Kelly Park Crossing was billed as a project that will transform Northwest Apopka by bringing in new shops, jobs and residents.

  • Kelly Park Crossing may begin construction 
  • Mixed-use project in northwest Apopka
  • Delayed as Wekiva Parkway construction was delayed

“This right here I could see as a Cabela’s Sporting Goods or a Bed, Bath and Beyond," said Jeff Welch, the president of Rochelle Holdings.

But the mixed-use development is still an idea, after 12 years of planning.

“With this much land, we certainly have opportunities," Welch shared.

Welch said the land reserved for the project off the Wekiva Parkway in Apopka is a blank canvas for development. But as he walks through the property, it's clear he has a vision.

“And then that would lead more into a walking village, I picture like a fountain right here, with shops around it, smaller retailers, restaurants. Things like that, cafes," Welch said.

“Certainly a movie theater, probably on the other side of the walking village and then that would connect to the apartment complexes and to the hotel," Welch added.

Kelly Park Crossing would transform six miles of pasture land at the Windy Acres Ranch, near a soon-to-open section of the Wekiva Parkway at Kelly Park Road, into a bustling city center.

“The [Wekiva] Parkway is certainly the key," Welch said.

However, Welch admits the project, which has been talked about and marketed in the area for years, is behind schedule. 

“I would have thought that I’d be sipping on a Barnie’s Coffee or a Starbucks Coffee standing here talking to you, maybe in 2008 or 2009," Welch said.

"We really couldn’t do anything about some of the external delays that impacted both the roadway (Wekiva Parkway) and the economy.  So, I would have thought by now maybe we would be onto our second phase. But we’re very patient and I think as I said earlier, things are coming together perfectly now, so now is the right time," Welch added.

Developers believe the live, work, play concept will be self-sustaining. That’s why they’re setting aside several hundred acres for future growth in 2030.

“We do have quite a bit of land here so in Phase 2, hopefully we’ll see quite a bit more on the employment front, maybe more office buildings and things like that," Welch said.

Kelly Park Crossing began as an idea in 2004. In 2017, it could become reality.

“I think as soon as this fall, you could start seeing some construction been done. That would probably be the soonest," Welch said.

“I don’t have a silver shovel and it’s not an official groundbreaking yet but certainly we’re getting very close," Welch said.

Developers will Kelly Park Crossing project are working with the city of Apopka to finalize zoning for more than 500 acres of land.