Exclusive: Unicorp plans huge mixed-use project in Lake Mary
Unicorp National Developments Inc. is expanding its development pipeline further east on Interstate 4 into Lake Mary.
The Orlando-based developer — which was responsible for bringing niche grocer Trader Joe’s to Orlando — is working on plans for a new 35-acre, mixed-use development on Lake Mary Boulevard, President Chuck Whittall told a group of real estate professionals during the June 11 RealShare Central Florida conference.
Whittall told Orlando Business Journal his firm has the site under contract on the southwest corner of West Lake Mary Boulevard and Longwood Lake Mary Road and is working through approvals with the city of Lake Mary for what he’s calling Griffin Farm Town Center. Tentative plans for the project, which Whittall said would be valued at “a couple hundred million dollars,” include single-family homes, apartments, a grocery store, shops, restaurants and a possible health club, he said.
Unicorp could close on the land — owned by the historic Griffin family cattle ranchers — in January, pending approvals. The project could create hundreds of temporary construction and permanent jobs in Central Florida.
Unicorp already has plenty of projects throughout the region, including the recently debuted $250 million I-Drive 360 complex, the neighboring Vue at 360 complex, $25 million Lakeside Crossing shopping center in Winter Park and the Westside mixed-use complex in west Orange County, among others.
The firm’s developments have brought plenty of temporary construction jobs to the region, as well as offering hundreds of retail and service jobs, plus offering new shops, eateries and entertainment facilities for travelers, business professionals and residents area-wide. Whittall joined Skipper Peek of Tavistock Development Co. LLC, Paul Ellis of CNL Commercial Real Estate, Marianne Gurnee from the Florida Department of Transportation and Steven McCraney of McCraney Property Co. during a panel discussion on development and redevelopment opportunities in Central Florida.