News
Vigoro fertilizer plant to be removed for further development
Published: Monday, August 03, 2009
Plan would convert former fertilizer plant site into new development
WINTER HAVEN - There's a southerly wind of change blowing through Winter Haven bringing with it what city officials see as a more pleasant entrance to Winter Haven as one crests the Lulu-Shipp canal bridge on U.S. Highway 17.
The owner of the former Vigoro fertilizer plant property and the Orlando-based firm Benge Development are working with the city to create a mixed-use development that, when completed, will offer an aesthetically pleasing blend of office and retail establishments and multi-family homes.
Last Monday, the City Commission approved the Planned Unit Development (PUD), which outlines the boundaries of the development and defines specific requirements and conditions, such as lot sizes, sidewalks, exterior facade design, on-site lighting and signage.
According to the plan, up to 720 residential units or 566,280 square feet of commercial development, can be developed on the approximate 20-acre site.
"I'm very excited about the development," said Commissioner Mike Easterling. "It's going to mean so much for the city of Winter Haven. It will be a gateway to the city on that (south) western end."
Commissioner J.P. Powell agreed, calling the proposed project, "the only gateway we will have coming through the south."
According to developer Tony M. Benge, Jr., when the Vigoro fertilizer plant closed about five months ago, it's Alabama-based owner, Taylor Pursell, had to decide what to do with the plant. The city's vision of the future for the south area of town helped him decide.
"The city had come up with the idea of locating more upscale development in the heart of this community. As the city grew up around it, (industrial) wasn't the best use for the property," Benge said. "I think this is a unique opportunity with the property owner putting the desire and needs of the city as equal to his own."
Benge said the focal point of the development will be on U.S. 17, which will be lined with commercial businesses, such as banks, restaurants and retail shops. The developer and the city will work together to buffer between the development and the existing industrial area to the west.
"We'll just have to do it in bites," he said. "We have our parcel and we have to do what is best for us and the city."
Dave Dickey, the city's community development director, said the area will see a number of changes in conjunction with the development. First, the water plant located on the east side of U.S. 17 will be moved south closer to the canal connecting lakes Lulu and Shipp to alleviate recurring odors from the plant as well as improving the appearance of the area.
Also, a traffic signal will be installed at the entrance just before the incline starts for the canal bridge. Located at this light also will be a main boulevard crossing U.S. 17 into the Chain O' Lakes property, which is planned for future development by the city.
The Chain O' Lakes Complex, located on the lakefront property, includes the Rowdy Gaines Pool, Orange Dome and baseball fields and training facilities.
T. Michael Stavres, the city's community services director, said plans for the Chain O'Lakes property are still in the generalized stage.
"What's going to happen to it and when are uncertain," Stavres said. "What happens on the western property will be part of the conversation of what happens to the Chain of Lakes property in the future."
But whatever the end result, recreation will be a part of it.
"Our goal is to mirror the recreation we have on that site plus capitalize on the opportunity for recreation activities on the water," Stavres said.
Dickey said plans for both the Vigoro and Chain O' Lakes Property involve a sustainable and quality development.
"We have everything already in place - water, sewer and roads. If we can reuse what we already have, it doesn't require the city to build brand new," he said.
And these two projects could very well be the catalyst for further redevelopment in the area.
"It's going to drive the value of this property up. As a result, there will be development pressure," Dickey said.
Benge likes the idea of being the catalyst for redevelopment in the area and providing a positive entrance to the city. It is, he said, a thought shared by Pursell.
"Hopefully, we will be a good influence on the adjacent property owner," he said. "Hopefully, we will set the bar and they will follow suit."
Benge said now that the PUD and site plan have been approved, his company can move forward with the revitalization of the property.
Dickey said the next stage involves obtaining permits from various agencies, such as the Florida Department of Transportation, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and completing engineering on the site.
Benge said they will also demolish existing buildings and address environmental concerns.
"We are cleaning up the property aesthetically and environmentally. It's nothing that can't be dealt with and we are working with the Department of Environmental Protection and the city," he said.
And when the development is completed, the entrance to Winter Haven will have been transformed.
"We think when you first come over the bridge, you will have a sense of arrival," Benge said.
Tagged: Vigoro plant, Winter Haven, new development