A proposed mixed-use development at the former Ocean Optics site on Main Street in Dunedin won unanimous approval from the Local Planning Agency on Jan. 14, drawing praise from residents and city officials who called it transformational for downtown.
Main Street Exchange, planned for the corner of Main Street and Douglas Avenue, would feature an 89-room boutique hotel, marketplace, theater, food hall, restaurants, retail spaces and a parking garage. The three- and four-story development at 830 Douglas Ave. also includes an off-site parking garage at the former Arts Incubator site.
Economic development director Bob Ironsmith called it “another signature project” for downtown, comparing it to recent developments like Victoria Place and The Artisan.
“This one kind of checks all the right boxes for us,” Ironsmith said. “A hotel is very attractive in a downtown environment — it’s what we call a captive market. Those 89 hotel guests are going to the restaurants, the cafes, the stores. They actually help preserve the small-town feel.”
The food hall with culinary kiosks offers “a different experience, which really attracts a lot of people,” he added.