Beginnings on the Edge of Lakeland
Lakeland Square Mall opened in 1988, developed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation in collaboration with Homart Development Company as a one-floor enclosed shopping center.
Anchors at the opening included Mervyn’s, Sears, and Belk, with Maison Blanche joining soon after. Together, they created the county’s first full mix of department stores under one roof.
The property offered about 4,500 parking spaces and room for 92 stores. Positioned directly on Interstate 4, the mall was marketed as a convenient stop for travelers moving between Tampa and Orlando, while also serving as a new hub for residents of Polk County…