Zach’s Corner
Zach's Commercial Realestate Corner. Features news, thoughts on Florida's Commercial Real Estate and more.
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Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota: A Landmark 18-Story Luxury Tower Poised to Elevate Downtown Sarasota
Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota: 18-Story Luxury Tower Set to Transform Downtown at Five Points 1390 Main Street – Future site of the Waldorf Astoria – Google Maps SARASOTA, Fla. — Downtown Sarasota is set to welcome one of the most significant luxury developments in its history: the Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota, an 18-story residential tower planned for the iconic Five Points Roundabout at 1390 Main Street. Featuring 86 private residences, over 50,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor amenities, and 42,000 sq ft of Class-A commercial space, the project reinforces Sarasota’s position as a rising Gulf Coast luxury hub. (TBBW | Florida YIMBY | Herald-Tribune) Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026, with sales expected to launch soon through Michael Saunders & Company. Project Overview Developer Partnership The project is being delivered by Jebcore Companies and WMG Development, in partnership with Hilton, representing the prestigious Waldorf Astoria brand. Location The tower will rise at 1390 Main Street, directly at the Five Points Roundabout, placing it within steps of Sarasota’s waterfront, marina, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and vibrant downtown lifestyle. Architecture & Interior Design Architect: ODP Architecture & Design Interiors: Workshop APD Residential Program 18 stories 86 luxury private residences Renderings…
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ALDI Opens in Lehigh Acres: A Major Grocery Anchor Arrives in One of Southwest Florida’s Fastest-Growing Markets
LEHIGH ACRES, FL — A new ALDI grocery store has opened on Bell Boulevard in Lehigh Acres, bringing much-needed access to affordable groceries for residents and marking a significant retail-development milestone for the region. Store Overview & Community Impact Prior to this opening, many Lehigh Acres residents were driving up to 45 minutes to reach budget-friendly grocery options. The new store features daily-delivered fresh produce and deeply discounted pricing. Shoppers commented on social media, “We Save A Lot.” Another commented, “Yay, finally!! No more driving all the way into town.” Overall feedback was positive and supportive of the expansion. In a statement, ALDI noted: “We’re excited to continue our growth journey in Florida … With the lowest prices of any national grocery store, we’re proud to bring Lehigh Acres shoppers affordable products without compromising on quality.” The store is now open ( as of November 19th, 2025 ) daily, with a full grand-opening celebration scheduled in the near future. Aldi Fresh – In Lehigh Acres, Florida Why This Matters for Florida CRE, Land & Retail Development 1. Grocery Anchor Strengthens Retail Nodes The arrival of ALDI as a full-service grocery anchor elevates the leasing profile for the surrounding center and…
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Kingston in Lee County: A Transformational 11,000-Home Community Begins to Rise
The Kingston development in Lee County, Florida, is shaping up to become one of the largest master-planned communities in Southwest Florida history. Spanning roughly 6,700 acres and designed for as many as 11,000 homes, Kingston represents a decade-plus buildout that will redefine the rapidly growing Corkscrew Road and Alico Road corridor. For brokers, developers, and retailers tracking the next wave of Southwest Florida expansion, Kingston is a marquee project—one that will influence residential migration patterns, retail site selection, and long-term infrastructure planning for years to come. Taken from Google Maps A Master-Planned Community Built for Florida’s Next Population Surge Positioned east of I-75, Kingston sits at the center of a submarket experiencing explosive demand. The community is designed to meet that growth with a balanced mix of: Single-family homes Attached townhomes and future multifamily opportunities Multiple on-site schools Recreation centers, clubhouses, and sports amenities Miles of trails, lakes, and conservation-oriented green space A full commercial district serving tens of thousands of future residents When fully built, Kingston will function as a self-sufficient lifestyle community, where residents can access schools, parks, retail, dining, healthcare, and daily conveniences without leaving the development. As Seen On: kingstonliving.com The Commercial Core: The Future Retail…
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Marriott’s Strong 2025 Performance Highlights Growth — and Momentum for Retail at the Marriott Resort & Spa in Palmetto, FL
Marriott’s 2025 Momentum Fuels Retail Opportunities at Palmetto’s Waterfront Resort Marriott’s latest quarterly results tell a clear story — people are still traveling, and Florida’s Gulf Coast continues to be one of the biggest beneficiaries. The company’s strong 2025 performance underscores the resilience of resort and leisure markets and shines a spotlight on how Palmetto’s own Marriott Resort & Spa is helping anchor local growth. Travel is Still Booming — Especially in the Sunshine State In Q3, Marriott outpaced analyst expectations on both revenue and earnings, with leisure demand once again leading the charge. Warm-weather destinations like Florida, the Carolinas, and the Gulf Coast posted some of the strongest occupancy gains in the company’s global portfolio. Luxury and resort properties are driving that performance, while economy travel has softened slightly. It’s clear that travelers are prioritizing experiences — and they’re willing to spend on comfort, convenience, and location. Marriott is doubling down on that trend, expanding its portfolio of premium resorts and upgrading amenities to meet long-term demand. For Florida’s west coast, that means more visitors, longer stays, and stronger spending patterns that ripple through surrounding communities. Palmetto’s Marriott Resort: The Local Anchor Here in Palmetto, Florida, the Marriott Resort…
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ALDI’s St. Pete Expansion Strengthens Florida’s Value-Driven Grocery Market
Aldi’s newest addition in St. Petersburg is a clear sign that value-driven retail is gaining momentum. On Thursday, November 6, at 8:45 a.m., ALDI will open its latest Florida location at 3327 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North, a former Winn-Dixie that’s been fully converted into the German grocer’s signature streamlined format. Smart Expansion in a Competitive Market This opening marks another step in ALDI’s accelerated Florida growth strategy, which emphasizes redeveloping existing grocery spaces instead of building new ones. It’s an efficient model that reduces construction costs, speeds up openings, and revitalizes well-known neighborhood sites. The new store features: Fresh produce and organic offerings at consistently low prices. Expanded wine, cheese, and specialty sections, including gluten-free and plant-based options. Curbside pickup and delivery, maintaining ALDI’s focus on convenience and efficiency. For local consumers, the conversion means more choice and competition — especially as households continue to prioritize affordability and quality. Meeting Shifting Consumer Priorities While grocery chains across the U.S. are adjusting to changing spending habits, ALDI’s timing in Florida is strategic. With household budgets tightening and consumer confidence uneven, shoppers are seeking value without sacrificing freshness or variety. ALDI’s business model — smaller footprints, private-label dominance, and…
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RaceTrac Fuels Ruskin’s Growth: New Listing Highlights Expanding Commercial Landscape
By Zach Ellis & Paul Rutledge | Extended Reach Florida Ruskin’s growth isn’t just rooftops anymore. A new RaceTrac listing along US-41 underscores how the corridor is transitioning into a fuller mix of retail, services, and light industrial. Below are the specific sites and projects shaping the market right now. Spotlight: New RaceTrac Listing (US-41 Corridor) Positioned on high-visibility US-41 (S. Tamiami Trail) with swift access to SR-674/College Ave W and I-75, the RaceTrac site sits in the path of daily commuter traffic and growing neighborhoods. With CG (General Commercial) entitlements nearby and strong corridor fundamentals, RaceTrac becomes both a traffic anchor and a signal to other national brands. Notable Commercial Sites & Projects (with locations) Photo Provided by Loopnet 1) 6.07-Acre Development Tract — 1267 US Highway 41 S, Ruskin, FL Frontage: ~714 ft on US-41 Zoning: CG (General Commercial) Potential Uses: Retail, mixed-use, office, medical Access: Minutes to SR-674 and I-75 Why it matters: Big, visible, and flexible—prime for a multi-pad program or a single retail/medical user. Photo provided by Landandfarm 2) Office/Warehouse/Commercial Land — 1506 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL Acreage: ~6.2 acres Status: “Virtually development-ready” (utilities, cleared site) Positioning: Suited for service businesses, light industrial, or…
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Farm-to-Table Favorite Naked Farmer Expands: Two New St. Petersburg Locations Coming in 2026
By Zach Ellis | Extended Reach Florida Fresh food lovers in St. Petersburg have reason to celebrate — Naked Farmer, the homegrown fast-casual favorite known for its farm-to-table approach, is planting deeper roots in the Sunshine City. The company has announced plans for two new locations set to open in 2026, marking a major step in its continued Florida growth. Why It Matters What started as a small local venture has grown into a movement. Naked Farmer built its reputation on locally sourced ingredients and a menu that’s both wholesome and crave-worthy. Every bowl, salad, and side celebrates the best of Florida’s seasonal produce — and with this latest expansion, the brand is showing it’s not just a St. Pete success story anymore, but a regional force in the making. Photography Provided by EatNakedFarmer.com Photography Provided by EatNakedFarmer.com Photography Provided by EatNakedFarmer.com What’s Next for the Expansion As seen on Google Maps The first of the two new restaurants will take over the former site of another healthy dining chain at 2631 4th Street North, with doors expected to open by summer 2026. Meanwhile, the original Naked Farmer flagship — the location that started it all — will undergo a…
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Flynn Group Drives Into the Coffee Game with Massive 7 Brew Expansion
One of America’s largest franchise operators is switching gears — and fueling up on coffee. The Flynn Group, best known for operating thousands of Applebee’s, Arby’s, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut locations, just made a major move into the drive-thru coffee scene. Through its newly launched division, Flynn Growth, the company has signed a deal to develop 160 locations of 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee across the U.S. ( including the recently launched location in Lakewood Ranch, FL). ) This bold step marks a strategic shift from Flynn’s traditional portfolio of legacy brands to a fast-rising concept that’s redefining convenience and caffeine. The following photos were all taken on October 31st, 2025, as seen on their Social Media Facebook page, highlighting their massive new launch of store locations across the nation. New Chapter: Flynn Growth & the Coffee Revolution The creation of Flynn Growth signals something bigger — a long-term plan to partner with emerging, high-growth franchise brands. And 7 Brew, known for its high-energy culture and double-lane drive-thrus, fits that vision perfectly. 7 Brew has been one of the fastest-growing coffee concepts in the country, with 163 percent year-over-year growth in 2024. The brand’s model focuses on speed, simplicity, and a people-first drive-thru experience — exactly…
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New Retail Momentum in Milton, Florida: What’s Coming and Why It Matters
Milton is seeing more than just incremental growth in its retail landscape — a series of strategic developments is positioning the city for a refreshed commercial identity. These projects not only reflect shifting consumer demand but also a broader push by local government and developers to capitalize on Milton’s geography, transportation access, and population growth. Here are the key retail-related developments underway: 1. Anchor Grocery Store Replacement at Parkmore Plaza One of the most notable projects is the conversion of the aging Parkmore Plaza shopping center, located at 6209-6275 US-90 West. A new Walmart Neighborhood Market (≈ 57,000 sq ft) is under construction at the site. This replaces the former anchor tenant (a department store) that closed amid broader industry headwinds. The site boasts over 1,000 feet of frontage on US-90 and enjoys high traffic volumes (≈ 38,000 vehicles daily) – an indicator of its prime location for retail. With the Walmart buildout, the center aims to anchor new foot traffic, attract additional in-line retail, and refresh the tenant mix. Why it matters:For tenants and developers, this means improved visibility and traffic flow for ancillary retail formats (restaurants, service-oriented businesses, small shops). For investors, it presents a potentially stable retail…
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Alton Osprey in Palmetto Breaks Ground: New 276-Unit Apartment Community Coming to US-41 in Palmetto, Florida
PALMETTO, FL — Kolter Group has officially broken ground on Alton Osprey in Palmetto, a new luxury apartment community comprising 276 units on 12 acres at 8715 U.S. Highway 41 in Palmetto. Project Overview The development will feature 276 units across a four-story, garden-style setting. Apartments will include one, two, and three-bedroom layouts, ranging from approximately 660 to 1,890 square feet. Interior finishes will include quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and modern styling. Community amenities will include a resort-style pool, fitness center, clubhouse, dog park with a wash station, and other lifestyle-oriented features. Located just north of the I-275 interchange along US-41, the site provides quick access to St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Sarasota—positioning the community for both commuters and regional renters. Construction is expected to wrap up in late 2026, with leasing to follow shortly thereafter. Strategic Significance Manatee County, and the broader Tampa Bay region, have been experiencing robust demand for rental housing—fueled by population growth, job creation, and the migration of young professionals seeking a coastal Florida lifestyle and good commutes. The Alton Palmetto project positions itself to meet this demand by offering upscale rental products in a well-connected corridor.Additionally, Kolter’s investment underscores the developer’s commitment to the west-coast…
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