Across Alachua County, private and public projects will move forward in 2025—whether having grand openings or receiving first rounds of approval. 

Here’s a list of significant developments likely to have action taken this year. 

Meadowbrook Golf Course to turn residential 

Meadowbrook Golf Course has been shut down since 2021, and it might not host any more tee times after a plan to build residential units on the site. 

A potential new owner approached the adjacent neighborhood late last year, and neighbors have already formed to oppose any changes away from recreational land use or zoning. 

No official plans have been presented, but Meadowbrook residents said the project could bring 200-300 homes to the area. The project won’t start construction this year if it moves forward.  

Residents pointed to Alachua County’s purchase of West End Golf Course as the best possible outcome. 

Ironwood Industrial Park  

Alachua County staff are currently reviewing a preliminary development plan to build 1.4 million square feet of industrial uses off Waldo Road.  

The 137-acre site (6310 NE Waldo Rd.) is on the west side of Waldo Road just north of Gainesville Regional Airport.  

Because of the size, the development will go to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. But the timeline will depend on staff finishing the review and how fast the developer submits revisions.   

The land could be used to house multiple companies.  

“It is anticipated that this site will include multiple lots that get developed separately over time. The building sizes of the development are currently unknown,” a traffic impact submittal said.   

UF Golf 

The University of Florida received $38.85 million from the Florida Legislature in 2024. The funds were earmarked for the purchase of 4,000 acres just west of Gainesville, with plans to build a 36-hole golf course and turn the rest into conservation land. 

The property drew interest from nearby residents because of its size and impact if developed. The Alachua County government also took keen interest because the property is located on the Hickory Sink strategic ecosystem. The location prompted a special area study and special area plan if developed.  

Steve Orlando, UF’s associate vice president for communications, said the university continues to work on plans for the site.  

“We are still in discussions with the Lee family about the property on Parker Road and are also exploring other potential sites,” Orlando said in an email. 

However, the Legislative funds included a clause that allows UF officials to use the $38.85 million for other purchasing opportunities. The money isn’t bound to the Hickory Sink site.  

The bill that approved the funds said that if the UF Board of Trustees doesn’t approve the purchase of Hickory Sink then the board may use the money to buy other property anywhere in Florida that “meets the needs and strategic goals of the University.” 

That purchase would need to be approved by the Board of Governors. 

Further reading: Alachua County approves study for 4,000-acre Hickory Sink property   

Mill Creek Sink development   

A series of projects planned near the city of Alachua exit from I-75, the Mill Creek Sink developments came under close examination by Alachua County in fall 2024.   

The city of Alachua is responsible for permitting the site and has already given preliminary approvals for some of the projects. However, since Alachua County held a special meeting and sent chair letters, the city has put the projects on hold.   

Since then, Alachua County has also earmarked $1 million to be used for litigation against the development.   

The city of Alachua also made a switch in legal staff, hiring David Theriaque from Tallahassee to manage the project. In an October email to the developer, Theriaque said the project would be on pause.   

“Alachua County has raised several significant issues that require further analysis by the City Staff,” Theriaque said. “Consequently, at this time, the City will not be scheduling any hearings on the Tara Projects until the City Staff has completed their analysis of the issues raised by Alachua County.”  

In an interview, Jeff Childers, attorney for the developer, said it’s unusual to stop a project at this stage of the process—already through multiple years of city review. He said Alachua County didn’t present information already in the city’s possession.   

He also called the $1 million set aside by Alachua County a performative gesture.   

At its special meeting, Alachua County Attorney Sylvia Torres said it would likely take the developer’s agreement at this point to change parts of the project. Childers referenced staffs’ comments and said he doesn’t see where the county would have reasonable grounds to litigate.  

Alachua County staff became interested in the development later than commissioners wanted, limiting potential responses. The Board of County Commissioners tasked staff to improve its way of tracking significant developments happening inside municipal limits. 

Further Reading: Alachua County alarmed over Mill Creek, seeks to intervene   

Aldi in Jonesville 

Construction started in 2024 for an Aldi along Newberry Road. The store will sit in front of the Noble on Newberry apartments, just east of Parker Road and O2BKids.  

Alachua County gave concept approval in 2022 for an Aldo on the site. Site plans and resubmittals lasted until late 2023, and a construction permit was issued in July 2024. 

The site will also house an 11,878-square-foot office addition for the O2BKids daycare. The construction permit for this project has already been issued. 

Apartments behind Oaks Mall 

This 240-unit complex, called Evergreen Westside, has been under construction for months now and could open by the fall semester. 

The project started with a rezoning of the property in 2019 by the city of Gainesville and will drop potential shoppers right on the doorstep of Oaks Mall, taking over land that used to be part of the mall’s parking lot. 

Further Reading: Five of Gainesville’s newest apartments—and what they cost   

Lot 10 

With hesitation, the Gainesville City Commission approved the sixth amendment for the sale of Lot 10 in December, but commissioners said an additional amendment might not happen.  

The city sold the vacant site (150 SW 2nd Ave.) in 2021. The property is situated in Gainesville’s core downtown, and AMJ Group plans to build commercial space on the bottom floor and residential units above.  

But delays have forced amendments to the contract, which included provisions through which the city could regain the land if left undeveloped. 

However, AMJ Group and Commissioner Reina Saco noted that some of the delays have been caused by the city and not the developer. Lot 10 is next to the streatery that the City Commission has greenlighted and delayed.  

Until they knew the exact plans for the streatery, AMJ Group said they had to wait. 

The first-floor commercial space could include a small grocery store and office space. 

Citizens Field 

The Gainesville City Commission has discussed renovating the NE 8th Avenue and Waldo Road complex for several years.  

The complex includes Citizens Field (the home football stadium for all three Gainesville high schools), the Dwight Hunter Pool, Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center and a Gainesville Fire Rescue station.  

Commissioner Cynthia Chestnut has spearheaded the recent effort, but the idea of reviving this area has persisted for decades. Chestnut said residents are tired of politician promises, but she said the community will start believing in the project once the first shovel proves that change will come.  

On Thursday, Chestnut and Mayor Harvey Ward said they want the first shovel in the ground this year—though the whole project may take multiple construction phases.  

In June 2024, the Gainesville City Commission approved half a million to hire CHW Inc. to perform architectural and engineering services for the site.