Plant City is poised for growth — just ask Richard LeFrois.
LeFrois is the president of Central Florida Development, a full service real estate development and property management company that will soon be building a 72-acre business park on County Line Road, along the I-4 corridor. Dubbed the Central Florida Commerce Center, Central Florida Development has so far planned eight buildings and over one million square feet for the site.
The plans were announced at a Plant City EDC meeting on Monday, April 18.
This isn't the company's debut in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. Central Florida Development built the County Line Commerce Center, located at County Line Road and Rice Road adn just south of I-4. The company leases its space to businesses, including Fitlife Foods and SparkleSkirts.
Similarly, the Central Florida Commerce Center is built to be ideal for manufacturing, distribution and office operations.
The first building will be 140,000 square feet, complete with 30-foot high ceilings and abundant trailer and car parking.
"We are excited to begin development of our next business park along the I-4 corridor," LeFrois said. "Plant City's pro-business attitude and commitment to economic development has helped drive our success at our existing business parks. We are confident that the area will continue to be the location of choice for businesses who want unparalleled access to Florida's growing population and workforce."
The County Line Road corridor has been a major area of growth for businesses and developers.
"County Line Road continues to be the hottest corridor for warehouse distribution and office expansion in Central Florida," City Manager Mike Herr said. "The newest project announced by Central Florida Development confirms that Plant City is the right place to be because we have a strategic location, a good labor market and a very business-friendly culture in our city government. Every successful project needs a champion, and right now Central Florida Development is a huge private sector partner in our community."
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.