Commercially, DeLand has seen much growth over the past few years, but there is potentially more on the horizon. There is a proposed project at the intersection of I-4 and SR 44 called Gateway DeLand. Currently, most motorists driving past the Interstate 4/State Road 44 interchange see mostly large swaths of trees and undeveloped land. In the next few years, we could see hotels, a grocery store, apartments and other retail shops.
There are 60,000 cars a day passing going to the beach or the (Orlando) attractions. The intent for the commercial development is to cater to retailing needs without having people drive the five miles to town (DeLand) to reach the (U.S.) 17-92 corridor. It’s also the first interchange for westbound drivers leaving the beach on I-4 headed toward Orlando. Current interchange developments include a Budget Inn, a BP gas station, DeLand Crossings Industrial Park and the Volusia County Fair & Expo Center. However, much more is on the horizon.
The immediate vicinity currently does not have enough homes to support some of the proposed retail establishments at this time such as a grocery store, but it is estimated that 2,000 new houses will be built nearby in the next couple of years, especially in the growing Victoria Park master-planned community four miles south of the I-4/State Road 44 interchange.
The commercial plans are approved and the company has also released a video. See more information about Gateway DeLand including functions of proposed parcels on the developer’s brochure.