Southwest Florida’s Mixed-Use; Bayfront Center

Guest post by Kyle Nicholas, Market Analyst and Intern with Milhaus Development
This is the third in a three part series on Southwest Florida.

Located just east of downtown Naples, Bayfront was the first true mixed-use project of our series. Bayfront offers award winning cuisine, several bars/pubs, and is home to some of Naples’ most desired art. It’s Mediterranean exterior, street level retail, and waterfront views truly set Bayfront apart from others.

Bayfront has been a true success for the developers because it was the first large scale mixed-use project completed in the area. Retailers, restaurants, and potential condo buyers flocked to the development. Unlike most area condos, family found the mixed-use project appealing because of the entertainment it provided to children as well as the great hardscape that is situated above the parking garage.

One unforeseen factor hinders the potential at Bayfront. Buyers of condos are limited to the size of boats they potentially could dock at the condo. Bayfront is situated well inland of the pass to access the Gulf. Numerous bridges, shoals, and long “No-Wake” zones deter buyers of condos. Because of this, potential buyers and my parents’ included choose to buy elsewhere, where Gulf access was much easier and there were less restrictions on the size of the watercraft they could purchase.

Overall Bayfront is a true testament to where development in southwest Florida is going. Having spent numerous nights growing up in the pool at Bayfront, I believe its’ location, amenities, and great retail anchors will provide a long-lasting development success.