FLEMING ISLAND – What began in 1982 as a Greensboro, N.C. store seeking to bring the open-air European market concept to the U.S. is now expanding to Fleming Island.

O’Connor Development Corp. announced Dec. 2 that construction is now underway for the Island Walk North Shopping Center, which will be anchored by The Fresh Market on Fleming Island. Located at 1960 East West Parkway in front of the Kohl’s department store, the specialty grocer will be part of a 40,805 square foot shopping center.

The Fresh Market will encompass 21,405 square feet and plans to open in August 2016. Other tenants will include The Loop, Sola Salon, Williams Jewelry, Exit Magnolia Point Realty, Woof Gang Bakery – a pet bakery and spa – and others who have chosen to remain unnamed at this time, stated the press release from O’Connor Development.

The Island Walk North Shopping Center project is being developed simultaneously with a 140 Room Independent and Assisted Living Facility at 1949 East West Parkway. In August, Panama City Beach, Fla.-based Sage Development Group announced plans to build a $20 million, 125,000 square foot senior care facility on a seven-acre tract at 1949 East West Parkway. The ALF will have 125 units and is expected to create about 75 jobs.

O’Connor Development also said a three-story climate controlled self storage facility is also under construction at 1939 East West Parkway.

Plans are underway for a Car Wash next to the Carmike Cinema at 1824 Town Center Boulevard. Auto Buffs, a well known and missed business in the Fleming Island area, plans to reopen at this new location.

Another new business is set to open near the Carmike Cinema, Sivada’s, a long awaited cupcake bakery, is expanding to Fleming Island. There will be plenty of sweetness going around with delicious cupcakes such as Crème Brulee, Tiramisu, Kentucky Bourbon, Tres LeChes, Snicker Doodle and Red Riding Hood, all of which Sivada’s will serve with a fresh cup of coffee.

Upon completion of these projects, O’Connor Development Corp. will have achieved build-out of its lands in the Eagle Harbor Commercial area.

John O’Connor’s first project in Eagle Harbor was the Publix shopping center in 1993. O’Connor has been responsible for the majority of the commercial development in the area, including all existing development fronting East West Parkway at the intersections of County Road 220, Town Center Parkway and U.S. Highway 17. O’Connor also developed the commercial properties on the north side of County Road 220 at Eagle Harbor.