Benchmark Group plans more retail for Lady Lake near The Villages

The New York-based developer of three Lady Lake retail centers is planning another across the street from Lady Lake City Hall, near the oldest part of The Villages.

Through a local affiliate LLC, the Benchmark Group paid $3.4 million for an 18-acre parcel at the southeast corner of U.S. 27 and Fennell Boulevard, from Fennell Investments, a family trust, according to a deed recorded April 29.

Benchmark has already developed Lady Lake Crossing and Village Crossroads of Lady Lake, as well as a local Sam's Club. The existing centers contain Kohl's, Best Buy, Kirkland's, Bed Bath and Beyond, Dollar Tree, McDonald's and a Verizon store, among other retail tenants.

In February, Benchmark presented a conceptual plan for the new land across from City Hall to the Lady Lake City Commission. It showed plans and some rough renderings for another multi-tenant development, with four outparcels and 80,750 square feet that it named "Lady Lake Commons."

The company's affiliate LLC has not yet submitted a site plan to the city.

Representatives from Benchmark did not return multiple calls seeking comment on their plans for the property.

Teresa Burney can be reached at 352-455-1955 or at Teresaburney4@gmail.com. Follow GrowthSpotter on Facebook, Twitterand LinkedIn.