Construction barriers now in place at Spanish Springs Town Square

Construction barriers are now in place at Spanish Springs Town Square.

The construction barriers signal the beginning of the first phase of a major renovation at The Villages’ first town square, which is now more than three decades old.

Earlier this year, the Village Center Community Development District Board of Supervisors approved a bid of $1.2 million from G & G Construction of Marion County Inc. for the first phase of improvements at The Villages’ original town square.

The project is aimed at improving the attractiveness of the square. The improvements consist of pedestrian concrete paving, pedestrian decorative paving, new raised seating areas and planters, tile work, precast concrete work, handrails, landscape/irrigation improvements, as well as electrical and lighting improvements.

In addition to the work funded by the VCCDD, the Developer has announced projects, including renovations at La Reina Building. That will include improvements to the vacant restaurant and patio area that was previously home to Gator’s Dockside.

The renovations will necessitate moving and canceling some entertainment events.

Nightly entertainment at the Gazebo will continue, but the Cinco De Mayo festival has been canceled at Spanish Springs. The monthly Cruise In set for April 19 will go on as planned, but the brakes will be put on the monthly car shows during the duration of the renovation project.

As of May 3, the Spanish Springs Mercado and Market Nights will be moved to Brownwood where they will be packaged into larger events.

Shows will continue as planned at The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center.