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In
1964, when Raymond L. Lutgert purchased an undeveloped
parcel of land in Naples, Florida, he alone envisioned
the potential of the 760 acres bordered on the west by
a mile and a quarter of pristine Gulf beach and on the
east by U.S. Highway 41, the primary north-south route
through Southwest Florida.
During the next four years, Lutgert would lead a team
of architects, engineers and land planners in the creation
of a landmark plan, establishing not only the first planned
unit development district in Collier County but also one
of the first in the State of Florida.
The singular plan for the Gulf-front section of Park
Shore created Venetian Bay, a navigable body of water
separating the mainland portion of Park Shore
from the Gulf-front community; establishing a serpentine
design that artfully arranges 29 land parcels amidst five
beachside parks, four open-space commons, and a meandering
beach promenade; and designed a natural dune system that
has established a prestigious community of homesites and
pioneered underground utility and storm water systems
in Naples. The result of these collective creations was
a masterwork not only in its environmental aspects. The
Park Shore plan, both in concept and in application, was,
in fact so sound that it served as a model for future
development.
From 1970 to 1983, the Lutgert Companies began to build
what we now know today as Park Shore. Their first Florida
condominium was Colony Gardens; a unique combination of
mid-rise apartments and townhomes with private docks on
the bay. One year later, the company would introduce Horizon
House, the first indicator of what would become the Lutgert
Companies' trademark. Horizon House was the tallest and
most luxurious building of its time.
In 1976, the final phase of the Venetian Villas was
completed. Easily the most sketched, painted and photographed
buildings in Naples, Venetian Villas was created by Raymond
L. Lutgert as a tribute to the Mediterranean-styled architecture.
Representing a significant architectural and permitting
achievement, each of the villas is actually built over
the water. Venetian Villas creates an incomparable Venetian
ambiance not only for its residents, but also for all
Neopolitans.
Twelve
years later, one of the most unique and exquisite shopping
areas would be introduced. Heralded for its creative design,
a gorgeous waterfront setting and successful retail shops,
the Village on Venetian Bay reflects a classic Mediterranean
theme with meandering terra cotta walkways, quaint courtyards,
Venetian-style facades and a relaxed bayside ambiance.
Initially opening in 1988 with 40 exclusive specialty
shops, restaurants and galleries, The Village experience
was enhanced in 1990 with the introduction of a successful
second phase including 20 handpicked fashion boutiques,
galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Today, the 'Venetian
Village brings a true European feel to a city that rivals
its sister in Italy. If you are looking for a truly unique
shopping experience in a setting that is like no other,
visit the Village on Venetian Bay and see for yourself
what true elegance is about.
Twenty years after the initial ground breaking of the
first residential building in Park Shore, The Vistas was
created. The Vistas site offered the design team the potential
to present spectacular views not only from each individual
residence, but also from every building amenity. Following
the Vistas in 1990 was Le Parc, and the Enclave in 1991.
Inspired by Raymond and Scott Lutgert's desire to blend
the assets of a private beach estate with the convenience
and privacy of high-rise living, Enclave introduced the
innovative concept of a single, spectacular residence
on each floor. The Enclave continues to be one of the
Lutgerts' ultimate achievements.
By the mid 90's, Park Shore was becoming known as one
of the most premier places in Southwest Florida. With
the addition of Park Tower in 1994, Venetian Tower in
1995, and Le Rivage... The Shore, residents of Naples
were beginning to choose from a wide array of luxury lifestyles.
With the opening of the Village on Venetian Bay, people
from all over the area and the country began coming to
Park Shore for exquisite dining and unique shopping excursions.
Today, Park Shore and the hundreds of amenities that
come along with it continue to attract people from all
over the world. Through their vision, innovation and commitment
to excellence, the Lutgert Companies has created a tropical
paradise.
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