WHAT'S GOING UP ...

New commercial and residential developments are popping up all around DeSoto County.

COMMERCIAL

WAWA

The much anticipated Wawa, a popular convenience store and gas station, is currently under construction on Highway 70 between N 15th Avenue and and NE Turner Avenue, in front of Calvary Baptist Church, 48 N 15th Ave.

WAWA & CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH

A new access path is being developed along Turner Avenue for both Wawa and a new facility planned at Calvary Baptist Church. The entry point will intersect with Turner slightly north of the Highway 70 and Turner intersection, across from the Tractor Supply parking lot, 1701 E Oak St. Upon entry, the path will split into a "Y," leading one direction to Wawa and the other to the new facility. Church representatives hope to begin construction on the new facility in fall 2023.

OLD SEACOAST BANK  

The old Seacoast Bank -- on the corner of Highway 70 and Turner Avenue -- was demolished in April 2023. Once cleared, plans are in the works to develop a 7000 sq. foot building that will include an Aspen Dental, and an AT&T cellular store. The third unit at the end will also have a drive-through.

*Facebook image provided by Brandi Long, Williamson Group Realty

TAKE 5

A Take 5 Car Wash is in the works on Highway 70 next to KFC and the Publix Super Market at Arcadia Crossings, 2551 SE Highway 70.

CULVERS

*Graphic provided by Brandi Long, Williamson Group Realty

The County has approved the development of Culver's Restaurant on Highway 70 in front of the Publix Super Market at Arcadia Crossings, 2551 SE Highway 70, between Taco Bell and Walgreens. 

DOLLAR GENERAL

A new Dollar General Plus was recently developed at the corner of NW Highway 70 and NW County Road 661, adjacent to Peace River Campground, 2998 NW Highway 70.

AILERON GOLF CLUB

In Lake Suzy, Aileron Golf Club -- formerly Kingsway Country Club, 13625 SW Kingsway Circle -- continues to develop. 

In June 2018, Allegiant Air bought Kingsway Country Club in DeSoto County as an amenity for Sunseeker Resorts on Charlotte Harbor.

Despite delays due to COVID-19 and the more recent Hurricane Ian, Aileron is expected to open in Fall 2023 along with the resort.

Update, as of 8/18/23: Allegiant announced that the opening of Sunseeker Resort has been delayed from its October goal to a later date in the 2023 fourth quarter. No date was officially set. The company cited "lasting effects of Hurricane Ian." Read more at BusinessObserverFL.com. *Source: Business Oberserver

OTHER RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

In recent months, DeSoto County has also welcomed other large commercial businesses like Planet Fitness (2231 SE Highway 70), Pet Supermarket (735 E Oak St.) and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (2729 SE Hwy 70).

RESIDENTIAL

Multiple affordable housing developments are going up in DeSoto County.

HERMOSA ARCADIA

Hermosa Arcadia will be located at Turner Avenue and Gibson Street, across from DeSoto County High School, 1710 E Gibson St. The new residential space will provide 27 units -- three bed, two bath -- with rent ranging from $789 to $992. Developers include Revital, National Development of America and the Arcadia Housing Authority.

SAN PEDRO, MEADOW PARK

Another new residential development called Meadow Park is in the works at Turner Avenue and Cody Street behind Tractor Supply, 1701 E Oak St. This project will provide 27 units -- three bed, two bath -- of affordable housing. Developers include NDA and Catholic Charities. Rent rates were not provided.

CARDINAL CORNER

Located at SE Hargrave Street and SE Ninth Avenue, Cardinal Corner is being developed behind the old Saint Paul Catholic Church. The project will provide 48 duplex units located in 24 buildings with 12 two-bed units ($547-$631) and 36 three-bed units ($1092-$1262). Heartland Development Group is listed as the primary developer.

ARCADIA LANDINGS

Arcadia Landings, located on E Gibson Street, near DeSoto Middle School, 420 E Gibson St., is in development to provide 56 affordable housing units for elderly, handicap and disabled residents. This project is being developed by NDA.

CYPRESS GARDEN

Arcadia Housing Development Corp., along with Smith/Henzy and Regions, are developing Cypress Garden at the corner of N 11th Avenue and E Cypress Street. The property sits only a few blocks east of Memorial Elementary School and two blocks north of the DeSoto County Health Department, 1031 E Oak St. The development will provide 60 units of affordable housing. One-bed, two-bed and three-bed rental units will be available ranging from $455 to $947 depending on the size of the rental. 

WHAT'S GOING UP other editions...

• What’s Going Up May 2023 | Team DeSoto

• What’s Going Up June 2023 | Team DeSoto  

• What’s Going Up July 2023 | Team DeSoto