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'Not your typical Publix' in the works

By KATHY SAUNDERS
Published May 7, 2006

Representatives for the chain, based in Lakeland, have been meeting privately with city staffers for months. The developer even attended recent planning sessions on a vision for the future of downtown. But until now, no one - city officials, the developer or Publix - would publicly confirm the store's interest.

On Thursday, City Manager Ralph Stone said he received preliminary site plans for the project, which would replace Topps grocery store and the Treasure Island Fun Center on 2 acres across the street from the beach.

The developer, Equity Ventures Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, is hoping the city's Planning and Zoning Board will approve the project at its June 15 meeting. A sign at the fun center says the arcade will stay open until August.

Mayor Mary Maloof, who was privy to details about the proposed grocery, said she was thrilled to see the plans arrive at City Hall.

"I think this will kick-start our vision for the redevelopment of downtown,'' she said. "I'm so happy."

Publix wants to build a 28,000-square-foot store along 104th Avenue where Topps and Winn-Dixie were previously located.

Plans call for an additional 8,000 square feet of retail space along with the grocery store.

To meet federal flood guidelines, developers are planning to build an elevated store with parking underneath.

"It's not your typical Publix," company spokeswoman Shannon Patten said.

The Treasure Island Publix will have a bakery, deli and fresh seafood and meat departments.

"But we aren't sure yet if it will have a pharmacy,'' Patten said.

Stone said the front of the store is expected to face Gulf Boulevard, although the entrances will be along 104th.

"There are no curb cuts along Gulf Boulevard,'' he said. "Now it's like one huge driveway."

Publix is required to have at least 95 parking spaces for the project. The site plan shows 131.

The proposed building will be 40 feet tall, putting it under the city's 55-foot height limitation.

Stone said he thinks the project is a good fit for the city.

"It seems every community is trying to recruit Publix,'' he said. "I think it speaks very well of our market that Publix is willing to come in here and not only build a store but also buy the property."

Stone said he is excited about some of the architectural features of the proposed building, including a metal, pitched roof with doors, faux windows and window treatments.

"Those elements make the building attractive so that it won't be a long, flat concrete structure," he said.

It is expected to be painted beige with accents of white, red-orange and dark green shutters.

"The feel of it and some of the architectural details, I think, is really extraordinary," Stone said.

Plans also show extensive landscaping with palm trees and other native shrubs as well as a plaza area with seating and planters in the front of the store.

Patten said the target opening date for the Treasure Island Publix is mid to late 2007.

Currently, the company has 879 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.

[Last modified May 7, 2006, 09:54:20]