Maitland-based Equinox Development is proposing a two-phase development project on State Road 50.
Phase One:
- Already approved retail section is located near State Road 50 and includes restaurants like Portillo’s, Bonefish Grill, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Mission BBQ.
Phase Two (proposed):
- Two four-or-five story hotels with a total of 250 rooms.
- A 115,000-square-foot self-storage facility.
- An early childhood development daycare center, The Goddard School.
This second phase is planned for a vacant area behind the existing retail space.
Concerns Raised by Commissioners:
- Pedestrian Safety: Commissioners requested a dedicated walkway connecting the hotels with the restaurants for improved pedestrian safety.
- Daycare Center Location: Some commissioners questioned the suitability of placing a daycare facility next to a busy road with limited green space.
Equinox’s Response:
- The development team is open to working with the city on pedestrian safety and access points.
- Vice President of Development at Equinox, Ryan Phelps, explained that The Goddard School approached them about the location due to the perceived need for childcare services in the area.
Equinox’s Other Projects:
- Johns Lake Landing development across from the new Costco, featuring retail stores and future multifamily units.
- Clermont Regional Center anchored by At Home furniture store.
Overall, the project proposal includes hotels, storage, and a daycare center, but some aspects require further discussion regarding pedestrian safety and daycare placement.