By: Makayla Richardson
Special to The Daily Sun
Nestled just five minutes off I-75 in the heart of Alachua, Progress Park stands as one of North Central Florida’s most dynamic destinations for biotech, tech, and forward-thinking innovation. Spanning over 150 acres, this privately developed park is home to 34 businesses and more than 1,200 daytime employees, all drawn to its unique blend of academic collaboration, infrastructure, and scenic setting.
Where Science Meets Growth
Founded in 1996, Progress Park was envisioned as a catalyst for high-impact innovation and industry-university synergy. Today, its tenants include national biotech leaders like RTI Surgical (Nasdaq: RTIX) and Brammer Bio, as well as UF Innovate | Sid Martin Biotech, one of the nation’s most successful biotech incubators. Businesses here benefit from proximity to the University of Florida, Santa Fe College, and Gainesville Regional Airport, with access to Foreign Trade Zone 064 benefits via JAXPORT.
Supporting this ecosystem is Biotility at UF’s CERHB, providing workforce education and training to support the region’s thriving life sciences sector.
Retail Expansion: A New Era of Amenities
For nearly three decades, Progress Park’s reputation has been rooted in laboratory and office innovation—but now, it’s making history again.
Robert Wallace, a longtime entrepreneur, is credited with developing the first-ever retail-focused building within Progress Park, marking a pivotal expansion in the park’s offerings. This new 9,000 sq. ft. retail development, exclusively represented by Portal Commercial Realty Group, introduces a fresh dynamic to the traditionally tech-focused corridor. With Kookaburra Coffee already signed on as the anchor tenant, the project is bringing energy, vibrancy, and much-needed amenities to the ecosystem.
Currently available suites start at 1,700 sq. ft., offering flexible buildouts and direct visibility along US-441, a major commuter and commercial artery that enhances foot traffic and access.
Property Highlight: 11694 Research Dr, Alachua, FL 32615
- Retail | Single Tenant | 11,900 sq. ft.
- Lease Rate: $23 – $29/SF/YR
- 7 Suites | Class A Construction | 50 Parking Spaces
- Built: 2022 | 5.07 Acres | Zoning: PUD
- Adjacent to Convergence: a 600-home residential development
- Traffic Count: 20,000+ ADT
Progress Park’s newest retail center is the most highly visible commercial opportunity in Alachua County. The center is ideal for:
- Restaurants
- Fitness studios
- Medical or wellness offices
- Salons
- Retail boutiques
- Childcare centers
A drive-thru outparcel is also available for lease or sale.
Represented by: Portal Commercial Realty Group
A Community Built on Collaboration
Progress Park is managed by the Progress Center Property Owner’s Association (PCPOA), with oversight by Sandy Burgess of Burgess Management Services LLC. The association handles landscaping, signage, and maintenance of restrictive covenants and guidelines to ensure quality across all properties.
Across the street, Santa Fe College’s Emerging Technologies Center and Santa Fe High School’s biotechnology program continue to educate the next generation of life science professionals—feeding the talent pipeline directly into Progress Park’s companies.
Connect with Our Team
Interested in leasing, investing, or developing in Progress Park? Reach out to the team at Portal Commercial Realty Group:
- Teresa Callen – teresa@portalgainesville.com
- Makayla Richardson – makayla@portalgainesville.com
- Jordan Fennell – jordan@portalgainesville.com
- Caleb Noble – caleb@portalgainesville.com
- Derek Callen – derek@portalgainesville.com
- Cameron Banks – cameron@portalgainesville.com
Visit GainesvilleCommercial.com to explore more stories about the businesses and developments shaping Gainesville’s future.
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