By Jim Carchidi
August 24, 2026
The city of Groveland is proceeding with a land swap proposal aimed at creating new homes, medical offices, and educational facilities. Along with $25 million in savings.
The deal was presented to Groveland City Council last week and based on an amended version of the Carabao Commons city center, approved in 2024.
A new city center
The first project proposed a range of developments in contrast with the current small-town vibe of downtown Groveland.
The original project was brought forward by Avalon Park Group in partnership with Carabao International real estate. Construction had been slated for Carabao-owned property in downtown Groveland with plans calling for 530 residential units, 45,000 square feet of commercial space, and a 25,000-square-foot community center. Additional improvements included a parking garage, new street designs, and a restoration of Groveland's historic train station. About $25 million in city-approved economic incentives had been granted for the development.
Alternatives were considered when the economic incentives became complicated by city budget constraints. Concerns regarding potential traffic impacts and increased demand on downtown utility services were also raised.
Revising the vision
Under the new proposal, presented at the Aug. 17 city council meeting, development partners would forego the approved $25 million in incentives and Carabao International would swap its downtown property for 34 acres of city-owned land on Sampey Road, currently used as a spray field for the safe disposal of treated wastewater. According to the meeting agenda, Future Land Use designations would change from Established Neighborhood and Conservation to Agriculture, Employment Center and Conservation.
A land use map included with the Aug. 17 meeting agenda shows the Sampey Road property.
The revised master plan decreases residential density from 530 units to 94 single-family lots and offers urgent care and freestanding emergency medical buildings. An academic component will feature K-12 and secondary education facilities with technical training and workforce certification developed through partnerships with schools, employers, and nonprofits.
The development partners also intend to work with the city on a new downtown hotel, restaurants, and public spaces. And the historic train station will be dedicated back to the city with plans to add a public plaza. The estimated total investment is approximately $200 million.
“This is exactly the kind of public-private partnership that creates lasting value for a community,” Avalon Park Group CEO Beat Kahli said in a prepared statement. “We are grateful to the City of Groveland for its collaboration and shared vision. Together, we are working toward a solution that benefits residents, supports responsible growth and creates opportunities for the region for generations to come.”
What's next
As plans move forward, a city work session will be scheduled and due diligence on the Sampey Road property will follow. A non-binding term sheet outlining exchange terms and infrastructure responsibilities will also be presented. Additional details will be made available by the City of Groveland and Avalon Park Group as they become available.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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