DeBary Main Street: Building a Downtown From Scratch
What Is DeBary Main Street?
DeBary Main Street is a mixed-use downtown development built in two phases, anchored by the city’s SunRail station. Phase I includes 290 townhomes and 36 live-work units. Phase II will add ground-floor retail space along with apartments above it. City leaders broke ground on the project on January 24, 2024.
What Does the Site Look Like Right Now?
Based on my recent visit, the site is still in the early stages of construction. Roadwork, curbing, and site grading are visible and appear well underway, including a completed stormwater pond and marked bike lanes along the new roadway. Vertical construction — the actual buildings — had not yet begun as of my visit.
When Will DeBary Main Street Open?
The city has targeted mid-2026 for residences and commercial space to become available, though based on current site conditions, that timeline may prove optimistic. Construction has been actively underway throughout 2025 — stormwater systems and fire hydrants were installed by last fall, and infrastructure work has continued on Shell Road, which forms the spine of the new district.
Why Is DeBary Building a Downtown From Scratch?
DeBary Main Street exists because DeBary has never had a traditional downtown corridor, despite being home to three state trails, acres of parkland, and a location directly along the St. Johns River. City leaders have spent years working toward this project specifically to give the community a central gathering place it’s never had.
What’s Nearby DeBary Main Street?
DeBary Main Street sits within a mile of kayak launches, disc golf courses, fishing piers, and biking trails, and it’s close to two of the area’s established communities, DeBary Golf & Country Club and Glen Abbey. DeBary also serves as the hub for three Central Florida Trails spanning more than 600 miles combined, and the upcoming 170-acre Alexander Island Park — located nearly a mile away — is expected to connect directly to Main Street via a dedicated paved biking trail once it opens.
How Will People Get to DeBary Main Street?
DeBary Main Street is designed as a multi-modal development, accessible by foot, bike, golf cart, car, and SunRail. The city is also considering adding a shuttle service connecting the SunRail station to areas throughout the district.
What This Means for DeBary
DeBary Main Street represents one of the most significant additions to this Volusia County city in years — a true downtown where one never existed before, built around walkability, trail access, and transit connectivity. Based on what I saw on my visit, there’s still meaningful work ahead before doors open, but the infrastructure groundwork is clearly progressing. I’ll continue to follow this project and share updates as construction advances.
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