The city of Port St. Lucie continues to experience unprecedented growth, and the Tradition area is preparing to welcome one of its most ambitious projects to date.
The Tradition Entertainment District (TED) promises to transform an 85-acre plot into a vibrant commercial, culinary, and business hub along SW Village Parkway.
As the project gains national traction, we break down what it entails, its construction timeline, and how it will impact daily life for residents in the region.
What Is the Tradition Entertainment District?
The project is a mixed-use megadevelopment located in the Southern Grove area. Specifically, the main development will span extensive spaces along key corridors such as the intersection of Hegener Drive and SW Village Parkway, extending toward future Marshall Parkway.
The district is designed to include:
- 150,000 square feet dedicated exclusively to retail stores.
- 45,000 square feet of commercial office space.
- A 120-room hotel to boost local tourism and business.
- An expanded culinary complex: while initial plans included three restaurants, the project has expanded to accommodate five restaurants.
Strong Corporate Interest and Next Steps
Business enthusiasm for the district has exceeded expectations. According to recent reports, more than 50 companies have expressed strong interest in participating in the project. Among the interested parties are three supermarket chains and three movie theater chains, positioning the area as a true family leisure hub.
Around 40 corporations and real estate investment groups are expected to tour the site this month, with the goal of starting earth-moving and construction work within the next four to six months.
Economic Impact: The ‘Jobs Corridor’
Beyond entertainment, the district has a strong focus on economic growth and will serve as a pillar within the Southern Grove Jobs Corridor.
- Job Creation: From initial construction to the 120 hotel rooms, the 45,000-square-foot office sector, and multiple retail stores, the city anticipates the creation of hundreds of local jobs in corporate, service, and hospitality sectors.
- Real Estate Boost: Adjacent real estate projects, including residences and apartments, are already promoting their proximity to the new district as an incentive, driving up land value in the Port St. Lucie area.
How Will It Affect Traffic in the Area?
One of the biggest concerns residents have about any large-scale development is traffic. To proactively address this, the city is investing in key infrastructure before the entertainment district opens its doors.
Thanks to an $8.5 million project partially funded by a state grant and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a main road connecting to Anthony F. Sansone Sr. Boulevard is being built. This new route will provide a dedicated lane exclusively for commercial vehicles.
The goal of this road design is to keep heavy traffic away from SW Village Parkway as much as possible, ensuring smoother vehicular flow for residents and visitors to the district.
