The Lutgert Companies Commences Major Renovation Of The Village On Venetian Bay
NAPLES, FL. August 26, 2008 – The Lutgert Companies today announced that it has commenced construction on its multi-million-dollar renovation of the landmark specialty retail center The Village on Venetian Bay. The project, led by the firm of Boran Craig Barber Engel Construction, is scheduled to be substantially complete by the end of 2008.
The project will represent the most extensive work performed on The Village in its 20-year history. The Village will remain open throughout the renovation with most of the extensive work being performed during off hours so as to not be disruptive to shoppers.
The refurbishment will include the installation of new porcelain and stone tile flooring, repainting of buildings with newer, more earthy tones, enhanced decorative railings, and improved lighting. In addition to the architectural enhancements, there will be a new and expanded public gathering space, including an interactive fountain and landscaped vista.
“The Village on Venetian Bay is more than 20 years old and while it remains one of Southwest Florida’ most popular shopping destinations, it is time to bring the center up to the current tastes of customers,” said Howard Gutman, President of The Lutgert Companies. “This renovation demonstrates the long-term commitment by The Lutgert Companies to keeping The Village on Venetian Bay a premier shopping destination.”
Established in 1987, The Village on Venetian Bay consists of 115,000 square feet of high-end retail shops and restaurants as well as professional office space. The Village specializes in unique, one-of-a-kind specialty stores with an emphasis toward fashion. Unlike other shopping centers which are focused primarily on national chain tenants, the majority of the over 60 shops, galleries and restaurants at The Village are locally owned.
“Designed by the late Walter Keller, The Village on Venetian Bay served as an early example of the Mediterranean architecture that has since been widely used throughout Naples,” said Dougall McCorkle, Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate for The Lutgert Companies. “This style of design has really overtaken the city over the past two decades. We will be preserving the original architectural character while mixing in more current material and design elements. The Village has been recognized with an international design award from the International Council of Shopping Centers and has been an inspiration for many architects throughout the United States over the years.”
McCorkle added that the renovation will also create a better interaction between the high-end restaurants and shops and The Village’s waterfront location. This includes outdoor seating improvements for the M Waterfront Grille, which is being introduced by the owners of Maxwell’s on the Bay. Lease negotiations are being finalized for the waterfront restaurant location to be vacated soon by Marie-Michelle’s Restaurant, whose owner is retiring after 14 years in business. Those plans will be announced at a later date.
Headquartered in Naples, Florida, The Lutgert Companies is a group of affiliated private companies involved in real estate development, real estate brokerage services, developer consultation services, personal and commercial insurance services, and residential title services. The firm currently has approximately 300 employees and 215 sales associates.
The Lutgert Companies’ commitment to quality, elegance and service remains as solid today as it was in 1964 when Raymond L. Lutgert broke ground on the 760-acre Park Shore development. Over the past four decades, The Lutgert Companies has set the standard for the creative and environmentally responsible development of coastal and mountain properties. The Lutgert family’s vision and passion for excellence runs three generations deep. That vision and passion continue to produce extraordinary experiences.
For leasing information, contact Dougall McCorkle, Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate for Lutgert, at 239-261-6100 or e-mail to Dougall@Lutgert.com. [back]
