LEESBURG, Fla. — Blount Development Group along with partner, Birchmier Construction has successfully acquired a 7.80-acre property for Small Bay Flex at 28034 US Highway 27, marking a significant milestone for the first BB Flex Group location. This small planned unit development, named The Bays at Commander, is strategically designed to meet the growing demand for flexible commercial and lifestyle workspace in Lake County.
The property, located east of US 27 and north of Commander Road in Lake County, was purchased following a strategic partnership between Blount Development Group and Birchmier Construction. The two firms formed BB Flex Group as the overall parent company to develop the project, combining Blount’s expertise in land strategy and entitlements with Birchmier’s construction capabilities.
Strategic Land Acquisition
The foundation of The Bays at Commander was built on a highly targeted land acquisition strategy. The partnership between Blount and Birchmier was established well before the land search began, allowing the team to fully develop the BB Flex concept and then identify a site that perfectly aligned with their vision.
The 7.80-acre parcel was carefully selected for its prime location and accessibility. The acquisition was facilitated by an existing, long-standing relationship between the seller and Blount, which allowed for a smooth transaction and ensured the project was viable from the start.
The decision to develop in Leesburg was guided by deep local knowledge. Rick Blount, the company’s owner, grew up in the area and maintains strong connections to the region. The development team identified industrial flex space as a critical gap in the local market—one that serves not only traditional business uses but also the evolving needs of remote workers, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs who require dedicated space outside the home.
Regulatory Approval and Design
In November 2025, the City of Leesburg approved a Small Planned Unit Development (SPUD) designation for the property (Case #SPUD-25-704), rezoning the site from residential to accommodate industrial and commercial flex uses. The approval permits approximately 52,750 square feet of development across six buildings, with unit sizes ranging from 1,250 to 3,000 square feet.
The SPUD process required coordination with city planners on stormwater management, wetland buffers, landscaping standards, and infrastructure planning. The development will maintain 35 percent open space and includes provisions for dark-sky lighting, pedestrian access along Commander Road, and enhanced perimeter buffering where the property abuts residential areas.
Market Positioning: The New Office Space
BB Flex Group views flex space as an emerging category that bridges traditional office and industrial uses.
“We see this as the new office space,” said Rick Blount. “The market has shifted. People need room to work, create, and store—whether that’s for a business, a side project, or a lifelong hobby. This isn’t just about filling a gap; it’s about anticipating how people will use commercial space going forward.”
Project Timeline
The Bays at Commander Road in Leesburg is the first BB Flex Group development, with additional sites planned for Titusville and Charlotte, North Carolina. The Leesburg project is scheduled for completion in spring 2027. Pre-sales are currently underway, offering early pricing and customization options.
Email us for more information at info@bbflexgroup.com or call us at 1-352-782-0552