DOWNTOWN NAPLES ASSOCIATION MEMBER MESSENGER JANUARY 2007 Visitor & Information Center Opens February The much anticipated Downtown Naples Visitor & Information Center will soon open for business. Due to unexpected delays, the opening date is postponed until later this month, but rest assured that we are working hard to make it happen as soon as possible! The Downtown Naples administrative offices have relocated to the new facility, effective January 2. We will notify all members as soon as the opening date is determined, as well as plans for the grand opening celebration. Special introductory offer still available! Association members have the exclusive opportunity to display a rack brochure in the Visitor & Information Center at no charge during February and March ($250.00 value). Should you wish to maintain the brochure rack past March, an invoice will automatically be generated and mailed. Downtown Parking Garage Set for Final Approval January 17 The proposed parking garage at the southeast corner of Fourth Avenue South and Fourth Street South is on the Naples City Council’s January 17 agenda for final approval. The Council gave initial approval November 15 for a rezoning to developer Jack Antaramian to build a three-story condominium building over a four-level, 321-space parking garage, of which 190 spaces would be leased by the city for public use. Please plan to be present at the meeting to show your support for this parking garage, which would be of tremendous benefit to Downtown Naples. 5th Avenue South Lighting Survey The City of Naples is currently gathering information related to street lighting on 5th Avenue South and would appreciate your help to identify lighting problems, needs and improvement ideas for the portion of 5th Avenue from Highway 41 to 3rd Street South. After obtaining public input on this issue, the City plans to engage a design firm to develop a plan for more consistent lighting, enhanced pedestrian safety and improved aesthetics for the 5th Avenue South business district. Please take a few moments to respond to the attached lighting survey and return it either by email to jramunni@naplesgov.com, fax (239) 213-1033, or by regular mail to: Chet Hunt City of Naples – Community Redevelopment Agency 735 8th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 Renaissance Village Update On December 13, Antaramian Development Group began the final phase of demolition of Grand Central Station, located on the corner of 5th Avenue South and Goodlette Frank Road. Antaramian’s vision for the site, called Renaissance Village, is a true urban mix of residential and commercial uses, whose plans call for 288 luxury residences and over 200,000 square feet of commercial space. “This is the start of something exciting and new,” said Jack Antaramian of Antaramian Development. City of Naples Mayor Barnett was on hand, noting the significance of the demolition and how it signifies the start of a new important component of Downtown Naples. Renaissance Village will offer a boutique grocery store, restaurants, shops and office space. Florida Gulf Coast University will also locate its Renaissance Center there, which includes a 350-seat theater for musical performances. Naples Pathway Coalition Hosts “Pedaling for Pathways” Bicycle Tour & Brunch January 14 The Naples Pathways Coalition is hosting the first "Pedaling for Pathways" Bicycle Tour & Brunch on Sunday, January 14, at Lowdermilk Park. Rides are for all levels with routes of 10, 20 & 62 miles (Note: this is NOT a race). Participants may enjoy a continental breakfast before departing and upon return, brunch on the beach will be catered by Russell's Clambake. Naples Pathways Coalition, Inc. is a non-profit group of local citizens promoting safe family fun outdoors through integrated multi-use pathways throughout Naples and Collier County. Visit www.Naplespathways.org for more details and a registration form. E-mail Michelle@naplespathways.org with questions. Members Making a Difference: Special Thanks to All Merchants Who Donated to St. Matthew’s House Association members Beverly Howe and Barbara Simons continued their annual tradition of holiday giving by sponsoring a Christmas party for the female residents at St. Matthew's House, a homeless shelter in Naples. Thanks to generous donations from numerous merchants in Downtown Naples, they collected $500 for Wal-Mart gift certificates and an abundance of other items including clothes, jewelry, purses, and gift certificates. Downtown Naples 2007 Calendar of Events 2007 promises to be an exciting year for Downtown Naples! We already have an action-packed year planned, guaranteed to bring residents and visitors to all areas of Downtown Naples – click here to view the 2007 calendar of events. If you have an event that you would like added to the calendar, please e-mail information to Patty@fifthavenuesouth.com. Welcome New Members Bleu Provence Charlene’s Classic Carriages Frank Smith Naples Guitarist Gondolier Inn Masquerade Naples Historical Society/ Palm Cottage Member Profile: The Weatherburn Gallery Name of business: The Weatherburn Gallery Type of business: Fine Art Gallery Date business opened: November 2006 Address/Telephone: Bayfront Place, Naples 34102. 263-8008 Name/title of business representative: Roger Weatherburn Baker/President What has been the key to your professional success? A high quality product; competitive pricing, professional service What do you do in your spare time? Travel and write – I’ve published a terrorist novel called “Noble Rot”; frequently write freelance magazine features on art and travel for the local media; and have just published my own arts magazine. The best day you’ve ever had at work: Was when a couple came into the gallery and spent almost $150,000 in the middle of August when there was hardly another soul in town! 800 5th Avenue South, Suite #103 | Naples, Florida 34102 | Phone: 239.435.3742 | Fax: 239.435.0994 - http://www.fifthavenuesouth.com/