what it means for the city, be sure to read the full article at Ocala.com.
