Ocala

[linah77]

I heard Microsoft will open an office in Ocala. Have anyone hear anything about it or it was just a rumor?

Thanks

[dgreen]

That would be good for Ocala, if true!

[bobliocatt]

Where did you hear this? If its true and its some sort of regional office, this would definately be a big boost to the Ocala region.

[Florida]

Surely... maybe they'll use Ocala to help launch the new OS Vista!

[ZachariahDaMan]

Any updates on this topic?

[RestedTraveler]

What kind of office? Support? Sales? Consulting? Education?

Does anybody have any details / renderings / updates on the downtown redevelopment project? I read something about this in the Star-Banner when I was down for Homecoming in October.

[RestedTraveler]

I have found some information on the Redevelopment of Downtown Ocala with one small rendering, but still no other renderings. If anybody has renderings or links to post, please do.

Future Ocala

Ocala's Downtown, Reimagined

Strength in Numbers: Having a Variety of Developers Carry out the Work

Edited December 10, 2005 by RestedTraveler

[RestedTraveler]

Does anybody have any information on the proposed "Market Street at Heath Brook" on State Road 200?

The Heath Brook Web Site has an old (2002) rendering of the property:

As I understand it, this 650,000 sq. ft. retail center will take the form of a "Lifestyle Center" or "Outdoor Mall" and will be anchored by Dillard's Department Store.

Does anyone have any additional information on this project?

Edited December 10, 2005 by RestedTraveler

[RestedTraveler]

If anybody out there is interested, there is an article in today's Ocala Star Banner giving more information on the Market Street Mall at Heath Brook.

FULL STORY.

[RestedTraveler]

I have found some information on the Redevelopment of Downtown Ocala with one small rendering, but still no other renderings. If anybody has renderings or links to post, please do.

Future Ocala

Ocala's Downtown, Reimagined

Strength in Numbers: Having a Variety of Developers Carry out the Work

There was an article on the front page of the Business Section of today's Ocala Star-Banner about this, if anyone is interested:

FULL STORY

[JRS1]

I recently heard from someone about the "software" operation going in somewhere near Ocala; someone looking to buy a house for an investment property was telling me this.

For all who are knowledgeable about Ocala, what's the deal with development there. In other words, when I look at a map, I notice that from Leesburg to Ocala along 441/27 going up thru Lady Lake and the Villages, it looks like continuous development right into Ocala. Is this how it actually is?

[Bucktown_Orl]

I recently heard from someone about the "software" operation going in somewhere near Ocala; someone looking to buy a house for an investment property was telling me this.

For all who are knowledgeable about Ocala, what's the deal with development there. In other words, when I look at a map, I notice that from Leesburg to Ocala along 441/27 going up thru Lady Lake and the Villages, it looks like continuous development right into Ocala. Is this how it actually is?

Iam from Orlando and currently live in Orlando, but my father lives in Ocala, and i can tell you that development from Wildwood through Gainesville is going bananas. Personally Ocala is not for me but ive heard property values are still going strong, and construction is full steam ahead in that region. Alot of "snowbirds" are buying houses/property also. I think the Villages are one of the fastest growing towns in the country but mostly older retired people are the ones moving there.

[RestedTraveler]

I recently heard from someone about the "software" operation going in somewhere near Ocala; someone looking to buy a house for an investment property was telling me this.

For all who are knowledgeable about Ocala, what's the deal with development there. In other words, when I look at a map, I notice that from Leesburg to Ocala along 441/27 going up thru Lady Lake and the Villages, it looks like continuous development right into Ocala. Is this how it actually is?

There is much sprawl between Lady Lake and Ocala along 441/301, yes. However, as Bucktown_Orl has cited, it is predominantly retirement-related sprawl. It's the same way out SR 200 West of Ocala toward Dunnellon. This retirement residential development, of course, brings with it retail sprawl as well....and lots of hospitals/medical offices. Ocala has been booming this way since the mid 1980's that I know of. It was at one time the fastest growing county in the nation (Marion County).

I grew up in Ocala and went to Ocala Forest High. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to get out of town and go elsewhere (Gainesville, Orlando, etc.). They don't call it "Slowcala" for nothing.

[beachme25]

ocala.com

Partial listing of new stores for Market Street @ Heathbrook.

[RestedTraveler]

ocala.com

Partial listing of new stores for Market Street @ Heathbrook.

[mcse3010]

Welp folks here's your links:

Site for all the details (except tenants):

http://www.unitedamericanrealty.com/marketstoffice.html

Larger listing of Confirmed (and possible) tenants -- Updated YESTERDAY!:

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2007/09/13/2936585.htm

Ciao

[RestedTraveler]

This is actually a little closer to I-75 than I thought it would be. Does anyone think that maybe the Paddock Mall will suffer when this opens next year, esepcially given the impressive list of tenants?

[Florida]

The project above has a very familiar affect to it. I've yet to see a Stand-Alone Dillards. I'd like to know if anyone else has? How has this concept fared thus far?

[poonther]

The project above has a very familiar affect to it. I've yet to see a Stand-Alone Dillards. I'd like to know if anyone else has? How has this concept fared thus far?

[Florida]

Poonther, I figured it would be more than cleared by now. If you click on the link above it seems most of the buildings have been under construction for a while, unless I'm mistaken.

[poonther]

Poonther, I figured it would be more than cleared by now. If you click on the link above it seems most of the buildings have been under construction for a while, unless I'm mistaken.

[Florida]

You are correct FL. Based on their website this project is located a little further west of I-75 than the parcel I saw being cleared on Sunday. It's hard to get a good look at things when going by at 80mph.

[poonther]

So now you admit to breaking the law!

[beachme25]

The parcel thats cleared on 75/HWY 200 is another retail developement which will include Kohl's and HH Gregg and possibly a Costco. The Paddock mall should survive as it has 4 anchor stores that will not be at the new mall. Also, Paddock mall has added two new stores, Aldo and Charlotte Russe and is up for a build-out expansion which should bring it to 800,000 sq. ft. This should start taking place in 2008.

Edited December 3, 2007 by beachme25

[Florida]

That sounds like a sweet development there too.