Naples’ downtown has a sizable proposed redevelopment project

Naples’ downtown has a sizable proposed redevelopment project.

With three-story buildings planned just east of Four Corners, a significant renovation project in downtown Naples would visibly extend Fifth Avenue South, the city’s historic main boulevard, according to a recent article from Wink News and Gulfshore business Tim Aten.

On more than 4.5 acres that include the former iconic St. George and the Dragon restaurant site at Fifth Avenue South and 10th Street South as well as six other nearby parcels, the significant proposal from Aspen, Colorado-based M Development proposes to cluster a new Whole Foods Market, Restoration Hardware, restaurants and other retailers with luxury condominiums in three-story buildings. The enormous location on roughly two blocks of downtown real estate, which stretches to 11th Street South and Sixth Avenue South, is regarded as a gateway into the city of Naples.

During the project’s presentation to the DRB on February 22, Naples Design Review Board Chair Stephen Hruby jokingly remarked, “About 20% of the city,” after reciting the seven addresses impacted by the proposed project. At that meeting, the board unanimously agreed on the project’s preliminary design.