# Lakewood Ranch Sees New Wave of Green Construction - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/lakewood-ranch-sees-new-wave-of-green-construction/ - Published: 2011-10-03T19:23:39-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Lakewood Ranch Booms with $100 Million+ Commercial Surge ### Richland Capital Spearheads Industrial Growth Richland Capital Holdings has acquired 16 acres in Lakewood Ranch, igniting a new wave of industrial development. The real estate investment firm shelled out $5.5 million for the prime property on Gatewood Drive. Consequently, they’re set to construct two light industrial buildings, totaling a whopping 178,000 square feet. ### Construction Timeline Accelerates The ambitious project kicks off later this year. Moreover, Richland Capital aims to complete the development within a swift two-year timeframe. This rapid expansion aligns with the firm’s broader strategy of building out more than 1 million square feet of industrial space nationwide. ![The generated image captures the essence of Lakewood Ranch's $100 million commercial construction boom in vivid detail. At the forefront, we see the bustling Waterside Place, a hub of activity with its diverse array of shops and restaurants. This mixed- use development showcases the community's commitment to creating vibrant, walkable spaces. Stretching across the landscape, modern industrial buildings and mixed-use developments under construction dominate the scene. Cranes and construction equipment punctuate the skyline, symbolizing the rapid growth and investment pouring into the area. These new structures represent the 178,000 square feet of light industrial space being developed by Richland Capital Holdings. The aerial perspective offers a comprehensive view of Lakewood Ranch's balanced approach to growth. While commercial development takes center stage, we can also glimpse residential areas and green spaces in the background. This juxtaposition highlights the community's commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents even as it expands its commercial offerings. Florida's signature warm sunlight bathes the scene, casting a golden glow over the construction sites and completed buildings alike. Palm trees line some of the streets, adding a touch of tropical charm to the evolving urban landscape. The image teems with life, as construction workers and residents go about their day. This human element underscores the active, growing nature of Lakewood Ranch and the economic opportunities being created by this commercial surge. In the distance, we can spot areas that might represent future developments like the CenterPoint mixed-use district or the upcoming Lakewood Ranch Library. These glimpses of potential future growth sites hint at the ongoing evolution of this dynamic community. As the Green Living Guy, I'm thrilled to see this visual representation of Lakewood Ranch's growth! It's like watching a sustainable city sprout right before our eyes. The balance of commercial spaces, residential areas, and green zones shows a commitment to smart, eco-friendly development. This isn't just construction; it's the building of a greener, more vibrant future. Lakewood Ranch is proving that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Now that's what I call building a better tomorrow, one sustainable structure at a time! This image serves as a powerful testament to Lakewood Ranch's economic vitality and forward-thinking approach to community development. It encapsulates the $100 million commercial construction boom, showcasing how this Florida community is rapidly evolving into a prime example of sustainable, mixed-use suburban planning.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/ wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_6168-400x400.png?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1) #### Lakewood Ranch: Residential Boom Complements Green Construction and Commercial Growth Simultaneously, the residential sector in Lakewood Ranch continues to thrive. For instance, the northeast quadrant, bordered by State Roads 70 and 64, is experiencing a surge in new housing developments. Star Farms, Sweetwater, and the upcoming Palm Grove by Neal Communities are expanding options for homebuyers across various price points. ### Lakewood Ranch Waterside District Transforms Suburban Living Meanwhile, the Waterside District is revolutionizing the concept of suburban downtowns. Waterside Place, established a few years ago, has become a hub of activity. Furthermore, 2024 promises an explosion of new amenities. Residents can look forward to over 10 diverse restaurants, distilleries, breakfast spots, ice cream shops, boutiques, and fitness centers. #### Commercial Amenities Expand Beyond Waterside Lakewood Ranch’s commercial growth extends far beyond Waterside Place. The new Lakewood Ranch Library, set to open in early 2024, will offer innovative spaces like podcasting studios and sewing rooms. Additionally, CenterPoint, a mixed-use district near UTC, has secured high-profile tenants such as Owen’s Fish Camp and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. #### University Town Center Evolves into Entertainment Destination The Mall at University Town Center has catalyzed tremendous growth in the area. As a result, over 200 retailers and 80 eateries now surround the mall. Regular weekend concerts and holiday festivities further cement UTC’s status as a premier entertainment destination. ### Fruitville Commons Fills Commercial Void Just south of Lakewood Ranch, Fruitville Commons has emerged as another commercial hotspot. This development addresses a long-standing need in the area, offering coastal restaurants, fitness centers, and a brewery, among other amenities. #### The Green Living Guy’s Take “Folks, Lakewood Ranch isn’t just growing – it’s exploding with green potential! From energy-efficient industrial spaces to walkable downtown areas, this community is setting the gold standard for sustainable suburban living. It’s like watching a eco-friendly butterfly emerge from its cocoon, spreading its wings of progress across Florida. Now that’s what I call smart growth! For more information on Lakewood Ranch’s sustainability efforts, visit their official website. To explore green building practices in master-planned communities, check out the U.S. Green Building Council’s resources. For a broader perspective on sustainable urban development, visit the [EPA’s Smart Growth page](https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth). Interested in Lakewood Ranch’s green initiatives? Read more about their [energy efficiency efforts](https://greenlivingguy.com/category/energy-efficiency/). Explore other [sustainability projects](https://greenlivingguy.com/category/sustainability/) featured on Green Living Guy. Learn about green building practices that communities like Lakewood Ranch are adopting. **_[Source: Lakewood Ranch](https://lakewoodranch.com/about-us/)_** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)