LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) – The NOBAY project in Downtown Lakeland is part of nationwide urban reawakening.

When it’s finished this September, NOBAY will have 55 residential units and spaces for 11 new businesses.

Matt Clark is the president of Broadway Real Estate Services, the company behind the project. “We hope it attracts other developers into Lakeland. We want to see a real renaissance period in our downtown and see the growth we think we are capable of,” Clark said.

But not everyone is happy to see this growth. Marni Johnson owns a business that she says is being overshadowed by the project.

Johhnson said a 150-space parking lot once existed at the site of the project.

“People can’t see that I am here, so the line of vision is broken by the wood that is out there, but it will be worse once the buildings are up,” Johnson said.

She has been in her current location for 13 years and wonders what the future holds for her business. “I think people just need to think abut the impact of such a project. I think it is too big for this space,” Johnson said.

The developers say they are trying to be good neighbors. “Sometimes progress and growth is disruptive, but in the long term we think it is going to add value to their property as well and have a big impact for their businesses,” Clark said.

Joel Vann just opened a Bar-B-Q restaurant across the street from NOBAY. He’s keeping his fingers crossed that the 100 new residents will frequent his business.

“Though our parking is gone right now, I think in the long run it is really going to help create a bigger business for us,” Vann said.MORE STORIES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN