The property started out as a vacant supermarket just north of the City of Ocala (City) downtown area. It had been vacant for about seven years. The neighborhood was in a state of decline and nearby properties had some questionable environmental perceptions.

A mortgage brokerage firm expressed an interest in the property but had some concerns about its environmental status. They had heard about the City and State of Florida’s Brownfields programs through a community outreach workshop conducted by Renew Ocala, the City’s Brownfields Office. Upon speaking with the Brownfields project manager the principals of the firm decided they would like to take advantage of some Brownfields incentives, including an environmental assessment on the subject site.

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was conducted using various state and federal funding obtained by the City. While there were some off-site environmental concerns, the investigation concluded there was no impact on the subject property. The mortgage firm purchased the site and invested $75,000.00 in renovations, which converted the building into a document processing center. As a Brownfields Qualified Target Industry that created over 100 new jobs, the company qualified, through the Florida Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Department (OTTED), for the State Job Bonus Refunds of $2,500 per job created.

Shortly thereafter, the City of Ocala partnered with Marion County and the Florida Department of Transportation to obtain transportation grants to widen and resurface one mile of road that passed in front of the newly renovated building. Infrastructure was upgraded with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, including new sidewalks and lighting. Within a year of the completion of the road project, the mortgage brokerage firm purchased additional properties adjoining the site to the east. With another investment of $1.2M, the company expanded the existing building to double the size of its facility, creating another 100 jobs.

As a result of the redevelopment of the one site, the surrounding neighborhood has used the City’s TIF funds for façade grants and other renovations to expand the revitalization of the neighborhood. New businesses have opened and older businesses have upgraded their facilities. Two other tracts of property have had derelict buildings demolished and the land set aside for green space that includes walking paths, benches, a clock tower, and decorative plants and foliage. Through the City’s Brownfields Redevelopment Program, the neighborhood has seen a true renaissance.

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