The Villages has unveiled plans for apartments above a popular restaurant.
The P.B. Smythe building on Main Street will see its office space converted to apartments above the Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse at Spanish Springs Town Square.
This news follows a previous announcement for apartments at the Citrus Exchange Building, the longtime home of The Villages Daily Sun. The newspaper office, which has been located for decades at Spanish Springs, has moved to Lake Sumter Landing, taking over the former offices of the District Government, which are now located in Brownwood.
Spanish Springs, which is more than three decades old, is currently undergoing a major transformation with an emphasis on more walkable spaces.
The former home of Katie Belle’s has already been converted to the Lofts at Van Patten House. A one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment there begins at $1,850 per month and a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment starts at $3,300 per month.
Apartments at Spanish Springs have been a highly emotional issue for residents. In 2022, the Lady Lake Commission voted against allowing The Villages to proceed with its plan for apartments. However, The Villages threatened to sue the Town of Lady Lake and a commissioner changed his vote, allowing the apartments to move forward.