Main Street at Lakewood Ranch to undergo a makeover

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch is getting a makeover.

Natural Designs Landscaping crews have been uprooting the plants and trees in the parking lots and along Lakewood Main Street as part of the first phase of the sprucing up project of Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

After the buildings have been power washed, Myers Painting will begin painting each building. 

Myers Painting painted the buildings on Lakewood Main Street 10 years ago, so the company is familiar with the property, said Amanda Zipperer, the director of property management and leasing for Lakewood Ranch Commercial.

Zipperer said it’s time for a new coat of paint because the Florida sun and weather conditions have worn the paint on the buildings, and Main Street is due for an “overall refresh.”

Lakewood Ranch started working with Sarasota’s JKL Designs last year to choose the colors for the buildings and finalize the future look of Main Street.

Zipperer said designers were surprised to see that Main Street buildings had been painted with more than 20 colors.

The new design features only seven colors, and the colors are more earthy and neutral.

“It’s a much simpler design than in past years,” Zipperer said. “We’re super excited to simplify it. It’s definitely needed. I think less is more when it comes to a town center of this size. The first thing people see when they pull onto the property is the exterior of the building so we want to keep it clean, fresh and simple. That’s really the goal we are looking for. I think it’s a little bit more modern than what we have out here, too.”

The first buildings to be painted will be Starbucks and Station 400 as they are the first stores seen when entering Main Street from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. 

Painting will take a minimum of six to eight weeks, weather permitting, Zipperer said. 

Zipperer hopes the fresh paint and new landscaping will “attract new life into the property” as well as bring new customers to Main Street. 

“These little refreshers will definitely drive life into the town center and make it a little bit more vibrant and attractive for sure,” she said.

The second phase of landscaping will begin around the spring of 2024 in coordination with the planting season.

Although Main Street at Lakewood Ranch will have a new look by the end of 2024, Zipperer said it will remain a “cozy and traditional downtown” with its staple events such as Music on Main. 

In the meantime, Zipperer said crews will be conscientious not to interrupt any businesses or events on Main Street.