Picture this: You could park, live, and shop all within the same "lot," right here in Lakeland.

Development details

Let us explain. New plans have been released for the Oak Street Apartments, which we first let you know about last fall. The development will be on the current Oak Street lot, located downtown off of North Kentucky Avenue.

The Onicx Group — which will develop the multi-use building — has worked with the City of Lakeland, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency, the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority, the Lakeland Economic Development Council, and the local business community. The Lunz Group was called in to design the building.

Here are the current plans, by the numbers:

~$1.83 million price tag paid by Onicx for the lot
Seven stories of residential, retail, and parking space
~200 apartment units and walk-up townhomes
1,600 sqftof retail space on Oak Street
Three-level parking garage for residents
100 ground-level public parking spaces

While an estimated construction end date is TBA, the original proposal called for its completion in 2024. Stay tuned for updates as the development progresses.

Reader feedback

With so much space for retail on the horizon, we took to our Instagram and our newsletter to ask you a very important question — what retail options would you like to see? Here's what a few of you said:

"How about an @shopdressup ???" — @blackandbrew
"Any focus on local business will get support from me!" — @variant_berry
"A juice acai smoothie spot would be nice. Or salad spot. Anything but fast food chain restaurants." — @savi_stylezz
"Chicken salad chick" — @bmines5055
"Whole Foods" — @mschuma1
"Trader Joe’s , a salad place and I guess a coffeehouse" — @frankied1109
"Jersey Mikes" — @mschuma1
"Trader Joe’s!!!" — @eclecticnature
"We need more small businesses. No more chains 👀" — @ashleyslooks
"Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Whole Foods We’re begging at this point" — @jasmineritz
One user (@theinternetjordan) posed the question: "Should @judeforall go in there?" which got the most likes of any comment, with multiple users saying yes.
"@modpizza / @blazepizza < the only chains I’d want tbh" — @theinternetkelsey
@marcosvida_ and @annie_leboeuf chimed in with "@lululemon"
Reader Barbara K. said "Would love a Trader Joe’s, sprouts and European wax center!!"
Reader Eric T. shared multiple suggestions, including Cava, bartaco, and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, to name a few.
"A smaller version of a Publix deli! With coffees and pasties!" — Reader Lindy Y.
Reader Judy H. wants to see an Apple store.

Aside from retail preferences, some readers chimed in with their hopes for the development's design and amenities:

"I would most like to see development include public art in their designs. Public art creates a sense of place and is free and accessible to all. Most cities have public art ordinances that ensure development includes a space(s) for art work that is site specific, works well with the architecture and becomes a visible identity for the project." — Reader Cynthia H.
"I hope to see Florida Friendly Landscaping" — Reader Brittany T.
"Basketball indoor court, jacuzzi, computer room, late vehicle parking options for RVs/trailers, parking garages and onsite storage options." — Reader Trese S.

Which businesses or features would you most like to see at this spot? Let us know and we may share your ideas in a future newsletter.