by Marty Proctor
In a recent article in the Orlando Business Journal, it was reported that a developer that has worked on several major Central Florida Amazon deals appears to have plans for another big local project. Atlanta-based Seefried Industrial Properties wants to develop a 359,290-square-foot warehouse on 48 acres northwest of Republic Drive and Independence Boulevard in Lake County’s Groveland, documents filed with the state showed. The project is being called “DFL8 – Groveland Last Mile” in documents.
The Groveland City Manager, Michael Hein has been promoting this type of development. Kroger/Ocado, located in the industrial park, continues to generate interest from companies specializing in logistics and distribution”, said Hein.
Over the weekend, Hein confirmed, “We are aware of a large scale site plan submitted in the C. Ford Industrial Park.” The project is located in the unincorporated jurisdiction of Lake County. He added, “I have directed staff to work with representatives of the project to annex the property into the City.” The transition through annexation and conversion to City jurisdiction is typical of projects located in the unincorporated portions of the Christopher Ford Industrial Park near the intersection of highways 27 and 19. Hein deferred further questions to Tim Maslow, Community Development Director.
Developer Seefried Industrial Properties who has developed warehouses for Amazon in the Grand Rapids, MI and Deltona, Fl areas has been linked to the project. Seefried’s primary business is the development of warehouse space. This includes build-to-suit, park development, and project management. The company also is active in managing properties and leasing warehouses. These secondary activities apply to both company-owned and third-party warehouses. It has been the expectation of City officials that synergy between the upcoming Kroger/Ocado and neighboring sites would bring more high profile, larger-scale commercial development to the City.
Current site plan: 
