Charlotte County Commissioner Joe Tiseo participated in a significant demolition event on June 21 as part of the transformation of the Promenades Mall into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood in Port Charlotte. Instead of the usual groundbreaking ceremony, Tiseo and other officials wielded sledgehammers to kick off the redevelopment project, which will include hundreds of apartments, a boutique hotel, restaurants, offices, and extensive commercial space.
The 26-acre Promenades at Parkside development, anchored by the former Promenades Mall, is slated to become the new “downtown” of Port Charlotte. Jeff Morr, who purchased the mall in 2015 for $21.5 million, plans to revitalize the property into a mixed-use community. The ambitious project aims to offer nearly 1,400 rental units, with a mix of long-term and short-term leases. Morr also intends to expand the commercial space from an initial 230,000 square feet to potentially 270,000 square feet.
Key features of the redevelopment include retaining the existing supermarket, which will be rebranded as an Aldi following its acquisition by Southeastern Grocers Inc. The location’s strategic positioning within Port Charlotte’s Medical District, near HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital and ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte, is expected to attract young professionals, including medical interns and staff.
Despite facing delays caused by hurricanes Irma, Ian, and Idalia over the years, Morr remained committed to realizing his vision for the Promenades at Parkside. The recent demolition event marked a pivotal moment in the project’s progress, drawing local merchants like Al Biron of Lava Ice and Veronica Raffone of Bricks & Minifigs Port Charlotte, who expressed excitement about their new business prospects within the redeveloped space.
For long-time residents like Sushila Cherian, who fondly remembers the mall’s bustling days in the 1970s and 1980s, the redevelopment represents a significant evolution. According to Amal Elbahnasawy, Morr’s representative, the goal is not only to revive the site’s former glory but also to create a dynamic community hub where residents can live, work, and enjoy diverse leisure activities.
The Promenades at Parkside project signals a transformative phase for Port Charlotte, promising a modern urban environment that integrates residential, commercial, and recreational elements, aiming to redefine the area’s economic and social landscape for years to come.