• World Commerce Center: Legends Landing is planned with restaurants, retail, a roughly 140,000-square-foot big-box space, and a potential Trader Joe's location that has not been officially confirmed.
• Elevation Pointe: Mixed-use development along SR-16 includes retail, restaurants, residences, offices, and hotels.
• Sebastian Harbor Marina: A proposed 64-slip boutique marina near downtown St. Augustine, with an anticipated October 2026..
• New housing: Sebastian Landing, Marsh Cay, and the Cottages at Rolling Hills represent different approaches to residential growth.
• North of Nocatee: County commissioners reportedly denied an Agricultural Enclave Certification request involving 4,462 acres, although that does not permanently determine the property's future.

World Commerce Center: A Growing Commercial Destination

If you haven't visited the World Commerce Center area recently, you might be surprised by how much it has changed. What was once primarily associated with World Golf Village and the I-95 corridor is becoming a substantial commercial destination serving northern St. Johns County.

The area already includes major retailers and destinations such as:

• Buc-ee's
• Costco
• Bass Pro Shops
• Home Depot

Additional retail and restaurant space is now being planned.

What Is Planned at Legends Landing?

One of the most closely watched projects is Legends Landing, near World Commerce Parkway and across from Buc-ee's. According to the development plans, the project calls for restaurants, smaller retail businesses, and a roughly 140,000-square-foot big-box store.

The identity of that large retailer has not been publicly confirmed in the source material. There has been speculation about Target, but speculation should not be confused with an official announcement.

Is Trader Joe's Coming to St. Johns County?

Development plans also appear to identify a roughly 12,500-square-foot Trader Joe's at Legends Landing. However, this makes an important distinction: Trader Joe's had not officially announced that location.

That means the potential store should be considered proposed rather than guaranteed. If it does open, it could create a convenient shopping option for residents who currently travel toward Jacksonville to visit Trader Joe's.

What Could This Mean for Nearby Neighborhoods?

Residents of World Golf Village, Murabella, TrailMark, SilverLeaf, and northern St. Augustine could benefit from additional shopping and dining options closer to home. However, commercial growth also brings transportation questions.

Additional stores, restaurants, and residential development generally create more vehicle trips. The impact on individual roads depends on traffic patterns, improvements, and development schedules. For anyone buying in this part of St. Johns County, understanding future road capacity and nearby commercial projects is an important part of evaluating a location.

Elevation Pointe: More Development Along SR-16

Another significant project is Elevation Pointe, located near County Road 208 and Interstate 95, across from the St. Augustine Premium Outlets area. Unlike a traditional shopping center, Elevation Pointe is designed as a mixed-use development that brings several types of properties and services together. Publix opened at Elevation Pointe in January 2026.

The broader development includes plans for:

• Restaurants and retail businesses
• Apartments and townhomes
• Office space
• Hotels
• Additional everyday services

Other businesses associated with plans around the corridor include Circle K, Dutch Bros, 7 Brew, and Chase. These references do not mean every planned business is already open.

Why Is SR-16 Attracting So Much Development?

SR-16 is an important route connecting Interstate 95 with St. Augustine and nearby communities. It serves commuters, visitors, established neighborhoods, and newer residential developments west of I-95. As the surrounding population grows, commercial developers see opportunities to provide services closer to where people live. This can create convenient options for groceries, restaurants, and everyday errands.

But it also raises questions about infrastructure. Road capacity, schools, stormwater systems, utilities, and emergency services all play a role in how successfully an area manages continued growth. If you're considering buying near SR-16, it's worth driving the corridor during normal commuting hours and reviewing nearby development and roadway plans before making a decision.

Marsh Cay at St. Augustine South: New Construction in an Established Community

Not every buyer wants to live in a large, newly developed master-planned neighborhood. Some prefer established surroundings with mature landscaping, existing amenities, and a neighborhood that has been part of the community for years.

Marsh Cay at St. Augustine Shores offers another option. The community is being developed by Ashley Homes within the established St. Augustine Shores area.

Larger homesites, preserve settings, and some Intracoastal views. St. Augustine Shores also provides access to nearby golf, U.S. 1, downtown St. Augustine, and the beaches.

Does Marsh Cay Have a CDD Fee?

Marsh Cay is being marketed as a community with no CDD fee. That distinction may matter when comparing ownership costs among newer communities in St. Johns County.

However, the absence of a CDD fee does not mean there are no community expenses. Buyers should still confirm HOA dues, property taxes, insurance requirements, and any applicable assessments. For buyers seeking new construction in a more established environment, Marsh Cay may be worth comparing with other local options.

The Cottages at Rolling Hills: A Different Approach to Renting

St. Johns County's housing options are expanding beyond traditional apartments and homes for sale. One example is the Cottages at Rolling Hills, a planned 250-unit cottage-style rental community.

The project broke ground in 2026.

Planned amenities include:

• A clubhouse
• A resort-style swimming pool
• A walking trail
• A neighborhood-style residential setting

Build-to-rent communities are intended to provide the experience of living in a more residential environment without requiring homeownership. That approach may appeal to several groups.

Families relocating to St. Augustine may want to rent while learning the area before making a purchase. Young professionals may prefer additional privacy and space compared with an apartment.

Empty nesters may prefer renting rather than managing the maintenance and financial responsibilities associated with ownership. For households relocating to St. Johns County, temporary rental housing can also provide time to evaluate commute times, neighborhoods, and lifestyle preferences before choosing where to buy.

What Happened With the 4,462 Acres North of Nocatee?

One of the most consequential development involves approximately 4,462 acres north of Nocatee, near Palm Valley, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Duval County line. The St. Johns County Commission voted 3–2 on September 15 to deny Agricultural Enclave Certification for the property.

What Is Agricultural Enclave Certification?

As discussed in Kim's original update, Agricultural Enclave Certification may provide qualifying properties with a more streamlined path toward future development. Because this particular property covers thousands of acres, potential development raises substantial questions about infrastructure and land use.

Issues include:

• Road capacity and transportation planning
• School capacity
• Water and utility infrastructure
• Stormwater management
• Wildlife and conservation areas
• Impacts on surrounding communities

Does the Denial Mean the Land Is Permanently Protected?

No. The reported vote denied a specific Agricultural Enclave Certification request. It does not automatically establish permanent protection from development. The property could be subject to future proposals or other proceedings, depending on applicable laws and land-use requirements.

Legal questions remain around the newer Agricultural Enclave framework. For people living near large undeveloped properties, this is an important distinction.

The status of one development request does not necessarily determine what can happen to the land years later. If you're considering purchasing near undeveloped acreage, review current land-use information and understand what has actually been proposed or approved.

What Do These Developments Mean for St. Johns County Real Estate?

The biggest story is not simply whether St. Johns County gets another grocery store, restaurant, or residential neighborhood. It's how continued growth changes the day-to-day experience of living here.

More commercial development can mean better access to shopping, restaurants, and services. New residential communities can create additional choices for buyers and renters.

Waterfront investment can bring different opportunities for residents and visitors. However, new development can also increase construction activity, traffic, and infrastructure demand.

For Homebuyers

Don't evaluate a home based only on its floor plan, appearance, or current surroundings. Review nearby vacant land, proposed development, road improvements, and future construction.

A quiet route today may serve substantially more homes or businesses in the future.

For Homeowners and Sellers

Nearby development can influence how prospective buyers view a neighborhood. Some may appreciate additional conveniences, while others may be concerned about traffic, construction, or density.

However, no proposed development should automatically be assumed to increase or decrease property values. Its actual impact depends on the project, location, market conditions, and individual property.

For Investors

Distinguish between projects that are proposed, approved, under construction, and completed. A rumored retailer or projected road improvement should not be treated as a guaranteed factor in an investment decision.

Evaluate demand, ownership costs, access, and the property's existing fundamentals.

Common Misconceptions About New Development

Misconception #1: If a retailer appears on a development plan, it's definitely coming.

Not necessarily. Site plans can change, and a proposed tenant is not the same as a confirmed business opening.

Misconception #2: Every new commercial project increases nearby property values.

New services may improve convenience, but impacts vary. Traffic, noise, density, and other factors can affect individual properties differently.

Misconception #3: If a development request is denied, the land will remain undeveloped forever.

A denial may apply only to a particular application or approval pathway. Future proposals may still be possible.

Important Considerations Before Buying Near New Development

Before purchasing a home in a growing area, consider the following:

• Project status: Is the nearby development proposed, approved, under construction, or complete?
• Vacant land: What uses are permitted or proposed for surrounding parcels?
• Traffic: How could additional homes or commercial activity affect your commute?
• Infrastructure: Are road improvements, utility upgrades, or other public facilities planned?
• Community expenses: What HOA fees, CDD assessments, insurance costs, or other recurring expenses apply?
• Location: How might nearby development change the character of the area over time?

These questions help buyers move beyond what a neighborhood looks like today and better understand what it may become.

 

"Kim Devlin excels as a buyers agent. She takes time to get to know her clients, does her research, and plans out a day of showings with great efficiency. We were shopping 55+ communities and found her very knowledgeable about each community we viewed.

Her experience really shines during showings - she brings a balanced voice of reason that helps guide the decision-making process. Kim is also a strong buyer’s advocate throughout negations. We’d definitely use her again!" - Melissa N.

FAQ: St. Johns County Developments in 2026

Is Trader Joe's officially coming to St. Johns County?

Development plans appear to show a roughly 12,500-square-foot Trader Joe's at Legends Landing. However, the retailer had not officially announced the location in that source, so it should be considered proposed rather than confirmed.

What is planned at Elevation Pointe near SR-16?

Elevation Pointe is a mixed-use development near County Road 208 and Interstate 95. Plans for retail, restaurants, apartments, townhomes, offices, and hotels, along with a Publix reported open in January 2026.

Does the denial of Agricultural Enclave Certification permanently protect the land north of Nocatee?

No. The reported denial concerned a specific certification request involving approximately 4,462 acres. It does not determine every possible future use of the property.

What should I research before buying near new construction in St. Johns County?

Review nearby vacant land, development proposals, roadway plans, traffic conditions, community fees, and infrastructure projects. Confirm whether surrounding projects have been approved or are still in the planning stages.