In what could be considered the real estate deal of the century, Publix Super Markets will purchase the former JCPenney building and the Orange Street Garage from the City of Lakeland for just $10 each. Just think what else you could buy with a Hamilton (and consider if it compares to a whole building):
- A chicken pot pie from Born & Bread
- One day of parking at LAL airport
- A double feature at the Polk Theatre
- A Lakeland Manhattan cocktail during happy hour at the Terrace Grille
How did Publix get such a sweet deal on these properties? City officials say the option to purchase them for $10 was included in Publix’s original lease agreement in 1995 as a way to draw the biz to a barren downtown.
After paying for taxes and maintenance for the last 30 years, Publix is now ready to make it official, buying the building for the future technology campus that will occupy four downtown buildings.
