[terrieb]

We were here last December, 2012 - if you do the math, that's over a year ago and is it my imagination or is there very little development in the Brownwood Town Square as compared to last December. No grocery stores, no department stores - actually no nothing. I know a town can't be built overnight but I expected a lot more open and active within a year from the last time we were here. More plazas with Publix and Kindred Spirits and Bealls, etc. Has perhaps the economy taken a toll on this section of the Villages. No point here, just an observation ..... a disappointed observation.

[ggomba1]

There has been a lot of development not only in Brownwood but also Pinellas Plaza which has a new Sweetbay grocery store. Other stores are being built and progress is moving quickly- I bought in Pinellas and have been amazed at the progress since May.

[rayschic]

Originally Posted by terrieb

We were here last December, 2012 - if you do the math, that's over a year ago and is it my imagination or is there very little development in the Brownwood Town Square as compared to last December. No grocery stores, no department stores - actually no nothing. I know a town can't be built overnight but I expected a lot more open and active within a year from the last time we were here. More plazas with Publix and Kindred Spirits and Bealls, etc. Has perhaps the economy taken a toll on this section of the Villages. No point here, just an observation ..... a disappointed observation.

There will not be a grocery store, a Publix, or a Bealls at the square. They don't have them in either of the two other squares. Pinellas Plaza has a Sweetbay supermarket. Colony has a Publix and Bealls.
Here's a map. Just click on Colony, Pinellas and Brownwood to see what is there and what is planned.
The Villages Shopping Guide

[hema54]

Brownwood needs more. There is no place to have coffee or breakfast. It needs a Dunkin Donuts, Too Jays, Panera Bread.

[billethkid]

if you mean more "big box" stores....no....NOT YET.
Brownwood itself has increased in size probably times 4 (at least) since 12/2012.
The progression of Brownwood and the surrounding area will evolve to an entirely new level over the next 5 years.

When some of us came 10 years ago there was no Lake Sumter Landing....none of the shopping on Rolling Acres and 441....no Sam's Club...No Home Depot......
Then all of a sudden when TV hit what ever big national brands consider sufficient critical mass (the right population and local non TV draw) they started to come.

The same thing will happen as the population South of 466A starts to fill in.

There has been significant progress in the last 12 months by any measure....except perhaps the specific stores one may have in mind.

when it is built they will come.

btk

[njbchbum]

terrib -
Alas, the developer can only make space available - he can't make a tenant sign a lease.

Perhaps the economy has taken a toll on the businesses you mention - only they might be able to tell you that.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by terrieb

We were here last December, 2012 - if you do the math, that's over a year ago and is it my imagination or is there very little development in the Brownwood Town Square as compared to last December. No grocery stores, no department stores - actually no nothing. I know a town can't be built overnight but I expected a lot more open and active within a year from the last time we were here. More plazas with Publix and Kindred Spirits and Bealls, etc. Has perhaps the economy taken a toll on this section of the Villages. No point here, just an observation ..... a disappointed observation.

What was the basis of your observation?

Have a look here, maybe a new observation?
http://www.thevillages.com/lifestyle...as%20Plaza.pdf

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by rayschic

Here's a map. Just click on Colony, Pinellas and Brownwood to see what is there and what is planned.
The Villages Shopping Guide

What a great map. Thanks rayschic.

[Matzy]

Rome wasn't build over night either, I think a good town square needs a very good planning and construction.

[Stdole]

I was told last week by the manager of Panara Bread there was a store planned to open this summer in the Brownwood area.. but has since been postponed due to that store being built in the Gainsville area... however it is still on the long range plans to have a location in the area... it will happen..
but not this summer.

I also agree we do need a breakfast/coffee area for small talk and things of this nature

[JRW8219]

To the OP:

To my knowledge in the offseason (summer) at Brownwood:

MVP fitness OPEN
World of Beer OPEN
Five Guys OPEN

City Fire - Thriving

Other store fronts being finalized.

I'm sure contracts being signed in the back-office for Dunkin, Panera etc. I don't think economy has anything to do with it other than smaller outfits wanting to make sure the foot traffic builds.

I have it on good authority that Publix is close to final location selection near Brownwood. Announcement within a few months.

[dewilson58]

I for one want a nice town square ............... free of big boxes.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

I for one want a nice town square ............... free of big boxes.

Won't be any big boxes on the town square.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Won't be any big boxes on the town square.

I kno

[BarryRX]

It will come soon. I can't wait for that Spanish tapas place to open!