Located in the vibrant, master-planned Tradition community in Port St. Lucie, the Shoppes at the Heart of Tradition is a modern retail and dining destination designed to foster community and celebrate artistic expression. BDG Architects provided architectural design services for the ground-up development of three buildings comprising two multi-tenant and one single-tenant structure, totaling 44,000 SF in Phase I. Completed in early 2025, the project blends clean modern lines with playful artistic elements, including prominent building murals and a central communal plaza that encourages gathering and pedestrian activity. The adjacent “Heart” sculpture by acclaimed international artist JEFRË, commissioned by Mattamy Homes, became the centerpiece and inspiration for the center’s name and design sensibility. Tenants include a curated mix of national and local brands such as Papa John’s Pizza, Carmela Coffee Company, Kyle G’s Amore Chop House, Port Tradition, Sara’s Kitchen, Tomalty Dental Care, The Peach Cobbler Factory, Polished Nails and Spa, Rita’s Italian Ice, and Swift Mediterranean Grill. The development addresses a growing need for neighborhood-serving retail and food and beverage options to support the area’s expanding residential population. Phase II, currently in permitting and expected to begin construction in late 2025, will add an additional 15,000 SF multi-tenant retail building to the site. BDG Architects was responsible for the shell design of all retail buildings with the exception of the Aldi grocery store, which was handled separately. A variety of architects and general contractors led the tenant improvement work across the center.
