New La Provence Apartments Planned at Former Green Gables Inn Site

Plans for new studio apartments with lake access on Lake Padgett are advancing following action by the Lake Wales City Commission.

Courtesy City of Lake Wales

The modified site plan reduces the overall density, creates three smaller buildings, and preserves a large recreation area fronting upon Lake Padgett. The former plan featured a single, taller building on the lakefront location.

The construction of new apartments on the site of the former Green Gables Inn will likely proceed with a significant reduction in density after a redesign of La Provence was approved by the Lake Wales City Commission. The commission had previously approved a plan that would have allowed a total of 165 new units. Attempts to reach a representative of the property owner were unsuccessful.

The change reduces the proposed density to 96 units and preserves a large lakefront recreation area. The original plan included a multi-story apartment building overlooking the lake but now depicts three two-story buildings placed away from the waterfront.

The one-time Howard Johnson's motel included 52 rooms which were converted to studio apartments about two years ago under phase one of the project. An existing pool and tennis courts remain as amenities in the redesigned plan. The rest of the 8.84 acre property fronting upon Lake Padgett and US 27 north of Mountain Lake Road is vacant or wooded.

The approved plan also allows the construction of an additional 2,000 square feet of commercial space. City staff took into consideration of that space and the adjoining Sizzling Grill restaurant, suggesting that the provision of convenient commercial space may help reduce off-site trips for residents.

Courtesy La Provence

A promotional photo provided by La Provence shows the interior space of an existing studio apartment.

The redesigned plan also eliminates a separate entrance north of the Sizzling Grill, which was deemed unnecessary by the Florida Department of Transportation. The restaurant and apartments will continue to share the existing access but have yet to agree on a shared parking agreement as city staff had requested.