Udell Funeral Home is under construction as it expands on Walker Avenue.

Re-occupancy and redevelopment of vacant or underutilized buildings in Live Oak has been on the rise lately, according to a city council report from Live Oak Development Manager George Curtis. Existing businesses are shifting locations while new businesses are filling in the buildings left behind or planning to construct new ones, mainly along US 129 (Ohio Avenue).

Curtis reports that Sports Connection, currently located near the Ohio Avenue and Howard Street intersection, is planning on moving near Bible Bookstore on South Ohio Avenue. The space Sports Connection currently occupies is set to be renovated for a new restaurant yet to be named. Other relocations that have or will take place include Car Quest and Grady’s Automotive to North Ohio Avenue, Shands Medical Group of Live Oak to the Live Oak Plaza, and Melody Thrift Store next to Hardee’s on South Ohio Avenue.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has set up offices on South Ohio Avenue next to Goody’s, while the remaining vacant interior that used to be K-Mart continues to undergo build-out, according to Curtis’ report. Other additions to the city in the last few months include a law group, restaurant, car wash, mobile hotdog stand and doctor and lab.

According to the report, investors have shown interest in properties formerly occupied by Douglas Auto Repair on South Ohio Avenue, and Joy Foods and Pic-N-Save on North Ohio Avenue, as well as various vacant buildings or lots in South Oaks Square off South Ohio and Overlook Park off North Ohio, where Lafayette State Bank is located. 
For the first time in several years new construction can be seen in Live Oak, such as the standalone Dollar Tree on North Ohio and the expansion of Udell Funeral Home on Walker Avenue. The Dollar Tree construction is anticipated for completion in July, according to Curtis’ report. The Mel-Margo apartment complex on 72nd Trace may see a second phase of apartment construction in the future as well, the report reads.

Possible new construction may be in the works for an unidentified business next to Zaxby’s on US 129 North; an expansion of the Juvenile Justice Department offices on Houston Avenue; a new diesel station on Houston across from the Recycling Center; and a new “9,100 square foot retail store project on 2.36 acres fronting US 90 and Madison Street,” according to the report. This last project “will result in several blighted buildings being demolished to make way for new construction,” Curtis stated.

Property under new ownership include the former Beverage Barn on North Ohio Avenue, the old Clayton Station on West Howard Street, and 72nd Trace’s Canyon Vistas commercial and residential subdivision. At least one new business will be established at the old Clayton Station soon, according to the report.