High-rise in High Demand
By mid-summer, 75 percent of the homes in Esperia South at Bonita Bay had sold as construction of the high-rise continued (its completion is planned for this fall). With far-reaching views of Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it’s easy to see why buyers were clamoring to get a piece of this 27-story development planned and built by The Lutgert Companies. It’s the fifth of eight buildings the firm is constructing in the 2,400-acre Bonita Springs development.

At press time, 28 residences remained for sale, including three penthouses, ranging from $1,470,000 to $2,003,000. Some of the most eager buyers of this new high-rise are not new to Bonita Bay. Twenty-two of Esperia South’s 91 buyers are already Bonita Bay residents.

A Grand Model
Frey & Son Homes added another option to Mediterra’s elegant offerings with a new model home in the Marcello neighborhood. The Grand Orsini model, with four bedrooms, four full and two half baths, includes a home theater, two garages and 7,521 total square feet. The outdoor living area includes a pool and summer kitchen complete with natural gas grill, brick fireplace and dining area. The fully furnished model is priced at $3.45 million.

New Vision in North Naples
The five acres that once housed the Vanderbilt Inn is now taking on a new shape: the Moraya Bay Beach Tower, which broke ground early this summer. The ultra-luxe high-rise, developed by Signature Communities, will include 72 condominiums ranging from 4,000 to 4,500 square feet and starting at $3.275 million. Construction of the 11-story building, which is just south of the entrance to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, is expected to take two years.

Living Large in the Vineyards
The first nine, three-story coach homes in Avellino Isles at Vineyards were recently completed, offering 2,646 to 2,892 square feet. They range in price from the mid-$800,000s to more than $1 million. By the time the construction of all of Avellino Isles is finished, the new neighborhood will include 39, two- and three-story buildings. Models are available to preview this new Mediterranean-inspired village in Naples.

Up and Coming in South Fort Myers
Taylor Woodrow started construction of its Tortuga community, which will include 370 garden and carriage homes. The first phase of construction includes the Abaco garden homes that are approximately 1,600 square feet. The starting prices for these two-bedroom, two-bath plus den homes is in the high $100,000s.

A Golfer’s Delight
With an award-winning championship course designed by Greg Norman and Pete Dye, along with accolades from Travel + Leisure Golf, Golfweek and LINKS magazines, Tuscany Reserve in north Naples draws its share of golfers. Now, developer WCI Communities offers another bonus for those who like to live on the links: five new villa floor plans that include golf, lake or preserve views situated near the 10th hole of the community’s golf course. These 18 villas include a separate golf cart garage, along with a two-car garage, and range from 2,911 to 4,186 square feet of living space. The homes start at $1.4 million.

The Whole Story
You’ll have to wait another year, but by the fourth quarter of 2008, Whole Foods Market will finally have a presence in Naples with a 50,000 square-foot store at Vanderbilt Beach Road and U.S. 41. The store is part of the mixed-use development, Mercato, being developed by The Lutgert Companies and The Barron Collier Companies. Mercato will also include retail, office space, restaurants, condominiums and townhomes. The market broke ground in late June.