Deep Creek Commons Leasing Activity

Deep Creek Commons

From Post-Hurricane Vacancy to Fully Leased Community Retail Center

When we stepped into Deep Creek Commons in mid-2022, the timing couldn’t have been more challenging.

Located at 24901 Sandhill Blvd in Punta Gorda, this 24,906 SF neighborhood retail plaza had just gone through a change in ownership, followed closely by the impact of Hurricane Ian. Several tenants were displaced, and nearly a quarter of the center sat vacant. At one point, six spaces were dark.

We were brought on shortly after the acquisition through a referral, tasked with stabilizing the center and rebuilding tenant occupancy from the ground up.

“There was a point where we were close to losing the listing. We asked for one more month to prove what we could do, and that month changed everything.”

Before

After

The Challenge

Leasing space is one thing. Leasing space in the middle of post-hurricane construction is another.

Prospective tenants weren’t walking into a polished retail environment. They were touring active construction zones, trying to visualize what their future business could become. At the same time, the broader market began to shift. By mid-2025, leasing activity slowed, small businesses were feeling pressure, and vacancies started to linger longer than expected.

There was a moment where we were close to losing the listing altogether.

Instead of walking away, we asked for one more month.

The Activity

Since our involvement, the plaza has seen over 16 lease and renewal transactions, creating a strong and diverse tenant mix.

Early momentum came from expanding existing tenants, including New Hope Pet Hospital, which grew from 1,000 SF to 2,400 SF. From there, we brought in new local businesses that added energy and daily traffic to the center, including Leia Suzanne Pilates and Mudslide Coffee & Creamery.

We also secured renewals for long-standing tenants like Cathy’s Pet Grooming, Parke & Co Hair Salon, and Deep Creek Convenience, maintaining stability while continuing to evolve the mix.

Most recently, in 2026, we filled remaining vacancies with a barber shop, flooring company, and tattoo and piercing studio, rounding out a well-balanced neighborhood retail lineup.

The center is anchored by Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and supported by a mix of service, fitness, food, and retail users that serve the surrounding Deep Creek community.

The Strategy

We approached the leasing of Deep Creek Commons with consistency and reach.

We didn’t rely on passive marketing. Every available space was actively pushed across all major platforms including LoopNet, Crexi, RealNex, MLS, and the RE/MAX Commercial network, alongside targeted campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

At the same time, we focused heavily on direct outreach. We called through local Chamber member lists, targeted specific business categories that complemented the existing tenant mix, and stayed in front of both local and out-of-market brokers through consistent email campaigns and personal follow-ups.

On the deal side, we stayed flexible. Whether that meant structuring free rent periods, coordinating buildouts, or helping tenants navigate inspections and transitions, we worked to remove friction wherever possible.

The Result

Within 12 months of Hurricane Ian, the property was fully stabilized and leased.

Despite market slowdowns in 2025, we pushed through renewals, secured new tenants, and rebuilt momentum. As of May 2026, Deep Creek Commons is once again 100% occupied.

What makes this story matter isn’t just the number of deals. It’s the consistency behind them.

This wasn’t a quick lease-up. It was a multi-year effort through changing market conditions, tenant turnover, and real challenges on the ground. From construction tours to near listing loss, this project required persistence, adaptability, and a hands-on approach from start to finish.

And in the end, it worked.