A proposed mixed-use development that could bring new shops, restaurants, housing, and public gathering space to downtown Clermont has cleared its first major hurdle.

On Monday night, the Clermont Planning & Zoning Commission approved plans for the project, which is proposed for 821 Minneola Avenue at the corner of Minneola Avenue and 8th Street. The proposal will now move to the Clermont City Council, where elected officials will make the final decision on whether the project can move forward.

If approved, the development would transform a property just a short walk from downtown's waterfront into a pedestrian-friendly destination featuring retail, residential living, and a central courtyard.

The project, proposed by Coastal Investment Land Trust, consists of four three-story boutique buildings arranged around a landscaped central courtyard known as The Court.

The first floor would feature four commercial storefronts, creating space for small businesses, restaurants, cafés, or boutique retail. The upper two floors would include 16 residential units, giving future residents the opportunity to live within walking distance of downtown restaurants, events, Waterfront Park, and Lake Minneola.

The courtyard would serve as the heart of the development, providing a shared outdoor gathering space designed for residents and visitors alike.

One of the most notable aspects of the proposal is how closely it aligns with Clermont's long-term vision for downtown.

Rather than placing buildings behind large parking lots, the structures would sit close to the sidewalks along Minneola Avenue and 8th Street. Front porches, entrances, and large windows would face the street, encouraging foot traffic and creating a more inviting environment for pedestrians.

This style of development reflects the direction city leaders have been working toward in recent years—creating a downtown where people can comfortably walk between homes, shops, restaurants, and public spaces instead of relying on their vehicles for every trip.

The combination of ground-floor commercial space with housing above is also consistent with the city's Downtown Mixed Use planning goals, which encourage vibrant, active streets while increasing housing opportunities near the city's core.

Architecturally, the buildings are designed to complement the character of downtown Clermont instead of competing with it.

The plans feature Southern coastal-inspired architecture with wraparound porches, decorative iron balconies, and a corner tower topped with a cupola. The goal is to create a development that feels like a natural extension of downtown while adding new life and investment to the surrounding area.

Many of the residential units are also designed to receive natural light from multiple directions, with views overlooking either the courtyard, nearby streets, or Lake Minneola.

As Clermont continues to grow, one of the city's biggest challenges is balancing that growth while preserving the charm of its historic downtown.

Projects like this represent a shift toward creating a more walkable, mixed-use downtown where residents can live, work, shop, and gather in the same neighborhood. In addition to creating new housing opportunities, the development could provide valuable commercial space for locally owned businesses and contribute to a more active downtown environment throughout the week.

While the project has received approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission, it is not yet final. The proposal will now move to the Clermont City Council, where council members will consider the plans and vote on whether the development will move forward.