Media Coverage

Southeast Real Estate Business
August 1, 2006
Florida Retail Rolls On
By Stephen O'Kane

Retail remains strong despite increasing development difficulties

The Orlando / Central Florida market is seeing similar growth as the rest of the state. With population numbers soaring, lots of new, mixed-use developments are popping up all over this growing region. "The tendency towards mixed-use-type developments continues to be strong, especially in the state of Florida, due to the residential component," says George Tullos, vice president of marketing and sales for Charleston, S.C.-based James Doran Co. "We're finding that the integration of the residential component into the town center and lifestyle-type development continues to be very strong."

James Doran Co. is planning to accomplish that kind of development with its Winter Springs Town Center in Winter Springs, just northeast of Orlando. This project will be a new mixed-use community situated on 54 acres located at the intersection of State Road 434 and Tuskawilla Road. Opening in two phases, the project will combine shops, restaurants, offices, apartments and condominiums in a downtown-style setting. One of the unique components found in this development is the Mediterranean-style architecture that creates the feel of old-world Florida. The project will also include parks and green space, an amphitheater, an approximately 4-mile recreational trail named Cross Seminole Trail, and rooftop decks and balconies to provide views of the surrounding wetlands.