The city of Leesburg plans to start construction in 2018 on a new $6.3 million Leesburg Community Center in Venetian Gardens, with improved views of Lake Harris.
City Commissioners recently approved the design for a new one-story, 20,700-square-foot building that would include a lobby, meeting rooms and a grand ballroom with seating capacity for 485, and better views of Lake Harris than the current community center offers.
The new community center is designed to maximize views and make the spot even more of a destination for events and recreation. In addition, there will be two pad-ready restaurant sites along the Lake Harris shoreline with docks and public walkways.
The timeframe for bids is expected to start after May 2018, when construction and site plans are completed, city spokesman Derek Hudson told GrowthSpotter.
Construction bids are scheduled to be let in August, and the new center is expected to open in July 2019.
Plans are to keep the current community center open until the end of September 2018. Then it is scheduled to be demolished to make way for the new community center and other improvements.
The picturesque Venetian Gardens, considered a gem in Leesburg with its lake-front site and meandering gardens and paths, is in the midst of a makeover. A new splash pad and pavilion were recently added.
Have a tip about Central Florida development? Teresa Burney can be reached at 352-455-1955 or at Teresaburney4@gmail.com. Follow GrowthSpotter on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.