The Collier Building Industry (CBIA) held its annual Sand Dollar Award gala on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at the Naples Grande Resort & Club. The Sand Dollar awards are presented each year to member builders, developers, architects, remodelers, interior design firms, landscape architects, trades and marketing, sales and/or advertising professionals who have demonstrated building, design and marketing excellence in the Collier County Area.
The Lutgert Companies received three awards: The Uptowner, Best Brochure; The Village on Venetian Bay, Best Commercial Remodel by Builder; and The Village on Venetian Bay Billboard, Best Special Event/Promotion.
The “Uptowner” is the official publication of Mercato. It serves as a guide to dining, shopping, residential and lifestyle opportunities available at the mixed-use location. The annual publication includes information on the Naples area, particulars on Mercato commercial and retail businesses, and The Strada at Mercato, the residential component of the lifestyle complex. With a circulation of 40,000, the magazine is distributed in hotels, Lutgert commercial centers, onsite Sales Center at The Strada as well as directly to the 92 Strada residences.
One of Naples landmark shopping centers, The Village on Venetian Bay, a 20-year-old property, needed to be refreshed. New site lighting brought up light levels; new furnishings, planters and paint contemporize the look. New floorings, railings and fountain area add new energy. New façade and canopy structure, placed in front of major restaurant anchor, provide added outdoor seating and greater prominence.
The Village Billboard consists of the words “The Village”. Individual letters are set twelve inches off the board, creating a 3-D effect. Each letter illustrates a few of the aspects offered at the unique shopping destination. The “V” is a martini glass, the “H” a scarf and the “I” an ice cream cone. The letter “L” represents the developer and the many sculptures and artwork that can be enjoyed throughout the center. A vibrant bluish background is reminiscent of the bay waters that surround Venetian Village, a signature element of the shopping center that no other Naples’ retail establishment can claim.
The Lutgert Companies is a group of affiliated private companies involved in residential and commercial real estate development, residential and commercial real estate brokerage services, developer consultation, sales and marketing services, personal and commercial insurance services, and title services. The Company’s presence in Southwest Florida dates to 1964.
Be a part of a history-making event on October 10, 2010 (10/10/10) at Mercato from 10am-4pm. Learn how to recycle, reuse and recreate to save energy, minimize waste or reduce the size of our carbon footprint.
The global work party is orchestrated by the international nonprofit organization, 350.org, founded by Bill McKibben who authored the recently published “Eaarth”. 350.org focuses attention on the excess and harmful levels of carbon (CO2) emitted into the atmosphere and the adverse impact it has on our climate.
On the local level, the 10/10/10 “UGottaGoGreen” Eco-Extravaganza Committee heads up the environmental event at Mercato. This all volunteer, grass roots group was brought together by their concern for the long term sustainability of SWFL.
UGottaGoGreen.com, founder and CEO, Marjorie Ziff-Levine is passionate about the effort to go green. “This is a call to action to preserve our quality of life for future generations,” said Ziff-Levine. “We want people to learn more about living an eco-conscientious lifestyle while having fun and celebrating our community at the same time.”
Many things can be recycled or reused and not simply become waste and junk added to landfills.
“We want everyone attending this event to bring things to recycle,” says Ziff-Levine. (Computers, electronics of any type, cellular phones, plastics, wine corks, etc.)
Adera Onsite Security Shredding offers free on-site shredding of sensitive documents and any other papers; BEST BUY is providing tubs for collecting used batteries, ink cartridges and more.
Over 70 exhibitors from the community will be on hand to present demonstrations, offer eco-friendly products and services and provide information. Activities for kids include art projects with C’mon, the Galisano Children’s Museum and Outside the Box Studio who generously donated the Grand Prize Trip to The Amazon Jungle. Kids can also enjoy a bicycle obstacle course with bikes provided by Naples Pathway Coalition.
Raffle drawing forms are available on the UGottaGoGreen.com website as well as complete program information and time schedule.
Live entertainment by Pub Mustard, Jen Mack, Robyn Schoessel, The Bean Pickers, Brad Stevens, Sheandoah Webb and others will keep the mood festive. An after-party begins at 4:00 pm.
Bravo! Cucina Italiana will host a fashion runway show and brunch “From Fashionista to Trashion-nista” to amaze and inspire how to “repurpose” fashion elements. Terry Anderson will moderate the event and engage attendees with information on creative couture. Choice of entrée, Mimosa style drink and entertainment for $20.00 per person. Seating is limited; contact UGottaGoGreen@live.com for reservations and more details.
At Whole Foods, The Collier Audubon Society will show how to build birdhouses; Marine biologist, Geoff Trager will demonstrate how to build rain barrels. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida will share information about their wildlife rehabilitation work and Rookery Bay’s focus will be on climate change.
More than a dozen of the area’s most inventive local artists will be exhibiting their work, showcasing various arts and crafts created from recycled, repurposed and “found” materials. Join in on the “Live Art”, interactive sculpture created from discarded materials.
To reinforce and promote the idea of supporting our local economy and shifting to a greener diet, area farmers, growers, and nurseries as well as an organic food co-op and farmer’s market will be on hand to educate event participants about healthier food choices and the abundance of our regional harvest. Ask about free seedlings, plants and tasty samples.
On display will also be several of the latest entrants into the Green automobile marketplace including the Toyota “Prius”, Honda’s hybrid offering, a “Smart” car and a “GEM” car. Rounding out the “Alternative Transportation” display will be a solar-powered pontoon boat, some veggie-oil Mercedes, and an electric-powered Porsche “Boxter”. Test drive dozens of commuter, off road and racing bicycles presented by several of the area’s bike dealers.
Show your support and walk, bike, carpool, or take CAT public transportation to the event. To share a ride, try PickUpPal.com/pup/group/UGottaGoGreen or call RideSare 1-866-585-RIDE.
This event aims to be a fun and entertaining street fair with an eco-action twist. Enjoy, learn, be inspired and make new connections in the community that can help to improve the environmental conditions of our area and the world at large!
UGottaGoGreen.com is a comprehensive web portal and online community for everything and anything Green, Sustainable and Eco-friendly in the SWFL region.
Model 901 at Tavira presents a transitional design concept with tropical influences in its color palette and accessories. Furnished and decorated by Collins & DuPont Interiors, the model has a spacious master suite, two guest suites, den, formal living room, formal dining area, three full baths and a powder bath off the den. The residence offers 3,930 square-feet of living area and 4,739 total square-feet and is priced at $2,169,800. Furnishings may be purchased separately and are not included in sell price.
Drawing you into the home is an immediate view of Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Complementing the colorful sights of the Gulf of Mexico, preserve, beach and bay, designers incorporated shades of fresh green, warm chestnut, and wheat into the light-filled residence.
Marble flooring in sand tones leads to the formal living area centered by a stone fireplace flanked by two custom arched niches that are framed with crown moulding and have inset mirrors with display shelving. Mesh indoor with outdoor living as sliding glass doors lead to the open terrace with direct west-facing miles-wide views.
Coffered ceilings in refreshing celery green with custom mouldings define the space of the formal living room and formal dining area, which is adjacent to the living area and looks out to the bay.
A great entertaining accessory is a custom designed maple hutch with walk-up bar area and glass front pass-through doors to the family room from the kitchen. A hammered copper sink and wine storage is on the kitchen side. The well-planned kitchen has two additional sinks, one in the granite-clad island and a third positioned in front of a window to allow views. Built-in appliances include Sub-Zero refrigeration, and Dacor and KitchenAid cooking.
Comfortable, cozy and bright as morning light drifts in, the family room looks to the east, west and south. A custom niche houses the flat panel TV. An adjoining nook makes an ideal breakfast or lunch spot and accesses the screened terrace with built-in summer kitchen.
One of the two guest suites has a private open balcony, and double sinks in the granite vanity and a walk-in shower in the bathroom. A second guest suite has twin beds, a full bath and views over preserve and Bonita Bay.
Located in a separate wing, the master quarters boast an expansive bedroom with four-poster bed, west-facing views, terrace access, his-and-her walk-in closets, his-and-her vanities, private water closet, and walk-in marble shower with bench.
Neighboring the master suite, the den is finished with a masculine feel and features wood flooring and custom built-in wood library. The den also accesses the open terrace.
Overlooking the majestic preserve groves, Estero Bay, Bonita Beach and the Gulf of Mexico, the High-Rises at Bonita Bay, created by the Lutgert Companies, shape the landscape of Bonita Bay’s most western parcel. Tavira, the sixth of eight planned Lutgert towers, is adjacent to Estero Bay Park.
One of Tavira’s most unique amenities is the rooftop amenity level open to all residents of Tavira. Views extend over the Gulf, beach and preserve from Sanibel to Naples and eastward over Bonita Bay. A custom glass railing, custom benches built into planters, a wet bar area with large granite countertop and grill provide the accoutrements.
Spacious deck area with heated pool with lap lane, individual cabanas, two gas grills, a shared poolside cabana with dual sided fireplace, and seating welcome residents and their guests to a getaway retreat, downstairs. Enjoy WiFi provided poolside.
Indoors is a handsomely appointed clubroom with bar and fireplace, theatre, billiard room, fitness center with the latest Star Trac equipment, women’s and men’s spa complete with steam rooms and a massage room provide added comforts. Controlled access parking, climate controlled storage area and pet-friendly.
The sales center for the High-Rises at Bonita Bay is located at the entrance to the community. Models are open daily. Call 239-495-1105 or visit www.Bonitabayhighrises.com for more information.
Bonita Bay has five championship golf courses, tennis and swim center, walking and cycling paths, three waterfront parks within the community and a private beach park on the Gulf of Mexico. The Marina Club has a full service marina with storage, dining facilities and egress to the Gulf of Mexico via Imperial River and Estero Bay.
Premier Properties of Southwest Florida Inc., the real estate division of The Lutgert Companies, 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.
The Lutgert 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; The Strada at Mercato, a 92 unit residential project located within Mercato; and The Estuary at Grey Oaks.
Find a harvest of fun at Mercato First Fridays with talented musicians, fine dining and special offers on October 1 from 6-9pm.
Sample wines from around the world at Whole Foods for a $10 donation to benefit The Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida. Whole Foods will pair exotic cheeses with up to twenty-five different selections. Pre-register at http://www.acteva.com/go/LifestyleCenter.com, or pay at the Wine Department upon arrival.
For your listening pleasure, stroll the Mercato streetscape as live music entertains the crowd. On the main stage, across from The Pub Naples, Sheffield Crew performs their unique reggae-hip hop-soul-dancehall-rock-blues fusion. Hailing from Marco Island, the group formed in 2000 and won a recent battle of the bands to earn them the Florida leg of the infamous touring festival Van’s Warped Tour. The group’s repertoire was influenced by such artists as Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Doors, Wyclef, Bob Marley, No Doubt, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, John Lee Hooker and a host of others. Members include Chris Jacobs, lead vocals; Danny Iaconell, guitar and vocals; Shaun Jacobs, drums; Mike D., keys, percussion and vocals; Steve on bass.
Next to Swim ‘n Sport, Bill Jollie will keep the beat going with cover tunes from The Beatles to Motown to Frank Sinatra. Bill has been performing for the past 35 years entertaining up and down the East Coast and New Orleans. Bill plays piano, guitar and harmonica. He had the honor of performing for former President George Bush Sr. and his family in Boca Grande, Florida, in 2001. “That was an incredible experience I will never forget,” said Bill. “They are such gracious and loving people.”
While you are here, browse the exceptional collection of shops and restaurants. From the latest fashions to furniture for the home and a full service computer shop, Mercato has it all in store! Merchants 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 dining 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 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.
Enough with the doom and gloom about homeownership.
Sure, maybe there’s more pain to come in the housing market. But when Time magazine starts running covers that declare “Owning a home may no longer make economic sense,” it’s time to say: Enough is enough. This is what “capitulation” looks like. Everyone has given up.
After all, at the peak of the bubble five years ago, Time had a different take. “Home Sweet Home,” declared its cover then, as it celebrated the boom and asked: “Will your house make your rich?”
But it’s not enough just to be contrarian. So here are 10 reasons why it’s good to buy a home.
1. You can get a good deal. Especially if you play hardball. This is a buyer’s market. Most of the other buyers have now vanished, as the tax credits on purchases have just expired. We’re four to five years into the biggest housing bust in modern history. And prices have come down a long way– about 30% from their peak, according to Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Index, which tracks home prices in 20 big cities. Yes, it’s mixed. New York is only down 20%. Arizona has halved. Will prices fall further? Sure, they could. You’ll never catch the bottom. It doesn’t really matter so much in the long haul.
Where is fair value? Fund manager Jeremy Grantham at GMO, who predicted the bust with remarkable accuracy, said two years ago that home prices needed to fall another 17% to reach fair value in relation to household incomes. Case-Shiller since then: Down 18%.
2. Mortgages are cheap. You can get a 30-year loan for around 4.3%. What’s not to like? These are the lowest rates on record. As recently as two years ago they were about 6.3%. That drop slashes your monthly repayment by a fifth. If inflation picks up, you won’t see these mortgage rates again in your lifetime. And if we get deflation, and rates fall further, you can refi.
3. You’ll save on taxes. You can deduct the mortgage interest from your income taxes. You can deduct your real estate taxes. And you’ll get a tax break on capital gains–if any–when you sell. Sure, you’ll need to do your math. You’ll only get the income tax break if you itemize your deductions, and many people may be better off taking the standard deduction instead. The breaks are more valuable the more you earn, and the bigger your mortgage. But many people will find that these tax breaks mean owning costs them less, often a lot less, than renting.
4. It’ll be yours. You can have the kitchen and bathrooms you want. You can move the walls, build an extension–zoning permitted–or paint everything bright orange. Few landlords are so indulgent; for renters, these types of changes are often impossible. You’ll feel better about your own place if you own it than if you rent. Many years ago, when I was working for a political campaign in England, I toured a working-class northern town. Mrs. Thatcher had just begun selling off public housing to the tenants. “You can tell the ones that have been bought,” said my local guide. “They’ve painted the front door. It’s the first thing people do when they buy.” It was a small sign that said something big.
Click here for more on this article. Article via Wall Street Journal.
The Pink Heals Tour is on the move. Guardians of the Ribbon, dressed in pink fire suits, will drive pink fire trucks across the nation on a journey to raise funds and awareness for women affected by cancer.
The North Naples Professional Fire Fighters Local 2297 and North Naples Fire District are teaming up with the Pink Heals Tour to show support and welcome four pink trucks to Mercato on September 25 at 5:30pm. As the trucks make their way across the states, messages of gratitude, hope and love are written on the trucks at each stop.
Spearheading the local effort, Battalion Chief Dave Bellamy is encouraged by local support. “We do some kind of fundraising every year. When I heard about what was happening with the Guardians, I knew I wanted to be involved,” said Bellamy. “It’s our first time and the response has been overwhelming from everyone—merchants at Mercato, local leaders, volunteers and medical professionals.” Proceeds from the Naples leg of the tour will benefit the Cancer Alliance of Naples and Pink Ribbon Yoga.
A day of celebration at Mercato from 5:30 to 10:00pm will include portrait painting, raffles, live entertainment, a bounce house, a dunk tank, hay ride, silent auctions and T-Shirts for sale; the major fund raising component to keep the trucks on the road. Attendees can tour the inside of the trucks and write their personal message on the outside.
The Guardians of the Ribbon is an Arizona non-profit organization consisting of firefighters, police officers and leaders in the community whose sole purpose is raising awareness for the fight against cancer.
In 2008, Glendale, Ariz., Firefighter Dave Graybill found inspiration by a fellow station’s firemen who donned pink shirts to honor the fight against breast cancer for women of Las Cruces. Graybill later had an epiphany – a pink fire truck. With no money to purchase a truck, he started out by driving around with a donated stainless steel pink ribbon on a trailer. Through a serendipitous encounter with a friend who learned of Dave’s mission, his friend’s wife wrote a check for $13,500 on the spot. Dave got his first truck on eBay sold by a firefighter in Jacksonville, Florida.
As Graybill’s pink truck rolled down the freeway, a woman starting crying out for him to pull over. He did and she was the first person to write on the truck. Although the primary mission was to raise awareness for breast cancer, women along the way reached out to gain support for other forms of cancer, and kicked off the idea for “Pink Heals Tour”.
The Guardians of the Ribbon has helped raise over $200,000 for cities across the country by bringing their pink trucks to help promote love and support. To learn more: www.pinkfiretrucks.org; www.northnaplesfire.com. To make a donation, checks are made payable to North Naples Professional Fire Fighters; include “Pink Heals” in the memo line, and mail to North Naples Professional Fire Fighters; P.O. box 112049; Naples, Florida 34108.
Mercato, a Lutgert Companies & Barron Collier Companies development, is located along US 41 north of Vanderbilt Drive. Find us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter; www.mercatoshops.com.
The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon will host International Fest 2010 on Thursday, October 7, 2010 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.at The Mercato on US 41 in North Naples. The event features a beer and wine tasting at all Mercato restaurants. There will be an after party starting at 8:00 at Blue Martini with live music for those who wish to continue enjoying the evening.
The event is open to the public. Attendees will receive a souvenir beer-tasting mug or wine glass to taste the various international beers or wines. In addition, restaurants and several retail outlets will serve complimentary hors d’oeuvres and provide gift bags. Passports will also allow participants to attend an after party at Blue Martini, so that no cover charge will apply.
Restaurants participating in the tasting event include AZN Azian Cuisine, Blue Martini, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, McCormick & Schmick’s, Piola Famosi Per La Pizza, Pure, Silverspot, Stage 62 Deli, The Capital Grille and The Pub.
Retail stores participating by offering gift certificates for the raffle, gift bags or hors d’oeuvres the evening of the event are: Sur La Table, Whole Foods, Spectacles, Bobby Chan, and others.
Passports include a registration form good for one entry into a grand prize drawing of an All-clad® 3 quart sauce pan from Sur La Table, a $250.00 value. Raffle tickets may be purchased for $1.00 each for a chance to win gift certificates from the Mercato restaurants and retail stores.
Passports may be purchased in advance for $25.00 by calling Nelson Marine at 239-992-6645 or the night of the event while supplies last for $30.00. Cash, Visa and Mastercard will be accepted. Advance tickets may be purchased and picked up at the International Fest 2010 Will Call on the sidewalk across from Blue Martini.
Proceeds from the evening’s event will benefit The Bonita Springs Assistance Office, Kids Against Hunger, Grace Place in Golden Gate (Naples), Bonita Nature Place and The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon Foundation which supports various local charities and scholarships throughout the year in Lee and Collier counties.
This event is made possible in part with additional support from Coastal Beverage, Republic Wines, Baird Wealth Management, Bentley Naples, Naples Daily News and The Lutgert Companies.
Perched right on sand, Moraya Bay, the newest and last beachfront tower on Vanderbilt Beach, captivates the senses from the moment you arrive.
A decorative bronze fire fountain, representing the fiery sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, greets you in the circular driveway leading to the main lobby. Once inside, an immediate view of the Gulf of Mexico through a glass expanse draws you in for a more intimate look. Seashell shaped glass sparkles in the light while fabric treatments in the ceiling echo a breezy beachside environment. Just off the plaza, residents’ private dining room, overlooking the beach and water, is decorated in teak and mahogany woods to recall vintage yachts.
Moraya Bay’s exceptional setting and features have caught the attention of both homebuyers and industry peers. During 2009-2010, Moraya Bay closed on over $66million dollars in sales. Recently, “Building of America” named Moraya Bay as one of the award-winning projects that represent the best in new construction and renovation. The award honors the country’s most innovative, unique and challenging projects.
The U-shaped building design and spacious floorplans offering three to four bedrooms with 3,900 square-feet to 4,500 square-feet of living area make the most of the incomparable Gulf-side setting. Each of the 72 residences features rooms opening to wraparound balconies and terraces with glass railings; floor-to-ceiling window walls for maximum exposure views; and nine-foot ceiling heights in all living areas.
While kitchens are often closed off to views and guests, Moraya Bay planned these gourmet spaces to be kept open and accessible. Equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, dual ovens and natural gas fueled cook tops; these spaces are ideal to display top chef skills and gracious entertaining. An adjacent butler’s pantry works as a second kitchen stocked with full-size refrigerator, double sink, dishwasher, storage cabinetry, and wine cooler—a great companion when entertaining to keep the main kitchen area pristine.
Residents of Moraya Bay are pampered by services and amenities one would expect from a five-star resort; private landscaped beachside tropical pool, separate lap pool, a grotto bar with full resort services, and an indoor state-of-the-art fitness facility facing the Gulf of Mexico. Moraya Bay’s concierge can assist you with a number of services including tee times, car service, spa appointments, fitness trainers and tennis lessons.
With its prime North Naples location, you are only minutes away from trendy shopping, myriad restaurants, fishing facilities, boating and more.
Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc. is the exclusive representative for Moraya Bay. Premier has full-service offices in the Village on Venetian Bay, and The Gallery Office in The Northern Trust Building in Park Shore; Broad Avenue South and 5th Avenue South in Old Naples; Vanderbilt Beach Road in North Naples; the Esplanade Shoppes on Marco Island; and The Promenade Shoppes in Bonita Springs. Premier Properties’ Commercial Division is located in Bonita Springs and in Naples. The Developer Services Division and Rental Division are headquartered in the Quarles & Brady building in Naples. Premier Properties is the real estate division of The Lutgert Companies.
