Commercial centers in Collier meeting the needs of the area's fast-growing population
Shopping centers continue to see new, unprecedented growth and development in Southwest Florida.
A couple of months ago the Breaking Ground newsletter looked at some of Lee County's new retail centers - Daniels Marketplace, University Village and Marlins Plaza - filling in the gaps between regional shopping and dining destinations such as Coconut Point, Gulf Coast Town Center and Miromar Outlets.
Today, as promised, we look at some of the commercial centers in Collier County that are popping up to meet the needs of the area's fast-growing population.
New Market
When Whole Foods Market debuted 10 years ago this month in North Naples , it was the anchor store that heralded the birth of a mixed-use development that provided competition for Naples' traditional center of town with Fifth Avenue South, Coastland Center mall and Waterside Shops. Mercato - Italian for "market" - brought the area some unique retail shops, movie theaters with recliners and more than a dozen restaurants. Luxury condos looked down on new private streets with nightlife and the dawning of a new day.
In the decade since, Mercato co-exists with other area venues as some of its regional firsts such as Whole Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Silverspot's recliners are being duplicated elsewhere. The center is keeping its edge, though, and upping its game with many changes planned this season.
At the forefront are three major buzz-worthy restaurants coming soon to Mercato. Under construction are the first area locations for The Hampton Social, Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar and TooJay's Deli.
New retail stores in the works include Cariloha Bamboo, CycleBar and Southern Tide.
On the waterfront
Bayfront in Naples, which had about a five-year jump on Mercato, launched a similar upscale, mixed-use center near where the Gordon River meets Naples Bay. Bayfront also has a resurgence of restaurants coming this season and beyond.
Southern Latitudes Brewpub & Grub quietly opened this week. We'll have a story soon on its debut in a new restaurant space in the development.
K-Rico Mexican Grill is coming to replace the longtime Roy's Restaurant there. A nearby art gallery space is being converted into a wine and tapas bar. You'll also see St. Germain Steakhouse being renamed soon.
Landing soon
Logan Landings retail center, to be anchored by the region's first Sprouts Farmers Market, is making progress daily at Logan Boulevard and Immokalee Road in North Naples. Look for an update soon on other retailers and a handful of restaurants coming to that corner.
Other new retail centers blossoming in North Naples include Vanderbilt Commons and Sutton Place, which each just launched its first tenant.
Cirella's Italian Restaurant & Sushi Bar anchors the western end of Vanderbilt Commons, the new strip center on Vanderbilt Beach Road just west of Collier Boulevard. More restaurants and stores are coming there soon, and a companion strip is already under construction next to it.
Rocket Fizz soda pop and candy shop recently opened in another two-building strip called Sutton Place on Naples Boulevard in front of Hollywood 20 cinema. More stores and restaurants, including the area's first Newk's Eatery, will be coming there this season.
Taking stock
Stock Plaza at Collier Boulevard's entrance to Lely Resort is completing the last of its buildings. More stores are coming there soon.
Other retail opportunities are planned nearby at Restaurant Row and the area near the intersection of Collier Boulevard and U.S. 41 East, including Wawa-anchored Price Street Plaza . On the other end of Collier Boulevard, expect a commercial explosion at Immokalee Road. We'll have news soon about developments coming to the undeveloped northwest and southeast corners there.