King's Landing in Fort Pierce receives major site plan amendment
By Justin Breckenridge
July 16, 2025 at 1:57 PM EDT
FORT PIERCE — A major amendment to the previously approved site plan for the high-profile King’s Landing development in downtown Fort Pierce has been approved, moving the transformative project one step closer to construction.
During a recent city planning board meeting, Fort Pierce Planning Director Kevin Freeman presented the revised plans, calling it a “major amendment to a previously approved site plan” and noting that significant changes had been made since the city last updated the concept in Feb. 2022.
“We are in a time constraint with this one,” Freeman said, adding that the updated application will require review by the city's Preservation Board and final approval by the City Commission before or around September.
The original site plan included a C-shaped hotel layout with awkward access points from North Second Street. In collaboration with the developer, applicant, and various city departments, the revised plan proposes a more efficient single spine boulevard design connecting Indian River Drive to North Second Street.
“This will be presented more like a boulevard-type arrangement, with stores, access to a parking garage, restaurants, a hotel, and more,” Freeman said. “The site became more efficient and allowed development to put a larger capacity garage on the property.”
Key changes to the site plan include:
While a few minor engineering issues remain, Freeman noted they are standard and expected to be resolved before the final presentation to the City Commission.
Representatives from the development team also addressed concerns from the board. David Baggett of Haley Ward responded to questions about the stormwater treatment system, assuring board members it would be both innovative and environmentally conscious. Project leader Bill Ware addressed parking logistics during phased construction, stating that a lot west of Second Street would accommodate vehicles while the main garage is being built.
The planning board ultimately approved the amendment in a 4-1 vote subject to the changes proposed by city engineers being made.
King’s Landing, which has long been seen as a catalyst for Fort Pierce’s downtown revitalization, is expected to continue moving through the approval process in the coming months.
During a recent city planning board meeting, Fort Pierce Planning Director Kevin Freeman presented the revised plans, calling it a “major amendment to a previously approved site plan” and noting that significant changes had been made since the city last updated the concept in Feb. 2022.
“We are in a time constraint with this one,” Freeman said, adding that the updated application will require review by the city's Preservation Board and final approval by the City Commission before or around September.
The original site plan included a C-shaped hotel layout with awkward access points from North Second Street. In collaboration with the developer, applicant, and various city departments, the revised plan proposes a more efficient single spine boulevard design connecting Indian River Drive to North Second Street.
“This will be presented more like a boulevard-type arrangement, with stores, access to a parking garage, restaurants, a hotel, and more,” Freeman said. “The site became more efficient and allowed development to put a larger capacity garage on the property.”
Key changes to the site plan include:
- Hotel rooms increased from 140 to 148
- Restaurant space reduced from 38,085 sq. ft. to 12,900 sq. ft.
- Retail space increased from 17,290 sq. ft. to 19,900 sq. ft.
- Parking capacity increased to 516 spaces, including a 485-space garage
- Elimination of previously proposed townhomes
- Addition of 3,500 sq. ft. for fitness facilities and 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting rooms
While a few minor engineering issues remain, Freeman noted they are standard and expected to be resolved before the final presentation to the City Commission.
Representatives from the development team also addressed concerns from the board. David Baggett of Haley Ward responded to questions about the stormwater treatment system, assuring board members it would be both innovative and environmentally conscious. Project leader Bill Ware addressed parking logistics during phased construction, stating that a lot west of Second Street would accommodate vehicles while the main garage is being built.
The planning board ultimately approved the amendment in a 4-1 vote subject to the changes proposed by city engineers being made.
King’s Landing, which has long been seen as a catalyst for Fort Pierce’s downtown revitalization, is expected to continue moving through the approval process in the coming months.