(Crystal Proenza is associate editor of Real Estate Florida.)

DAVENPORT, FL-Locally based ABD Development Co. plans to break ground on 280,000 square feet of retail within its Providence Golf and County Club community next year. The development will be broken down into three centers totaling 140,000 square feet, 135,000 square feet and 5,000 square feet with a total value of approximately $40 million for the first two centers, says David Kohn, president of ABD Development.

The developer is currently negotiating with a grocery store to anchor the first 140,000-square-foot neighborhood retail center. ABD will seek financing for the project after the tenant is committed, Kohn tells GlobeSt.com. "Most recently we met with Publix Supermarket officials and they foresee a major growth phase once the national economy begins its rebound," says Kohn. "They are optimistic about locating a facility at Providence as soon as growth rates show signs of rebounding." A dry cleaner, restaurants and service-related tenants will also be sought for the project, he says.

ABD's Providence is a 2,200-acre community in Davenport. A total of 4,800 homes are planned for the site by 2018. Prices start at $160,000 and go up to over $1 million. Phase one of the project is currently under way, with 400 homes occupied and a completed golf course located 15 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort and 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport. The remainder of phase one includes another 1,600 homes, which may take another two years to build, says Kohn. "The economy slowed us down a little in terms of development," he admits, but overall plans for the gated community have not yet changed.