Development

The Santa Fe College Center for Innovation and Economic Development will expand with new development plans.

Gainesville residents are challenging the plan to tear down Saint Michael's Episcopal Church and build a shopping center that's been proposed by CHW, an architectural engineering company.

Rebranding and beautification projects are in the works for Main Street Alachua.

With closed storefronts and empty sidewalks in this small, drive-by town, it is clear the town's once vibrant light has dimmed as the population dwindled. However, Waldo's city government is making strides for economic development and working on a number of projects to increase the population and turn the fate of the town around.

After deliberation with members of LM Gainesville, LLC, the company responsible for the complex’s construction, city officials say the issue can be put to rest.

Potential rezoning would allow for single residential, multi-family residential, mixed-use development and conservation management areas on the site containing wetlands and nearly 1,200 acres of planted pines. But that rezoning may not happen anytime soon.

Butler Plaza at Archer Road and SW 34th St. has large construction fences and the numerous traffic detours, but now after two years of progress, residents and merchants alike are eager for the new stores and restaurants to open for business.