Tree-Lighting Marked The Holiday Season, New Construction At Metropolitan Naples

While some real estate projects have been placed on hold or cancelled altogether in recent months, there’s one major new community which is changing the face of downtown Naples and fulfilling the promise the experienced developers made during its historic launch earlier this year.

That new mixed-use community is Metropolitan Naples, located on a 5.3-acre parcel at the intersection of Fifth Avenue South and Davis Boulevard. Metropolitan Naples promises to be an active and vibrant neighborhood where people live, work and play.

On December 7, the developers of Metropolitan Naples, Fred Pezeshkan and Jerry Starkey, both long time Naples residents and prominent, well-respected developers, hosted a tree-lighting ceremony onsite to mark the start of construction of the highly anticipated community, including its first high-rise.

The tree-lighting is planned to become an annual event where people can gather and celebrate the season, much like is done at Rockefeller Center, sans the ice skating rink!

The municipal officials that have worked tirelessly alongside the developers over the years to bring Metropolitan Naples to a reality attended the ceremony, as well as many future residents. Refreshments were provided by the neighboring Naples Bay Club, where many future residents are already members.

In early November, construction cranes were moved to the site, signaling to curious passersby that serious vertical construction is progressing. Over the past year so much work below ground and offsite has already been done including bringing utilities to the site, building the roadways, as well as improving the drainage and water systems for the larger surrounding area. Now the progress behind the construction fences will be much more visible.

The first building, a 15-story residential tower with retail spaces and the residential lobby on its first level, will be constructed by Kast Construction, an experienced General Contractor based out of West Palm Beach. In the past, the company has completed many high-rises and mixed-use buildings throughout Florida. This building is expected to be completed in 2024.

The second 15-story tower will be the luxurious and beautiful Aura at Metropolitan Naples, which will feature 56 residences on the upper floors with first level residential lobby and boutique retail. Award-winning Suffolk Construction has been contracted to build Aura, which is scheduled to be underway in 2023.

Other key members of the development team include Borges Architect, Interiors by Steven G. and Architectural Land Design. Borges Architect is a firm with more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and Interiors by Steven G is an interior design firm with more than 35 years in the luxury home market. As for Architectural Land Design, its architects have sculpted many of the most luscious and well-known landscapes in the Naples area.

Since opening its sales gallery at 365 Fifth Avenue South earlier this year, Metropolitan Naples, has been fulfilling the dreams of many local residents, as well as those planning to move to Southwest Florida.

“When we began planning Metropolitan Naples, our research indicated there was a pent-up demand for quality, luxury residences in the downtown area,” stated developer Jerry Starkey. “Our goal was to not only fulfill that demand, but to create a new downtown neighborhood that incorporates a vibrant lifestyle, convenient to all downtown has to offer with its own retail, restaurant and office spaces to expand and complement downtown Naples.”

Aura will also have incredible amenities, including an infinity pool and fitness center on the roof of its top floor and a 5th floor Club level with indoor and outdoor lounges, a business center, fire pits and a nice putting green for all to enjoy.

“The combination of offering luxurious residences, amazing rooftop amenities and convenient onsite establishments just a quick elevator ride away, has fueled the high interest in Metropolitan Naples,” added Ed Gonzalez, the Director of Sales for Metropolitan Naples.

“The visitors to our downtown sales gallery are thrilled with everything Metropolitan Naples has to offer and are eager to begin their new lives as residents of downtown Naples and enjoying everything onsite or just a short walk or bike ride away,” Gonzalez stated.

He added, “It’s worth noting that with the purchase of a luxury condominium at Aura, residents are also receiving two elevated parking spaces for their favorite rides. Some say it’s the Icing on the Cake!”

“The ability to park our cars in a strong, safe environment between 15 to 30 feet above FEMA gives us peace-of-mind that our vehicles will be protected from the elements,” stated a future Aura resident.

The residences at Aura are equally spectacular. The mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans, many with a den, are priced from $2.5 to over $6 million and are located on floors 5 through 15.

Other residential features buyers say they love include floor-to-ceiling windows, porcelain and wood floor selections, the wine walls and wet bars per plan, as well as fine cabinetry.

The Chef-inspired gourmet kitchens also include top-of-the-line appliances, while all Owner Suites feature luxurious baths with his and her vanities, large showers and separate soaking tubs.

“Aura’s open floor plans were designed for the indoor/outdoor lifestyle Florida is known for,” Gonzalez said.

For more information visit MetropolitanNaples.com or call 239-758-9500.

Metropolitan Naples’ sales gallery is located at 365 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 104A, in downtown Naples, next to The French restaurant with the red awnings. The sales gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and by appointment anytime.

Your hosts at the gallery are Ed Gonzalez, Sharyl Wicks and Natalie Glaze of Metropolitan Naples Realty.

Photo: Metropolitan Naples

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