Lake Nona West Retail: Bringing a Retail Vision to Life Through Design, Collaboration and Strategic Partnership
When Tavistock Development Company envisioned Lake Nona West Retail, the goal was never to build another shopping center. The vision was to create a regional destination where shopping, dining, entertainment, public art, and community experiences come together. Cuhaci Peterson was engaged early to help shape both the physical design and long-term vision of the development.
54+ Acres
Experiential Retail
Retail + Dining + Placemaking
Strategic partnership from day one
THE VISION
A destination designed before the tenants were finalized.
Lake Nona West Retail presented a unique challenge. The project would bring together flagship national retailers, destination dining, local concepts and experiential gathering spaces across more than 54 acres. Cuhaci Peterson worked closely with Tavistock’s leasing team to evaluate retailer requirements, anticipate challenges and support negotiations with prospective tenants.
KEY ANCHOR RETAILERS
WHAT CUHACI PETERSON DELIVERED
A more informed, collaborative and community-driven way to bring retail destinations to life.
Strategic Leasing Support
Advised on retailer requirements, evaluated options and supported negotiations to align the tenant mix with the long-term vision for the project.
Protecting the Design Vision
Helped maintain the integrity of the architectural and site design while accommodating evolving retailer needs and market conditions.
Retailer Coordination
Bridged communication between ownership, retailers and the design and construction teams to keep the project moving forward.
Public Realm & Placemaking
Supported the integration of public art, outdoor gathering spaces and a pedestrian-friendly environment to create a distinctive sense of place.
Construction Collaboration
Worked closely with the construction team to address challenges, refine details and ensure design intent was realized in the built environment.
Long-Term Community Value
Contributed to a destination that strengthens the local economy, creates jobs and provides a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Real decisions. Real destination impact.
Designing with Leasing in Mind
Created a flexible, attractive design that appealed to national retailers while supporting local concepts and unique experiences.
Retailers Adapted to the Place
The design language came first. Retailers embraced the vision and adapted to the architecture, rather than dictating it.
Designed for Community Life
Integrated outdoor spaces, dining and public art create a vibrant environment where people want to gather, shop and spend time.
Collaboration from Day One
A true partnership with Tavistock from the earliest stages through design, leasing and construction.
WHY LAKE NONA WEST IS DIFFERENT
Most retail destinations start with tenant requirements.
Lake Nona West was shaped by a larger vision.
The design language came first, creating a cohesive, distinctive environment with signature canopies, varied building elevations, public art and pedestrian-friendly gathering spaces. Retailers adapted to the place, resulting in a destination that feels intentional, authentic and uniquely Lake Nona.
THE RESULT
Better alignment. Stronger placemaking.
A destination built for what’s next.
Lake Nona West Retail has become a marquee destination, attracting national retailers, local concepts and thousands of visitors. It stands as a blueprint for experiential retail and a testament to what becomes possible when architecture, leasing strategy, placemaking and collaboration are aligned from the beginning.
Strengthen
leasing momentum
Protect
design intent
Accelerate
community impact
Creating places where communities gather, connect, and thrive.
For Cuhaci Peterson, Lake Nona West represents more than a successful project, it represents the power of thoughtful design to create destinations with lasting identity and impact.