A new, massive retail development along the County Road 484 in south Ocala has been identified as a future Walmart, marking the latest addition to the rapidly expanding corridor.
A major site plan for the project, officially titled the “SW Hwy 484 Super Center,” was reintroduced to the Marion County Development Review Committee (MCDRC) on Monday.
Ocala-News.com previously reported on the site plan when it was introduced last year. At the time, it was unclear what retailer would occupy the site.
The project is situated on a large parcel near the intersection of SW Highway 484 and SW 57th Avenue Road. It is being brought forward by The Phillips Edison Group, LLC, on behalf of the property owner, 484 Road Runner Resources, LLC.
On Monday, a waiver request was introduced to the MCDRC to allow for one-foot contours 25 feet beyond the project boundary, instead of 100 feet beyond.
That new document shows that the project is being led by Walmart. Although the developer’s application does not explicitly name the anchor tenant, site plans depict a layout characteristic of a Walmart Supercenter, a Walmart Neighborhood Market, or a Sam’s Club.
Recent photos of the site show that land clearing is already well underway, with heavy machinery grading the sandy soil to prepare for the expansive development.
The site plan outlines a main “Retail 1” building comprising 146,261 square feet, along with an attached 8,027-square-foot liquor store. The design also includes specific infrastructure for a “Grocery Pickup” area and pharmacy drive-thru lanes, standard features for the retail giant’s new locations.
Additionally, the plans indicate future development potential with multiple outparcels lining SW Highway 484 that would share access with the main supercenter.
The new supercenter must receive approval from the Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission and the Marion County Board of County Commissioners before vertical construction will begin.
The arrival of the large grocery store further cements the Highway 484 corridor as a booming zone for both residential and commercial activity. The site is located near several other major developments, including a new Publix under construction, as well as McGinley Landing, a new residential community.
County officials approved the final plat for the first phase of McGinley Landing in March 2025, clearing the way for 142 new homes at the site. Developed by D.R. Horton, the community will feature several amenities including a basketball court, pickleball courts, a walking trail, and a dog park.
County staff have noted that the supercenter project must still address various technical requirements, including traffic signage, stormwater management, and fire department access, before final construction permits are issued.
If it is constructed, the new supercenter will also join multiple other new Walmart locations that are in various stages of development across Marion County.
That includes a Walmart Neighborhood Market that just celebrated its grand opening on Maricamp Road last week, and another store planned for the very southern tip of Marion County, in The Villages.
What are your thoughts on the new project? Share them in a comment below or, if you have more to say on the topic, write a letter to the editor.