It was just over a year ago that plans were announced for an apartment complex at the site of the former Sears in the Lakeland Square Mall. Now, residential plans are on the back burner as the owners seek to lease the building instead — and they want your ideas for what you want to see take over the spot.

Flacks Group, the Miami-based development company that purchased the property last year, is working with Lakeland's own SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler commercial real estate firm to find the perfect tenant. Advisors Tyler Davis + David Hungerford invited us along to peek inside the empty building and share a few ideas for what could fit.

A new tenant could breathe life back into the space that's been closed since 2018. | Photo by LALtoday

It's hard to imagine just how huge the Sears property is without seeing it for yourself. It's upwards of 155,000 sqft — that's about the size of three Publix supermarkets. It also sits on an 11.5-acre lot with plenty of parking space. The location near I-4 lends itself to national brands, and it's listed at a cool $10.9 million.

While apartments could still be on the table for the future, SVN is hoping to fill the building soon with something Lakelanders are excited for. That's where you come in.

The large space could be a perfect entertainment or sports spot — SVN's advisors even played golf + pickleball inside. | Photo by LALtoday

What types of businesses do you think would make a good fit for the space? Get your gears turning with some of the ideas Davis and Hungerford shared, plus a few of our own:

A large retailer (think: Bass Pro Shops or IKEA)
Indoor sports, like pickleball courts
An entertainment venue with activities like mini golf
A food + drink destination
A hub for the arts

You could have an impact on one of Lakeland's largest developments — Sears-iously. Just share your thoughts to make your voice heard.

What Lakelanders are saying

It looks like Swan City is ready for this spot to be filled, with hundreds of responses pouring in from our readers + social media followers. These were the top choices.

🏓 Indoor sports
Start working on your swing. When it comes to indoor sports, pickleball was a popular choice, followed by rock climbing and mini golf.

🛍️ Large retailers
Shoppers said they're hoping to get their retail therapy at IKEA and Bass Pro Shops. Grocery shoppers also called for a Costco or Trader Joe's.

🛼 Entertainment
Family fun was top of mind for those hoping for entertainment. Think: skating rinks, go-karts, and spots like Dave & Buster's or Dezerland Park in Orlando.

Other ideas we saw pop up often included Cheesecake Factory, an event venue for live performances, a shelter for those experiencing homelessness, and a market for local businesses.