Laura Layden | Naples Daily News
A long-anticipated mixed-use project is forging ahead in downtown Naples.
However, M Development, its high-profile out-of-state developer, is no longer involved.
JSB Capital Group, which has provided the private equity for the multimillion-dollar project from the outset, has bought out M Development’s interest in it.
Andy Penev announced he will continue leading the development, named The Avenue. Instead of working for M Development, he’ll steer the project independently. All of the consultants remain the same, including the local architects MHK.
The news, shared via a press release, comes after M Development reached a settlement with the city in June that allowed the redevelopment project to move ahead, with tweaks that addressed concerns about parking, traffic – and intensity.
Read the full post for the details and projections on naplesnews.com.
For more information about buying a home in the Naples, Florida area contact David at David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.
Diana Biederman | Naples Daily News
As this JLB bids adieu to Naples next week for Florida’s other coast, perhaps it’s the ideal time to list where I’m eating my last meals in town.
Factors for making the cut?
Places uniquely evoking the restaurant landscape in Naples. Some are historic, and a few iconic or on their way to that status.
As in every JLB review I’ve written since February 2022, I seek good value, food without fuss or pretension. On-point service without being overbearing is a must from the host stand to the exit.
Sending regrets
I am kicking myself for not making time to eat at The Turtle Club since its May reopening, given my most recent meal there was in 2019. It’s among the prettiest waterfront haunts around, exemplifying icon status.
Want to make an impression on anyone visiting Southwest Florida? Those breathtaking Gulf Coast views make folks understand why you still live here despite hurricane season.
The same holds true with Chokoloskee’s blissful Havanna Café. As much as I want to go back, the drive is a schlep from Naples and there’s not enough time between deadlines and packing.
In the terrific space formerly home to 360 Market & Café, I can only hope Seventh South’s terrific team opens their new waterfront location by my first return visit.
Where else to take your friends to dine in Naples? Read the full article on naplesnews.com.
Laura Layden | Naples Daily News
City council unanimously approved a more than $24.6 million contract to rebuild the Naples Pier.
The approval came Wednesday, a little over two years after Hurricane Ian destroyed the iconic landmark on the Gulf of Mexico.
The contract includes a roughly $1.17 million contingency to “accommodate any unforeseen repairs or construction that may be required to complete the project,” equal to 5% of the bid price of nearly $23.46 million.
The city is still assessing impacts from Hurricane Helene, which did further damage last week to what remained of the pier.
Read the full article and see photos on naplesnews.com.
Laura Layden | Naples Daily News
The city’s Design Review Board has signed off on the plans for the new Port Royal Club in Naples.
On Wednesday, the board voted enthusiastically and unanimously in favor of the final design for a two-story, West Indies-style clubhouse, which will replace the iconic one destroyed by Hurricane Ian two years ago.
With that regulatory hurdle cleared, the city can now issue a building permit for the beachfront project, off Gordon Drive.
In a statement, the private, members-only club thanked its building committee, professional consultants and city staff for their help and support.
Further, the club expressed the Design Review Board’s approval marked “a significant step forward in our community’s recovery.”
The project, with an estimated price tag of $100 million, is expected to break ground in December.
Built in 1959, the original club, steps from the Gulf of Mexico, served as a social hub for Port Royal residents for decades. The right to membership is one of the reasons the wealthy have flocked to the community, named for the famous Jamaican pirate haven.
The reimagined club will have many new features, including more dining venues, a two-story parking garage, and an upgraded pool and pool deck. It has been designed to maximize views of the beach and the Gulf of Mexico, and to survive future hurricanes at a higher elevation.
Read the full story and see photos on naplesnews.com.
Contact David at David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086 for more information and to view luxury properties in Naples, Bonita Springs and Marco Island.
Charles Runnells | Naples Daily News
It’s official: Famous car enthusiast Jay Leno headlines next year’s Naples Automotive Experience, the multi-day event that includes the popular Cars on 5th.
The comedian and former host of The Tonight Show will perform stand-up comedy Thursday, Feb. 6, at Hertz Arena for Jay Leno Charity Comedy Night. Southwest Florida’s popular Ben Allen Band opens the show.
Leno will also attend an exclusive display of curated cars for a Friday, Feb. 7 event called The Ultimate Garage Tour with Jay Leno. Guests can mingle with him, learn about the cars’ history and enjoy live music, food and drinks.
In addition to Leno, Emmy Award-winning Hollywood stylist Brenda Cooper hosts a fashion event Friday, Feb. 7, called Forever Fabulous Women. The 1960s’ British-themed event includes Cooper sharing her fashion and styling secrets, a fashion show featuring clothing from the St. Matthew’s House Thrift Store fashion department, an English-style tea, a silent auction and a book signing with Cooper.
Read the full article and enjoy automobile photos on naplesnews.com.
Laura Layden | Naples Daily News
After much back and forth, Naples City Council narrowly approved a new mixed-use building downtown.
First approved by council in 2013, the larger planned development known as Naples Square, has continued to evolve at the corner of Fifth Avenue South and Goodlette-Frank Road.
The new three-story building, known as Encore, will include 15 luxury homes on two floors, with 6,825 square feet of retail and office spaces sitting underneath.
The commercial uses could include a small cafe.
The hearing ran for hours, with several council members raising concerns about the project’s impact on everything from roads to water drainage – and questioning whether it violated city rules.
In the end, council voted 4-3 in favor of the project Wednesday.
Read more about this development on naplesnews.com.
