Litchfield Square begins to rise in the heart of Litchfield Park

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

After years of planning and preparation, the city’s vision for a vibrant, walkable downtown is becoming reality as construction ramps up at Litchfield Square.

The 26-acre mixed-use development is entering a new phase, with multiple buildings approved and the first foundations now in place. Planning Director Randy Proch said the progress marks a defining moment for the community.

“Litchfield Park is experiencing a period of exciting growth and transformation,” Proch said. “These projects reflect the city’s commitment to thoughtful growth while preserving our unique charm.”

Located at the northwest corner of La Loma Avenue and Village Parkway, the first new building under construction will bring approximately 40,000 square feet of office, restaurant and retail space. The three-story structure, known as Heritage Place, is being developed by LP Heritage Partners on Lots 3 and 4. It features a 6,000-square-foot outdoor patio on the third floor, designed for a future restaurant, and a separate 275-square-foot ice cream shop.

A second building has also been approved. Rudolfo Family Properties recently closed on Lots 1 and 2, and construction drawings are now under review. The proposed three-story building will include retail, restaurant and office space, along with additional rooftop dining areas and public gathering space. Construction is expected to begin before the end of 2025.

Design work is underway on Lots 13 and 14 for another mixed-use project. The current plan includes about 20,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor with 20 residential condominiums above. The residential units will feature gated access and private garages, blending new housing with walkable downtown amenities.

Mayor Thomas Schoaf said residents can expect to see substantial changes at Litchfield Square throughout the summer.

“Grading and the foundation of our first building have begun, with its walls and roof to follow shortly,” Schoaf said. “You will see it progress and grow this summer rising as our first Litchfield Square building.”

Schoaf added that a third building, the first in the city center to include residential condominiums, has been approved by the city’s Design Review Board and will go before City Council next. Construction on that project could also begin before the end of the year.

“The city center is taking shape after many years of planning and anticipation,” Schoaf said.

In February, the city completed the infrastructure work needed to support the entire district, including water, sewer, storm drain, street lighting, telecommunications, and streetscape systems. Landscaping includes a mix of olive, ash, and palm trees, with color-changing uplighting that can be programmed for holidays and special events.

Rather than rely on a single retail anchor, city officials say the centerpiece of Litchfield Square is its public park, which they view as a defining feature of the development.

“(This) is a really good start,” Schoaf said. “It’s about half of what will end up eventually there … we’re anticipating significant interest in the other parcels for the finishing pieces.”

City staff and developers expect to see several more phases of construction over the next year, ultimately bringing more than 200,000 square feet of buildable area to Litchfield Park’s emerging downtown.

For updates and more information, visit litchfieldpark.gov.