A new mixed-use development is in the works just south of Ocala's downtown square that will include retail stores, apartments and restaurants. The development will be appropriately named Lincoln Square, as it will be centered around the former Lincoln-Mercury dealership in the area, located between Southeast 5th Street, Southeast Magnolia Avenue and Southeast 1st Avenue. This project is yet another major push to continue to grow and boost the downtown area, both the vamping the vibe and growing the local economy.
While construction is not slated to begin until the first half of 2018, extensive planning has begun, and the current design of the building is made up of four different buildings, which will each be at least two stories high. The plan is for retail and restaurants to be on the ground floor with apartments above. This new development aims to attract business "professionals from urban communities and college campuses," allowing residents to bike or walk to work, as well as to the local grocery store, to entertainment options, to dining locales and more.
Some retail and restaurant space has already been rented out, but there are still spaces available for lease. This is yet another major revitalization effort for downtown Ocala that will greatly benefit the local economy and neighborhood scene. Stay tuned for more details as Ocala's downtown continues to thrive, and for more information on the new Lincoln Square development project, be sure to read the full article at Ocala.com.
