Publix-Anchored North River Marketplace Planned

for Growing Venice Corridor

 

A major new retail development is moving forward in one of the fastest-growing parts of south Sarasota County — and it’s expected to bring a Publix supermarket along with it.

 

Benderson Development is planning North River Marketplace, a 51-acre commercial project that will rise along the North River Road corridor in Venice, Florida, an area experiencing steady residential growth fueled in part by nearby Wellen Park and expanding communities stretching toward North Port. At the center of the development will be a Publix grocery store, positioned as the anchor tenant for what is expected to become a full neighborhood shopping destination.

 

The planned marketplace is located near the intersection of North River Road (State Road 777) and East Venice Avenue, just west of Interstate 75 — a strategic location that places it within easy reach of thousands of new and existing homes.

 

You can view the general project area here: North River Road & East Venice Avenue intersection . The surrounding corridor has become one of the region’s primary growth zones, with new housing developments, expanding infrastructure, and rising commercial demand reshaping what was once a quieter stretch of south Sarasota County.

 

While the Publix supermarket will serve as the primary anchor, North River Marketplace is planned as a mixed-use retail center designed to function as a central shopping hub for nearby communities. Plans call for a range of commercial uses including retail storefronts, restaurants, service businesses, and specialty shops. The development is intended to serve residents across Venice, North Port, Wellen Park, and surrounding neighborhoods — many of which have seen significant population growth in recent years.

 

The marketplace reflects a broader trend across south Sarasota County: commercial development following rooftops. As new residential communities continue to expand along the North River Road corridor and throughout the Wellen Park area, demand has grown for everyday retail services closer to home. Grocery-anchored shopping centers often follow that pattern, providing essential retail access within newly developed population centers.

 

By positioning a major shopping destination at a key transportation corridor near Interstate 75, developers are targeting both local residents and regional traffic. Although the project is confirmed, no official construction timeline or opening date has been publicly announced. Development planning and leasing activity are underway, but the schedule for groundbreaking and completion has not yet been finalized.

 

When completed, North River Marketplace is expected to become a primary retail destination for the rapidly expanding North River Road corridor — bringing grocery access, dining options, and everyday services closer to thousands of residents.

 

 For an area already experiencing strong population growth, the project represents another step in the transformation of this part of Venice from emerging development zone to established commercial hub.