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CRA grants construction extension for 228 N. Ridgewood; developer reports IWG office buildout
Summary
Developer Robert Blackman updated the Sebring CRA on redevelopment of 228 North Ridgewood Drive and the agency granted a construction extension through the June 9 board meeting to allow work to proceed and for the developer to report progress.
Developer Robert Blackman told the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency on March 24 that plans for 228 North Ridgewood Drive have shifted from an earlier large-restaurant concept to a professionally managed office build-out with IWG (formerly Regis).
Blackman said he signed an agreement with IWG for office space management and that the company’s designers have conducted site visits. He reported that IWG forecasted a start of interior build-out on July 28 with an estimated completion in November, but he cautioned that he “doesn’t trust these dates” and called them only the company’s projection. Blackman described the project budget as “multi‑million” and said the space will be designed as Class A, professionally managed office space once completed.
Blackman also described near-term work: returning electric and water to the building, assessing air-conditioning and elevator systems, and addressing known leaks. He said those inspections would happen the week after the meeting. He told the board the right-side first-floor area could accommodate a roughly 2,700-square-foot restaurant with a possible spill-out to a courtyard, but that the developer currently is prioritizing the Second and Third Floor office demarcation with IWG.
The board voted to grant a construction-extension for the project until the CRA’s June 9 meeting and asked Blackman to report at that time. The motion to grant the extension passed on a roll-call vote.
Action details recorded in the meeting transcript: the motion to grant a construction extension for 228 North Ridgewood Drive through the June 9 board meeting was made and seconded; a roll-call vote followed and the extension was approved. No amendment to the development agreement was adopted at the meeting; staff noted that a future amendment will be required to update dates and milestones once the parties agree on revised timelines.
Next steps: Blackman will continue utility and system assessments, and the CRA will expect an update at its June 9 meeting. The board indicated it may need to amend the development agreement later to reflect revised construction milestones.
