Lakeland's mid-town community redevelopment agency is about to open a major project. It's called Mass Market.
The city purchased about a block of land and buildings on what was mostly the former home of a Salvation Army homeless ministry. The cost of buying the property and converting it is close to $5 million.
One of the businesses that is locating at Mass Market is Haus 820. It's a large open event space that could seat up to 500 people for something like a wedding.
"There is just a need for a big blank space that can be transformed," said 820's Laura Helm about what she saw as a need for more large event spaces in Lakeland.
A non-profit called Art-i-facts Lakeland has turned warehouse space into 16 small art studios that can be rented for cheap for aspiring artists.
"The idea is to propel young amateur artists into professional careers," said Elizabeth Hults of Arti-i-fact.
There is also a commercial kitchen that can be rented hourly by businesses like caterers. It's called My Pro Kitchen. It has been open since last year and owner Sandra Hamberg is glad the Mass Market project is almost complete.
"It was a lot of construction and construction trucks, and it's difficult to see the business past that," she said.
The project is completely leased. CRA director Nichole Travis hopes Mass Market will be great for the area. "We are hoping the influx of resources we have poured into this site will encourage other private investors to invest in this area as well," she said.
Mass Market is set to open March 18.