Prange Honored as Featured Panel Speaker

Posted by briank | Marco Island, Premier Sotheby's International Realty, Premier Sotheby's International Realty Agents, Real Estate, SWFL News, The Lutgert Companies | Posted on August 30th, 2010

James (Jim) A. Prange, a Marco Island Realtor with Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc., has been named a featured speaker for the upcoming annual conference of National Association of Realtors (NAR) to be held in New Orleans on November 7.

Prange will speak as part of a panel of luxury home experts and share perspective and proven practices for his success.  Prange, a specialist in luxury properties over $2 million dollars, has nearly $84 million, based on information from the Multiple Listing Service from Jan 2008 to August 2010.

REALTORS® from across the nation and the world will assemble in New Orleans and learn about changing issues affecting the industry, share ideas with colleagues beyond their local marketplace, and observe innovations that are shaping the future of real estate.

Acknowledged as an expert on Marco Island real estate, Prange appeared in numerous newspaper and magazine feature articles.  He has been awarded Gulfshore Life Magazine 5-star real estate agent for “best in client satisfaction”. Prange was quoted in Variety and Pinnacle America magazines and has been a guest speaker on local radio and TV shows, as well as a guest panelist for Christie’s Great Estates regional conference.

He authored a three-part report entitled “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”, a 2010 report on the state of real estate on Marco Island. View the report on www.hideawaynews.com.

A third-generation Realtor, Prange began his career in 1976 at the age of 18. He is partnered with his daughter, Nikki Prange-Carroll. He has been with Premier Properties since 2001 and a Marco Island resident since 1980.

Premier Properties of Southwest Florida Inc., the real estate division of The Lutgert Companies. The company has offices strategically located in The Village on Venetian Bay and the Northern Trust Building in Park Shore; in Old Naples on Broad Avenue and 5th Avenue South; in North Naples in Mercato and on Vanderbilt Beach Road across from the Ritz-Carlton; on Marco Island at The Esplanade Shoppes and in The Promenade at Bonita Bay. Premier’s Rental Division and Commercial Division are located in the Quarles & Brady Building on Panther Lane.

Building of America Network Honors The Beach Tower at Moraya Bay

Posted by briank | Uncategorized | Posted on August 24th, 2010

From hundreds of submitted projects, only the best have been selected as Building of America award winners. The award honors the country’s most innovative, unique and challenging projects — projects that are particularly noteworthy and/or that give back to their respective communities. The Beach Tower at Moraya Bay project is now available for viewing online at http://buildingofamerica.com/news/articles/mudmur/0810/morayabaybeachtower/index.html. You may use this embedded link on your company website.

The Building of America award-winning projects represent the best in new construction and renovation in a wide variety of categories, including commercial and retail, mixed-use, multifamily residential, government, transportation/infrastructure, health care, education, religion, historical restoration, and more. Submitted projects are reviewed by a selection committee that is looking for projects with unique design or construction elements; innovative solutions to challenges, including financing, environmental, zoning, etc.; efficient and cost-effective methods of planning and execution; and/or that have a significant economical impact on the region, among others.

The Building of America Network, created by Construction Communications, is an essential link, bringing owners together with the design and construction industry nationwide by profiling new construction and renovation projects in a case-study format. Owners can read, in the words of other owners, architects and general contractors, about the newest facilities joining the landscape in their respective region. More importantly, the case studies provide a tool to help owners learn from one another’s experiences. The website combines more than 50,000 links and millions of searches each year.

Rock out at Mercato First Fridays in September

Posted by briank | Mercato, Naples, Shopping Centers, SWFL News | Posted on August 23rd, 2010

Start off Labor Day weekend rocking out at Mercato First Fridays, September 3rd from 6-9pm.  The monthly block party welcomes Love Funnel and the G-Rub to the main stage, across from The Pub.  Love Funnel and the G-Rub, perform an upbeat eclectic mix of music including rock, alternative, country, and even a few mambo tunes. Love Funnel has performed at venues across Ft. Myers and Naples for several years.  Stepping in with the band is the G-Rub, an acoustic solo act playing throughout Naples for over 10 years. Together, Love Funnel and the G-rub play a range of popular favorites from “Sweet Home Alabama” to “Sweet Child of Mine”. The group also plays lesser known songs, which often turn into crowd favorites, such as “The Bombanza”, and “Tarantula”.  Their instruments range from acoustic guitars, electric guitars, a mix of percussion and kit drums and a splash of the horn.

Next to Swim ‘n Sport, Boris on saxophone makes a return engagement, and inside Whole Foods, enjoy summer wine sampling for $10 and live entertainment.

As live music plays in the background, stroll Mercato’s “main street” and browse the exceptional collection of shops and restaurants.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE

Mercato is partnering with The Education Foundation and Fifth Third Bank in an effort to acquire school supplies to benefit local students in need.   Now through September 10, take advantage of great offers from participating Mercato merchants when you drop off supplies: Bravo! Cucina Italiana, glass of complimentary house wine; Gigi’s Children’s Boutique, raffle ticket entry for a $50 gift card; McCormick & Schmick’s, buy one get one free on all cocktails; Spectacles, save 15% off your purchase.

Mercato is the ultimate destination for shopping, dining and business. From the latest fashions to furniture for the home and a full service computer shop, Mercato has it all!   Stores include Bobby Chan, Books-A-Million, Byte Shop/Style, Charming Charlie, Coldwater Creek, Gigi’s Children’s Boutique, Jos. A. Banks, Pandora, Signatures, Simply Natural, Spectacles, Sportalm, Swim ‘n Sport, Sur La Table, and Z Gallerie.  Diverse eating includes AZN Cuizine, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, McCormick & Schmick’s, Piola, Pure Urban Oasis, Stage 62 Deli, The Pub, Whole Foods Market and Yogurbella.  Silverspot Cinema brings the latest Hollywood films and independent shorts to its 11-screen theatre with leather seating and state-of-the-art sound. Blue Martini features over 25 superior martinis and a Tapas menu.

The Lutgert Companies is a partner with The Barron Collier Companies in the commercial development of Mercato, and The Estuary at Grey Oaks in Naples. The company’s portfolio of residential developments includes 17 luxury high-rise condominiums on Park Shore Beach in Naples; luxury high-rise condominiums at completion, in Bonita Bay; Linville Ridge, an exclusive mountaintop golf course community in North Carolina and The Strada at Mercato. Models are open daily at The Strada. Free covered parking. For more information, 239.403.2204 or mercatoshops.com.  Find us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter.

Semi-Annual Sidewalk Sale at The Village on Venetian Bay

Posted by briank | Naples, Shopping Centers, SWFL News, Village on Venetian Bay | Posted on August 23rd, 2010

Mark your calendar for September 2 through September 4 for summer savings, live music, and as always, great shopping and dining at The Village on Venetian Bay.

With summer soon transitioning to fall, save on seasonal merchandise, and get a sneak peek on autumn fashion. At Jami’s & JCC, enjoy summer savings and see the latest fall collections from Nic and Zoë.  All About April will feature Kate Mack girl’s swimsuits and cover-ups at 30-50 % savings for sizes 3m to 16 years.  For the guys, Mondo Uomo, has great savings on designer clothing by Robert Graham and Southern Tide.  At Patchington, check out the clearance items; sample complimentary, delicious cupcakes by Sassy Cakes; and complimentary mini facials by Merle Norman cosmetics each day from 1-5pm.

Village Nights from 6-9 pm on Thursday goes Motown on the North side with Angie and the Perfect Gentlemen on stage, adjacent to the fountain.  Artichoke and Company along with Villagio Café will have tasty cookout food for purchase as you enjoy jazz by David Cole.  The pop duo, Made in Brooklyn provide the groovy sounds on the South side next to Mondo Uomo.
The fun continues Friday with Bill Jollie performing hits from the 60s to today, next to the fountain on the North side.  Talented, Wendy Renee sings jazz standards, rhythm and blues, Motown and disco on the South side of The Village.  On Saturday, Cathy O will play her guitar and perform rock, pop and classic songs on the South side.

The Village has an array of boutique shops with apparel for the whole family from name brand merchandise to sophisticated private label collections. There are art galleries, gifts for the home, exquisite timepieces, and dazzling jewelry to suit your style.
While you are here, The Village has a range of eateries to satisfy a shopper’s appetite ranging from fine cuisine to casual Pub-grub, so you can relax and rejuvenate.

Located In the heart of Park Shore, The Village on Venetian Bay has attracted locals and visitors from around the world to shop and dine for over twenty years   The beautiful waterfront setting, colorful Mediterranean architecture, art sculptures, boutique shops and established restaurants, make it one of the most notable landmarks and attractions in Naples.

The Sidewalk Sale only happens twice a year, so don’t miss out on some great buys! Shopping hours are 10am – 9 pm, Thursday; 10 am – 5 pm, Friday and Saturday.

Visit venetianvillage.com for additional information and a complete listing of shops and restaurants. Created by The Lutgert Companies, The Village is located at 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., just off Park Shore Drive.  Parking is free, or ride the Naples Trolley, which makes stops at the Village. For a trolley schedule: naplestrolleytours.com.

Back to School Supply Drive

Posted by briank | Mercato, Naples, Shopping Centers, Uncategorized | Posted on August 23rd, 2010

Mercato is partnering with The Education Foundation and Fifth Third Bank in an effort to acquire school supplies to benefit local students in need. Now through September 10, take advantage of great offers from participating Mercato merchants when you drop off supplies: Bravo! Cucina Italiana, glass of complimentary house wine; Gigi’s Children’s Boutique, raffle ticket entry for a $50 gift card; McCormick & Schmick’s, buy one get one free on all cocktails; Spectacles, save 15% off your purchase; Blue Martini, receive a complimentary martini.

Children should have the basic school supplies enabling them to get the best education possible and Mercato is a proud participant in this endeavor.

Items most needed include: all grades and all sizes of solid polo shirts and walking shorts or pants, backpacks, athletic shoes, underwear and socks, pencils, crayons, and dry erase markers, 8 x 11 spiral subject notebooks, 1-3” binders and dividers, back/white composition notebooks, calculators, and lunch boxes.

The Foundation is also accepting cash contributions. Please make your check payable to The Education Foundation and mail to The Education Foundation, 3606 Enterprise Ave, Suite 150, Naples, Florida 34104. Visit educationforcollier.org for more information.

Fronting U.S. 41, north of Vanderbilt Beach Road in North Naples, Mercato invites you to shop, dine and discover. For more information: mercatoshops.com. Find us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter.

Stores include Bobby Chan, Books-A-Million, Byte Shop/Style, Charming Charlie, Coldwater Creek, Gigi’s Children’s Boutique, Jos. A. Banks, Pandora, Signatures, Simply Natural, Spectacles, Sportalm, Swim ‘n Sport, Sur La Table, and Z Gallerie. Diverse eating includes AZN Cuizine, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, McCormick & Schmick’s, Piola, Pure Urban Oasis, Stage 62 Deli, The Pub, Whole Foods Market and Yogurbella. Silverspot Cinema brings the latest Hollywood films and independent shorts to its 11-screen theatre with leather seating and state-of-the-art sound. Blue Martini features over 25 superior martinis and a Tapas menu.

The Lutgert Companies is a partner with The Barron Collier Companies in commercial development of Mercato, and The Estuary at Grey Oaks in Naples. The company’s portfolio of residential developments includes 17 luxury high-rise condominiums on Park Shore Beach in Naples; a total of eight luxury high-rise condominiums at completion, in Bonita Bay; Linville Ridge, an exclusive mountaintop golf course community in North Carolina and The Strada at Mercato.

Charming Charlie at Mercato is Now Open

Posted by briank | Mercato, Naples, Shopping Centers | Posted on August 16th, 2010

Charming Charlie is a fashion accessory boutique that blends fun, style, color and affordability to assist women of all ages complete their outfit.

Whatever the occasion, find key finishing touches—earrings, necklaces, bracelets, handbags, scarves, belts—all organized by color.  So, when you need the just-right accessory for your little black dress, head to the black section.

Charming Charlie (CC) is a 2010 “Hot Retailer” winner by The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). The “Hot Retailer Award” is given to retailers who have worked hard to create products and services that drive customers to shopping centers around the world. Founded in Houston, Texas in 2004, Charming Charlie is opening stores at select shopping centers around the country.

“We are very pleased to have this up-and-coming store at Mercato,” said Dougall McCorkle, Senior Vice-President for Lutgert Commercial Real Estate. “Charming Charlie is a great complement to our fine collection of shops.”

Charming Charlie focuses on creating a fun experience for shoppers from the moment they enter the store. Sparkling chandeliers, upbeat music and cheerful greeters all add to the welcoming ambiance. The Mercato shop boasts 9,500 square-feet of interior space, so there is ample room to peruse the vast array of accessories.  When time is of the essence, the store’s clever merchandising by color allows customers to quickly find desired items.

Fashionistas on a budget will delight in the trendy fashion accessories and classic staples with prices that will keep you coming back.  Fashion jewelry, women’s handbags and accessories range primarily between $5.00 and $50.00.  Whether your desired look is vintage, modern, ethnic, bohemian, punk rocker, or sophisticated, complete your outfit at Charming Charlie—the go-to accessory destination.

Charming Charlie is located at 9015 Strada Place, next to Stage 62 Deli, along the main street of Mercato. Stores hours are 10am – 9 pm Saturday through Monday, and Noon to 6pm on Sunday.  For more information: 239.254.1702, mercatoshops.com, or charmingcharlie.com. Follow us on Facebook and find us on Twitter.

For Commercial leasing information, contact Dougall McCorkle, Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate for The Lutgert Companies; 239-261-6100 or e-mail Dougall@Lutgert.com

Located on 52-acres at the intersection of U.S. 41 North and Vanderbilt Beach Road, Mercato is a premier lifestyle community offering the finest in condominium living together with the best in shopping, dining and entertainment, all in one location.  Models are open daily at The Strada residences at Mercato, created by The Lutgert Companies.