McDonald’s coming to Hobe Sound

In small towns across America, crowds frequently line construction sites in anticipation of the first McDonald’s restaurant opening in town. No crowds have gathered in Hobe Sound, but construction of the fast-food restaurant, nonetheless, has begun. Site preparation has been underway for about three weeks for the Lemaster Investments development, Olympia Plaza, east of Federal Highway and a quarter mile north of Bridge Road, home to Hobe Sound’s own McDonald’s. It is the first building to be constructed on the 5.23 acre lot, according to the permit application.

The commercial project includes approximately 4,000 sq. ft. for the drive-through restaurant, 5,000 sq. ft. for a drive-through bank, 16,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 4,000 sq. ft. for wholesale sales and services, according to Joe Banfi, principal planner for the Martin County Growth Management Department. No amendments to the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan were requested, since the property held a General Commercial District zoning and is designated for Commerical General use on the Future Land Use Map. McDonald’s holds the first building permit.

“If it hasn’t already begun, building construction is imminent,” Banfi added. It is the first new development to be undertaken under the standards set forth in the Hobe Sound Redevelopment Plan that emphasizes pedestrian accessibility. As a result, accommodations for pedestrian and bike traffic, including bike racks, have been included in the plaza’s design. Southeast Edwyn Street, which currently ends at the rear of the Boys and Girls Club of Hobe Sound, and its sidewalks will be extended to the plaza parking lot at the developer’s expense to ensure pedestrian ingress and egress to and from the plaza, a hallmark of Community Redevelopment Agency standards.