SMR expands light industrial plan

As Schroeder-Manatee Ranch looks to add 737,000 square feet of light industrial uses to its overall 208-acre Lakewood Ranch Commerce Park project, the emphasis clearly has been placed upon the “work” aspect of “Live ... Work ... Play.”

Light industrial uses already exist within the Commerce Park project, but Richard Bedford, SMR’s vice president of planning, said more is needed. It will generate jobs where shopping and homesites already exist.

The request will require approval from the Manatee County Commission, likely in September. It currently is working through reviews by county departments.

“In the old days, we segregated everything,” Bedford said. “Now, we’re trying to minimize people on the roads by putting jobs where they should be.”

Steve Horn, a partner at Ian Black Real Estate, said the market is lacking in what Bedford describes as light industrial, spaces that are flexible to accommodate a business that may need both office and loading space, for example.

“There’s a need for that kind of hybrid space,” Horn said.

Manatee County’s Land Development Code defines light industrial as an establishment whose principal purpose is the manufacturing, assembling, compounding, processing, packing, baling, repairing, storing or distribution of products made from previously prepared basic materials. Such uses could include electronics assembly, repair shops of household appliances or office equipment, micro-breweries, or similar ventures.

Horn said the proximity to  Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, especially with the future connection to the Fort Hamer bridge, will make it a desirable location, as well.

At the southwest corner of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and State Road 64, within the Commerce Park project, exists a Publix grocery, a mix of local restaurants and a plethora of other retailers and uses. Farther south sits the Canterbury Commons office park, as well as Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware and other retailers.

The light industrial generally would be added east and south of the Canterbury office park and the plaza anchored by Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware.

“We have the land there and we need the entitlements,” Bedford said. “We see we’re going to run out of industrial. That’s really it. We’re not changing the site plan. We don’t know where it’s going to go. We’re just think we’re going to need it.”

Horn said light industrial businesses should thrive at the site.

“Lakewood Ranch will be this big major arterial and you are only a mile-and-a-half from the interstate,” he said. “They could have put residential or retail there and gotten more money, but they see the big picture. It’s the whole live, work, play idea. And to Lakewood Ranch’s credit, that’s what they’re doing here.”