Babcock Ranch expansion continues with a dining, wellness, office hub

B Street, a new mixed-use area now under construction in the WestTown area of Babcock Ranch, will serve as a walkable hub for state-of-the-art offices, wellness and dining and retail options at its completion in late 2026, officials announced June 17.

B Street is one of several active commercial projects in Babcock Ranch’s 6-million-square-foot growth plan.

Located off Lake Babcock Drive across from the Discovery Center and Lee Health, Slater’s Food and Provisions and an existing retail and office building are on either side of the B Street area.

The foundation for the new Kitson & Partners building, set to serve as the headquarters for the Babcock Ranch developer, has already been poured. Vertical construction for the office building and surrounding structures is expected to begin in late June 2025.

“B Street reflects our vision for a vibrant, connected community that grows with purpose,” said Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners. “It’s more than just construction, it’s our vision for residents, entrepreneurs and visitors to experience the innovation, sustainability, and community spirit that define Babcock Ranch.”

The project remains on schedule, with several major construction benchmarks on the horizon. By January 2026, tenant buildouts and interior work are expected to begin, leading up to the district’s grand opening in the first quarter of 2026.

In addition to a residential building with some 150 apartments with private amenities, B Street will have a 42,000-square-foot office building with sustainable air filtration systems, 21,000 square feet of ground-level retail space and about 1,000 parking spaces, officials said.

A number of tenants have already signed leases, including Carondelet Drink Parlor, a craft cocktail bar; Flourish and Pops, which sells popcorn, Italian sodas and boutique gifts; Kong Fu Ramon, a traditional noodle bar; Sugaring LA, an organic body sugaring studio; and Wholistic Motus, which will offer specialized physical therapy. Also on board are BBQ King Smokehouse & Tavern, Blush Nail Lounge, Mangiamo Italian Restaurant, NV Realty, South Florida Title Insurers and Way Better Insurance.

Some new tenants already had a deep connection to Babcock Ranch before choosing to open their businesses at B Street, including residents-turned-entrepreneurs, and over a half dozen owners offered reasons why they chose to establish their businesses at Babcock Ranch, particularly at B Street.

Residents Brad and Kylie Sevy, said their Flourish and Pops was inspired by a desire to create a community-centered space. “We’re excited to bring handcrafted popcorn, sparkling sodas, and boutique gifts to B Street, a place where neighbors can connect, celebrate, and feel right at home,” said Kylie Sevy.

Karen Culbertson, owner of Way Better Insurance, said, “I live just up the road in Alva and have watched Babcock Ranch grow from the very beginning. We’ve gotten to enjoy all the trails and pickleball courts, all the great new businesses, it’s just been amazing to see this community come together. We’re excited to open our newest location for Way Better Insurance at B Street and can’t wait to be a part of what’s happening out here.”

Jacquie Gold of NV Realty; Ni Ho of Blush Nail Lounge; Dr. Jody Mohle Corr, founder of Wholistic Motus Physical Therapy; and Maria Thomas of Carondelet Drink Parlor, are among the new business owners.

Master-planned Babcock Ranch was designed for residents to walk, bike or drive a short distance within the community to find all of their services and needs, including healthcare.

B Street near the existing Publix at Crescent B Commons, and a second grocery store is planned for the MidTown section, a spokesperson said.

Babcock Ranch’s existing restaurants include Gator Shack, The Lakehouse Kitchen & Bar, Slater’s, M’Xuma Tacos, Pi Local Pizza, The Enclave, U-Yee Sushi and Starbucks.

Residents currently have an array of service providers for their nail and hair care, vision, fitness and martial arts, banking and veterinary care, including an animal hospital. The community also has two public schools for elementary and high school students.

When built out, Babcock Ranch’s population is projected at 50,000. Its 18,000 acres will encompass various neighborhoods, retail and commercial areas, and parks and recreational spaces.