Lakeshore Mall will soon change after the Gainesville City Council approved Branch Lakeshore Associates, LP's request to rezone the property for a mixed-use development.
The Lakeshore redevelopment project, as outlined in the site plan, will feature 303,444 square feet of commercial space, including major and junior retailers, restaurants, entertainment venues, a 95-room hotel, 80 townhomes, parking, and 652 multi-family apartments.
The Belk store will remain on the site with remodeling and an added exterior entry. The Dicks Sporting Goods store will be demolished and located closer to Pearl Nix Parkway.
The redevelopment is expected to take 7 years to build in three phases.
Phase 1 will begin in Quarter 3-2026 with the demolition of the mall site, remodeling of Belk and rebuilding of the Dicks. There will also be grading, utility work and road and infrastructure site work.
Phase 2 should occur between Q4-2027 and Q1-2028 and will occur jointly with the end of Phase 1.
During this phase, the first two apartment buildings, restaurants, major retail shops, offices, greenspaces and possibly townhomes will be constructed.
Phase 3 will include the construction of the hotel and the second multifamily building.
The motion passed with all members of the council voting in approval.
