Naples Design Review Board Approves The Avenue Redevelopment on Fifth Avenue South

Naples, FL – A significant redevelopment project, The Avenue, received final approval from the Naples Design Review Board (DRB) on February 26, paving the way for a transformation of Fifth Avenue South. The unanimous decision greenlights the architectural and landscaping design for the mixed-use development spearheaded by developer aprea,under the leadership of Andy Penev,formerly of M Growth. The project aims to revitalize a nearly two-block area with luxury residences and vibrant commercial spaces.

Demolition of the remaining three office buildings commenced on February 21, marking a pivotal moment for the project, which has been in development for years. the site, stretching from near the former St. George & the Dragon restaurant close to the city’s Four Corners to 11th Street South, is now cleared for construction.

A Vision for a Revitalized Fifth Avenue South

The Avenue is designed as a pedestrian-friendly hub, featuring four three-story buildings. These structures will house 50 luxury condominiums on the upper floors, complemented by 75,000 square feet of retail and restaurant units at ground level. Strategically located and bordered by fifth Avenue South, Sixth Avenue South, 10th Street South, and 11th Street south, the development seeks seamless integration with the existing downtown core.

Andy Penev expressed his enthusiasm for the projectS progress, stating, “The start of demolition is the first of many milestones to come.” This statement highlights the importance of The Avenue as a catalyst for future development and economic growth in the area.

Architectural and Design Highlights

Ian Mills, executive director of Morris Adjmi Architects, and Matthew Lewis, design director of L&ND landscape design, presented the plans to the board. MHK Architecture is serving as the local partner for the New York-based MA Architect. The design prioritizes connectivity and pedestrian flow, aiming to integrate different parts of the city.

Mills emphasized the importance of circulation paths, explaining:

The circulation paths around the site, sort of bisecting the site north-south and east-west, are something that has formed a sort of parti and really the impetus for the design of the building and bringing people across the site in many different ways, connecting Tin City to the shopping district on Fifth Avenue. We thought that was really crucial both just to liven the site and also to provide that sort of connection.
Ian Mills,Morris Adjmi architects

the project includes a tree-lined Oak Row along the existing east-west alley between the buildings,and also a north-south “via” cutting through both buildings. This design ensures that retail shops and restaurants are accessible to both pedestrians and vehicles along these passageways and the perimeter of the buildings.

Navigating the Approval Process

The Design Review Board’s approval encompassed the two buildings and alleyway for the 1000 block of Fifth Avenue. The other two smaller buildings and the parking garage planned for the 900 block had been previously approved.

Naples Planning director Erica Martin noted the significance of this final approval in the context of prior agreements, stating:

As you know, this project is the subject of a settlement agreement between City council and the developer. That settlement agreement did detail the process that this project would take, and this is the final step for the project.
Erica Martin, Naples Planning Director

The City Council granted its approval on February 20, following revisions to the plans that addressed the 14 conditions outlined during the preliminary design review process.

One notable modification was the addition of breakfast nooks to the residences, serving as both a functional space and a visual element to break up the horizontal span of the buildings. DRB chair Stephen Hruby commented, “I think it’s an improvement. It does break up that massing and gives it a different proportion.so, I think that was a good move.”

Between the preliminary and final design approvals, the developer secured administrative approval of a site plan and City Council approval of a subdivision replat, creating two parcels on either side of the platted alley, according to Martin.

City staff outlined additional conditions for final design approval, including increasing the density and cadence of trees on the north side of the 1000 block building to match the 900 block, considering the expansion of granite at the base of the building, and ensuring consistency between landscape plans and renderings.

Luxury Residences and Retail Opportunities

The Dawn McKenna Group commenced sales in January for the residences at The Avenue, which range from two- to four-bedroom units priced from nearly $3 million to $8 million. Each building will offer amenities such as pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and five-star, hotel-level concierge services.

While retail tenants have yet to be announced, the project is anticipated to be completed within two years, according to Penev.

Conclusion

The Avenue represents a significant investment in the future of Fifth Avenue South, promising a vibrant mix of luxury residences, upscale retail, and dining experiences. With demolition underway and construction slated to begin this quarter, the project is poised to become a landmark destination in Naples, enhancing the city’s appeal and contributing to its economic vitality.

Naples’ The Avenue: A Deep Dive into luxury Redevelopment and Urban Design

Will this enterprising project truly revitalize Fifth Avenue South, or is it just another luxury growth overlooking the needs of the community?

Interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr. Anya sharma, a leading urban planning expert with over two decades of experience in high-end real estate development, welcome to world-today-news.com. The Avenue project in Naples, Florida, has generated considerable buzz.Can you provide us with your expert analysis of this significant undertaking?

Dr. sharma: Thank you for having me. The Avenue presents a interesting case study in contemporary urban development. While the project’s promise of luxury residences and retail spaces is undeniable, its success hinges on its ability to genuinely integrate into the existing urban fabric of Naples, improving the lives of residents and benefiting the wider community. Whether it truly revitalizes Fifth Avenue south will, however, depend on how well it addresses this critical aspect.

the Avenue’s Design and Potential Impact

Interviewer: The development includes a mix of residential and commercial spaces. How effectively does the design blend these two often-conflicting uses?

Dr. Sharma: The plans for The Avenue seem to prioritize pedestrian-kind design. The incorporation of a “via” cutting through the buildings,along with the tree-lined Oak Row,suggests an attempt to create a dynamic and inviting public realm. This is crucial for successful mixed-use developments. Effective integration requires seamless transitions between residential and commercial areas, minimizing noise and traffic disruptions for residents while creating an attractive habitat for shoppers and diners. The success of this aspect will be crucial in determining the long-term viability of the project.

Interviewer: The developers highlight the project’s aim to improve connectivity within Naples. Can this truly be achieved through this development alone, or are there broader, more critically important considerations?

Dr. Sharma: Achieving improved connectivity is a complex task that requires a holistic strategy. The Avenue’s design attempts to link different areas, like Tin City and the shopping district on Fifth avenue, through carefully planned circulation paths. Though, true urban connectivity involves far more than physical connections; it demands a multifaceted approach addressing transportation infrastructure, public transit, and walkability throughout the entire area. The Avenue could be a catalyst, but other interventions would support wider efforts to enhance Naples’ overall physical network.

Addressing Community Concerns and Sustainability

Interviewer: There’s always concern that luxury developments can displace existing residents or businesses. What precautions should be taken to mitigate this?

Dr. Sharma: Luxury developments frequently enough face criticism regarding gentrification, and careful planning is needed to mitigate this risk. Open community engagement throughout the project should be prioritized; developers need to establish clear dialogue channels, actively soliciting input from residents and business owners. Incorporating community benefits, such as funding for local infrastructure upgrades or affordable housing initiatives, may reduce displacement effects. Thorough consideration of the broader impact on the social fabric of the neighborhood is crucial for success, not just the bottom line.

Interviewer: Sustainability is a key concern today. Does The avenue’s design incorporate environmentally conscious features?

Dr. Sharma: A true assessment of the project’s sustainability requires a detailed review of several factors: energy efficiency standards for the buildings, water conservation techniques employed, and the use of environmentally friendly materials in construction. The emphasis on green spaces and tree-lined pathways is encouraging, but this only forms part of the broader picture.We need to look at wider environmental impacts such as water consumption, energy use, construction waste management, and the overall carbon footprint of the development.Projects such as this should strive