Sanford commissioners have selected Torre Companies of South Florida to begin turning 5.4 acres of city-owned property in the downtown district into a development of townhomes, restaurants, shops and a hotel.
The property — which is bordered by East Seminole Boulevard, Sanford Avenue, First Street and Palmetto Avenue — is considered to be one of the most desirable spots in the city’s downtown district because it sits between the shops along First Avenue and Marina Island on Lake Monroe.
However, most of these two city blocks have sat vacant for years and have been used as parking lots for Seminole’s civil courthouse and the downtown district. City leaders say that a new development on that property will draw more residents and visitors into Sanford’s downtown.
In the coming months, Torre will put together a design study and host community meetings on the project. A preliminary redevelopment plan is expected to be presented to Sanford commissioners by August.
