Naples Beach Club in partnership with Hart Howerton architectural firm presented a preliminary design concept for multiple buildings across what will be a Four Seasons resort at the site of the demolished Naples Beach Hotel.
The Athens Group, which owns luxury hotels across the country, purchased the property in 2021 for more than $362 million, but Naples Beach Club still owns 10 acres on the east side of Gulf Shore Boulevard North.
The preliminary design review was originally heard in 2018 for redevelopment of the entire Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club property, including the hotel. Since then, the area underwent a lot of change due to the COVID-19 pandemic, entering an operating agreement with Four Seasons and Hurricane Ian. The changes prompted a need to restart the review process.
“The combined influence of both physical and operational factors resulted in today’s hearing,” Hart Howerton architect Tim McCarthy said.
There are three separate buildings up for review, across Gulf Shore Boulevard from where the new Four Seasons resort will stand. The northernmost building is proposed to be a six-story multifamily mixed-use structure. The center building is planned for a three-story commercial structure with a single-story food and beverage location. The southernmost building will be a two-story clubhouse structure. Underneath the property will be a below-ground garage.
There are a handful of changes to the new site plan compared to what Naples City Council approved in 2019. “We’ve remained consistent with the vision outlined in our public outreach, provision that will protect preserve and enhance the unique components of the property, while incorporating world-leading trends for best-in-class development,” McCarthy said.
Specific changes include eliminating the previously approved family barn in favor of having more open space and landscape. Within that area will be a smaller ice cream pavilion that downsizes and relocates the previously proposed Sugar Shack and treehouse.
Read the full article in Gulf Shore Business.