New complex to replace The Mercado

[kevin harrison]

It's about time...

International Drive’s Mercado shopping center has a date with a wrecking ball in September as its owners prepare to replace the moribund center with a 350,000-square-foot retail and dining complex.

Unicorp National Developments Inc. plans to level the Mercado on Sept. 6 and soon after begin construction of The Square, an mixture of upscale shops and eateries clustered around a plaza with fountains.

Unicorp plans to eventually add 2,000 hotel rooms on the 20-acre site. It says it will formally announce the project in as demolition begins. According to a company Web site, future tenants include Fogo De Chao, Trulucks, Martini Park, Ra Sushi and Rock Bottom.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I agree , well overdue - I have never heard of any of the tenants but has to be a good thing, especially if you are staying in the area.

 

[Strommie]

Sounds like it's going to be a much needed improvement

 

[Red-Snapper]

I believe it is trying to go "upscale" like a few other places on I-Drive.

Can remeber the good old days when the Mercado was at its peak and only had to compete with Church Street Station as a night time venue.