The long-anticipated redevelopment of Seminole Towne Center, a 1995-era enclosed mall in Sanford, has officially moved forward following the Sanford City Commission’s Feb. 10 vote to approve the project’s plans.

The approval clears the way for developer The Ardent Companies to reimagine the aging mall property, including demolition of the former Macy’s building, construction of a new Costco warehouse, and reconfiguration of the surrounding retail and circulation areas.

City officials described the vote as a pivotal step in revitalizing one of Sanford’s most visible commercial corridors, positioning the property for long-term economic growth while adapting to changing retail trends.

From Classic Mall to Modern Retail Hub

Seminole Towne Center has faced the same pressures as many traditional enclosed malls: declining department store traffic, the rise of e-commerce, and competition from open-air shopping centers. The redevelopment is designed to address these challenges while retaining the mall’s core function as a community shopping destination.

Under the approved plans, the first phase of redevelopment focuses on:

Demolition of the former Macy’s anchor space

Construction of a new Costco warehouse as the primary anchor

Reconfiguration of parking, access roads, and utilities to improve circulation

Potential expansion for additional commercial or mixed-use components in future phases

Construction is expected to begin later in 2026, with vertical building of the Costco and related infrastructure to follow. The new warehouse is slated to open in 2027, assuming permitting and construction timelines proceed as planned.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Officials and developers expect the project to create hundreds of construction jobs during redevelopment and provide permanent employment once Costco and the redesigned retail spaces open. The redevelopment will also expand the city’s sales tax base and attract new retail tenants, generating a broader economic ripple effect for Sanford and surrounding communities.

Costco serves as a stabilizing anchor, drawing consistent foot traffic that remains critical to the property’s long-term success.

Part of a National Trend

Seminole Towne Center’s transformation is part of a broader U.S. trend in which traditional enclosed malls are repurposed or repositioned to meet modern retail and community needs. Unlike projects that convert malls fully into mixed-use residential districts, Sanford’s plan prioritizes retail first, using a high-performing anchor tenant to reinvigorate the center while leaving room for potential future development phases.

A similar approach is underway at RiverGate Mall in North Nashville, where Merus is redeveloping the aging mall site into a 57-acre mixed-use district. Like Sanford’s plan, the RiverGate project preserves retail as a key component, anchored by new shops and dining, while also incorporating housing, office space, and public green areas. Both projects illustrate a growing national trend of modernizing traditional malls to balance immediate economic impact with long-term community value.

Real estate experts note that this approach balances immediate economic impact with long-term adaptability, a model increasingly common in regions where malls remain viable but require modernization.

Looking Ahead

With the City Commission’s approval in place, the project enters permitting, demolition, and site-preparation stages. The Ardent Companies will work closely with city officials to coordinate construction phases, manage traffic, implement safety measures, and communicate with the community.

For Sanford, the redevelopment represents a major reinvestment in the city’s retail landscape — one that may serve as a model for other mid-sized urban areas looking to rejuvenate aging malls without losing their central role in the community.

Seminole Towne Center – Redevelopment Factsheet

Location: Sanford, Florida, U.S.A.

Original Opening: 1995

Developer: The Ardent Companies

Anchor Tenant: Costco

Project Type: Mall Redevelopment / Retail-Focused Mixed-Use

Key Components

Demolition of former Macy’s anchor building

Construction of new Costco warehouse

Reconfigured retail spaces and circulation

Potential future mixed-use expansion

Timeline

City Approval: Feb. 10, 2026

Demolition Start: Expected Spring 2026 (April likely)

Construction Start: 2026 (vertical construction after demolition)

Costco Opening: Targeted 2027

Economic Impact

Hundreds of construction jobs

Hundreds of permanent retail and service jobs

Expected expansion of local tax base