253 E STUART Ave

Restaurant | Single tenant | 3,732 SqFt
Building description
For Lease – Turnkey Restaurant Space
253 E. Stuart Ave., Downtown Lake Wales, FL
±3,732 SF | Two Dining Rooms | Full Commercial Kitchen

Property Overview
Prime downtown restaurant space in the heart of the revitalized Lake Wales business district. Formerly an upscale restaurant, this beautifully designed property offers approximately 3,732 square feet with two spacious dining areas, a full-size commercial kitchen, and excellent visibility along E. Stuart Avenue. Ideal for a fine-dining, casual-upscale, or event-driven concept.

Highlights

±3,732 SF of interior space

Two separate dining rooms plus bar area

Fully equipped commercial kitchen layout with hood and prep areas

2 Bathrooms

Small office space

Elegant existing build-out suitable for immediate occupancy

Downtown Lake Wales location within walking distance to shops, cafés, and parks

Excellent frontage and signage visibility

Ample nearby public parking

Downtown Lake Wales Revitalization
The property is located within the Lake Wales Connected redevelopment zone—an ambitious city initiative transforming the downtown corridor with new streetscapes, wider sidewalks, improved lighting, and lush landscaping. Recent upgrades to Park Avenue and Market Plaza have created a vibrant, walkable destination that attracts locals and visitors alike.

Adding to the momentum, new residential developments are underway nearby, bringing fresh housing and a growing customer base—perfect for restaurant or hospitality operators looking to capitalize on the district’s resurgence.

Ideal For

Restaurant or bistro concept

Brewpub or wine bar

Location Advantages

Central downtown location with strong local and tourist traffic

Minutes from major thoroughfares (US-27 & SR-60)

Surrounded by historic architecture, boutique retail, and civic investments

Building highlights
Built in 1919–20 and commissioned for $70,000 by pioneer developer Bernice K. Bullard, the Bullard Building established itself at the heart of Lake Wales’ early commercial boom. Once called ‘the architectural gem of Lake Wales,’ the two-story masonry vernacular block at 239-257 E. Stuart Avenue housed a full suite of downtown services—from a drug store and barber shop to the U.S. Post Office and municipal offices above. Today, the building retains its original storefront rhythm, substantial street frontage and historic prestige, providing your new enterprise with both modern amenity and downtown identity.