Massive DoubleBranch Mixed-Use Development Breaks Ground In East Pasco

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Ground was broken Thursday on a major mixed-use development that Pasco County commissioners said will have a "profound impact" on the county's future.

Commissioners attended a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by developer Columnar Land to celebrate the start of construction on the mixed-use development, DoubleBranch, formerly known as Pasco Town Center. Columnar has invested more than $60 million to date and is constructing another $75 million for infrastructure for the first phase.

“DoubleBranch has been anticipated in Pasco County for nearly two decades.,” said Daniel Traylor, managing principal for Columnar's DoubleBranch. “Today marks the beginning of the first phase of development for a project that will have a tremendous impact on generations of Pasco County residents.”

Related: Pasco Town Center To Have 'Profound' Impact On County's Future

The major development will feature 4 million square feet of industrial development, 725,000 square feet of offices, 400,000 square feet of retail, 3,500 housing units and 300 hotel beds on a 965-acre parcel at the southeast corner of Interstate 75 and State Road 52 east McKendree Road, which will be renamed Boyette Road.

Upon completion, DoubleBranch is expected to generate more than $600 million in long-term economic impact on an estimated $2 billion buildout for the surrounding area. As companies locate to DoubleBranch, the development is anticipated to generate 6,000 jobs including employment in the logistics, life sciences and health care industries.

“Our team is proud and excited to get this project started,” said Mike Wolf, senior vice president of Columnar's DoubleBranch. “Since purchasing the land in 2021, we set out to intentionally create a desirable town center development where Pasco gathers to work, live and entertain while creating jobs and economic development for the county.

“Pasco County leadership is very cognizant of creating opportunities for smart, strategic development,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council. “This is one of the largest master-planned development projects we have had here, and it has taken tremendous effort by Columnar, county officials and stakeholders alike to make sure it is done right. I was honored to be a part of the celebration yesterday.”

“The DoubleBranch project is an excellent example of the benefits of a public-private partnership,” said Pasco County Economic Growth Director David Engel. “The developer is installing over $70 million in on- and off-site primary roads and utility connections to complete core infrastructure for the entire Connected City Employment Center area. Pasco is providing an Ad Valorem Equivalency Grant to fund a portion of the infrastructure cost. And when this project is complete, over $9.5 million in ad valorem taxes will come into the county each year.”

The Pasco County Commission unanimously approved the development in July 2022.

“I'm more excited about this project than you can ever imagine," said Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, who represents the district that will include the development.

“Once completed, the county will see an estimated $100 return for every dollar invested," said Oakley. "This project is a win-win for east Pasco, bringing new infrastructure and jobs with minimal cost to the county.”

"When you think about the jobs that are going to be created here, the quality of life for Pasco County, and the quality of life for the whole region, that's what Pasco County is turning into," said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, noting that he moved to Pasco County at the age of 10. "When you think about the economic engine of 30 years ago, all the cars went south to Hillsborough County. Now think about 20 years from now, they'll be coming from Hillsborough to Pasco to work."

Wolf said the section along the I-75 corridors will focus on the health and wellness industry with a retail component. He said the developer is also working with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture to design the project with sustainable features, parks, green space and multimodal trails that can accommodate bicyclists, runners and golf carts.

"We think that's truly critical to the project's success," Wolf said. "We're really excited to bring this quality of development to the area. It's going to be a phenomenal project."