Bonita Village expanding
Plans include a boutique hotel, extensive courtyards and verandas
SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY

COURTESY RENDERING An artist's conception of the Bonita Village Marketplace, part of the expansion of Bonita Village.

A recently approved expansion for Bonita Village paves the way for a new look for a one-mile stretch of Bonita Beach Road. The development, in which the first phases of residential condominiums and resort amenities have already been completed, will now occupy almost 20 acres that extend from the west side of Luke Street east around Rode's to Meadowlark Lane and will include a mix of residential and commercial properties.

"Our vision is to create a mixed use neighborhood that fully realizes the potential of this important area so near to Bonita Beach," said Rick Armalavage, managing partner of Bonita Village LLC. "This will be an attraction, not only for the residents and guests at Bonita Village, but also for the surrounding neighborhoods."

Original plans called for 156 condominium residences plus a 3.5 acre commercial site. The acquisition of additional property made the expansion possible, Armalavage said.

COURTESY RENDERING An overview of the layout of Bonita Village Marketplace as it relates to Bonita Beach Road.

The new layout includes additional mixed use development that offers commercial and office space with residential space above. A 40-room boutique hotel is planned for the corner of Luke Street and Bonita Beach Road.

The expanded acreage also allows the developers to create extensive courtyard space, pedestrian walkways with fountains and tropical landscaping, covered verandas and grassy areas.

"We envision this as an inviting area for people to come in, shop in the boutiques, dine in the restaurants and enjoy the space," Armalavage said. "It has been designed so the courtyard can host events such as an Art in the Park, a weekend Farmer's Market or music and entertainment. It will be a place where people will enjoy a leisurely stroll or simply sitting to enjoy a conversation with friends."

The commercial component provides the added advantage of allowing Bonita Village residents and neighbors in surrounding communities to dine and enjoy activities without having to go out on U.S. 41 or onto Interstate 75. Public parking will be located within the project.

When completed Bonita Village will include 220 residences, the mixed-use component and 60,000 square feet of commercial space in addition to the hotel.

Leasing has already begun for The Marketplace, the commercial component accessible from Bonita Beach Road as well as from the Bonita Village community. Construction of The Marketplace is expected to begin in the summer of 2008.

Island Girl, a retail store featuring gifts and ladies resort wear, will open a boutique within the Marketplace. Island Girl currently has a location on Ft. Myers Beach. Other early tenants include Bad Ass Coffee and a real estate sales and rental office.

Leasing information is available at the Bonita Village sales and information office located at 3998 Bonita Beach Road. For more information call (239) 390-8860, or visit www.bonitavillage. com.

The first five residential buildings of Bonita Village have been completed. The centerpiece of the community is the Island House, a two-story clubhouse with expansive verandas and covered patios. There is a sophisticated billiards room, a separate game room and a library media center with an Internet café. The social room includes a catering kitchen and is equipped with a serving bar with granite countertop.

The 1,200-square-foot fitness center is equipped with a complement of Cybex equipment designed to provide a full body workout as well as a cardiovascular workout.

The lagoon style pool features a private chickee bar for relaxing outdoor refreshments. A second pool, referred to as "the quiet pool," is set on an island in the center of the community's lake.

Located just a mile from Bonita Beach, Bonita Village offers residents their own private beach shuttle.

Pricing for the homes begins in the $500,000s.