The City of Lakeland is transforming nearly two acres of land near downtown into a hub for artists.

  • Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency funding project
  • Hub will be called 'Mass Market'
  • Facility will also include events space, gallery for artists

"Mass Market," as the hub will be called, is a $2.5 million project funded by Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency, according to the agency’s manager, Nicole Travis.

Downtown Lakeland, near the intersection of Massachusetts and Parker St, will be the site for Mass Market. It includes an old warehouse and property next door that used to the Salvation Army.

“More than anything, it’s historic," said Travis. "You don’t have this type of construction anymore. This is a 1924 building."

The old Salvation Army property has already been renovated into “Your Pro Kitchen,” a commercial kitchen space available to food entrepreneurs to rent, and apartments.

The warehouse, originally an A & P grocery store, will be refurbished into an events space run by Ashton Events, as well as a co-working space and gallery for artists.

“The creative class is growing right now," said Travis. "It’s just not only in performing arts -- it’s also in culinary, foods, and sculpting, and when you look at the universities nearby, they’re growing their art programs, as well.”

“There’s not really much in the way of independent galleries here in Lakeland Florida, especially ones that are open to the public,” explained Elizabeth Hults, who will run the artist space, through her non-profit, Art/ifact.

“There are really wonderful resources available through the Polk Museum of Art," added Hults. "But for those of us working artists who aren’t ready for the museum circuit or the professional circuit and need space to work, this is going to serve as that in-between platform.”

Hults went on to say artists will be able to sublease individual booths and use the gallery to exhibit their work.

According to Travis, the overall goal of the multimillion dollar renovation project is to spruce up the blighted area.

“The CRA is just focusing on reinvesting and starting to prime the pump for private investment to occur in the area,” said Travis

Construction is expected to be complete by June.