Mills Park Construction Update

Image via City of Orlando MPB Staff Report June 19, 2012 (ZON2012-00006 Item #4)

By Ken Storey
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It took years but we finally have some major construction happening at the long put off Mills Park development. The 14.5 acre development at the corner of Virginia Ave and Mills Ave has been in the works for at least 8 years but it wasn't until DeBartolo got involved in the project in early 2011 that it finally took off.

The development is at the center of the ViMi sub-district within Mills50. ViMi name stands for Virginia and Mills. It is one of at least three sub-districts to be found within Mills50.

DeBartolo scaled down the original plans to a less-dense project and included surface parking. This more suburban-looking project will feature a strip plaza along Viriginia Ave, bringing more retail to the popular street currently known for its creative agencies and indie bars.

Mills Park will feature 72,000sq ft of retail. The Fresh Market grocery store will be 24,000sq ft. Other tenants announced for the project include a First Watch Cafe (3,470sq ft), a Chase Bank, a Segafredo Italian cafe, a Brass Tap craft beer bar (1,600sq ft), and at least one full-service restaurant (7,400sq ft). The Fresh Market and the first retail offerings are expected to open by Winter 2013.

"Gallery at Mills Park," a 301-unit, $40.6 million (estimated) apartment complex, is planned for the northern end of the property and should begin construction soon. It's expected to open by mid-2014.

A rock wall has been placed along the western edge of the property, leveling the property and helping prepare it for the new apartment complex.