UPDATE: This story was amended to reflect the correct ownership of The Forge.
A new, large-scale dining concept and brewery under construction near downtown Ocala is reportedly making progress at its site.
The Forge, which is being led by owners Joel and Sheila Gibson, is still under construction at its site at 343 NE 1st Avenue in Ocala.
The Gibsons have undertaken a huge project in transforming the former WMOP radio building in Ocala’s Midtown District.
The site has been undergoing extensive renovations for over a year. Last fall, the group received approval from the city to sell alcohol on its premises.
The 46,775-square-foot space is billed as a “modern and diverse concept space” that will feature an open dining plan with several restaurants, a brewery, a nightclub, and event venue.
In a video posted by Ocala Main Street, an organization that promotes local businesses, the organization mentioned that one of the eateries within the development had plans to open by the Spring. The organization also shared a brief video showing part of the interior of the facility.
City records show the new building will feature over 650 seats in its dining space and over 300 parking spaces, with hours of operation planned from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Among the six distinct concepts planned for the site are:
- Blind Eye: A two-story 1920s speakeasy offering Southern-inspired fare and a whiskey-focused bar program.
- Ignite: An Asian-fusion restaurant featuring sushi and contemporary dishes.
- The Hammock: A Mediterranean-style tapas bar emphasizing shareable plates.
The new dining concept is located just a couple of blocks away from Midtown Station, a similar concept that opened in 2024.
A third similar structure, The Paddock Market, is also currently under construction at the Paddock Mall.