Realty Check

In a town where an address says a lot about the residents who live there, Park Shore stands tall among the most telling of affluence and gracious lifestyle. Raymond Lutgert, a Chicago developer, got it all started in 1971 with the 15-story Horizon House. That launched a series of 17 more towers and the last high-rise, Aria (finished in November 2006), now completes his vision. "Ray Lutgert is an artist," says Barron Collier Companies board chairman Lamar Gable, looking now at the finished work. "And the result is a resort area different from anywhere else."

Gable explains that typical residential beach resorts are arranged in linear patterns, which result in dense skylines and plenty of obstructed views. "Ray’s buildings are in horseshoe patterns, around parks. That results in a more visually pleasing skyline and better views for the residents," he says.

The 760 acres Lutgert bought in 1964 were easy to apportion for development. The land east of Venetian Bay and up to U.S. 41 was prepared for home sales to individuals and builders. The mile-and-a-quarter strip west of the bay, now called Park Shore Beach, was also divided. Although it contains the very first Lutgert multifamily structure, the property on the east side of Gulf Shore Boulevard was sold to other developers. The beachfront land stayed in-house, however, destined for people who could live anywhere they wished.

Park Shore visitors appreciate the open space and the beachfront promenade that extends the length of the community, says veteran sales person Barbi Lowe, and they certainly take notice of Horizon House’s interior parking, La Mer’s central atrium and the construction of picturesque Venetian Villas over the bay. Glass elevators create a dramatic entry to Esplanade homes; Park Plaza has a ballroom and theater, and the 28-story Enclave presents the concept of one home per floor.

Lutgert and his son, Scott, who is now chairman of the Lutgert Companies, added Neapolitan Way, a practical shopping center along U.S. 41, and the Village on Venetian Bay, a waterfront enclave of upscale eateries and boutiques that draws residents and tourists to the base of Park Shore Drive.

J. Dudley Goodlette, himself a resident, says Park Shore not only is seen as one of the premier beach areas in the world, but is known locally as a major tax contributor. "Real estate taxes from the area pay for services that benefit the entire community," he states.

Richard J. Baker, president of Lutgert Development, notes that in 1997, statistics show Park Shore taxes were 27 percent of the city tax base and 7 percent of the county base. The numbers have increased significantly since then, he says, and will grow again as Aria makes its presence felt.

The 18-story tower offers 65 homes in surroundings that fuse contemporary style with environmental themes. The lobby’s marble floors have a shifting sands design; wood walls have the undulating look of the Gulf waves. Sales agent Anne Killilea reports that the pool and deck are the largest in the Lutgert high-rise community.

When Bill and Mary Jo Sulzmann chose Aria, it was their second time as Park Shore pioneers. The Green Bay, Wis., couple bought a unit at Provence preconstruction and lived there from 2000 to 2006. "When I heard that Aria was going up, I thought we’d buy a unit as an investment," Bill recalls. "But when we looked at the floor plan and saw how we could make it a perfect place for us, we decided to keep it. So," he says with a chuckle, "we sold it to ourselves."

The aura of Old World Italy emanates from Avellino Isles, a coach home neighborhood at Vineyards, Naples. The landscaping, brick-paved driveways and fountains all help to compose that distinctive village personality on the outside while thoughtful detailing puts the same cachet indoors.

An eight-model showcase at Azure at Bonita Bay is a preview of homes in buildings to come. While all but one of Azure’s units has sold, The Lutgert Companies has three more high-rises currently for sale or under way nearby.

Esperia South, scheduled for completion late this year, has 31 of 119 homes available from $816,000 to $2,003,000. Sales began for Esperia North in January 2006; 99 (of 120) homes range from $1,096,000 to $2,459,000. Tavira sales began in February 2006; 67 (of 90) homes range from $1,576,000 to $2,845,000.

The octet reflects the builder’s style and the designers’ talents while presenting views of the Bonita Bay community, golf courses, Estero Bay, Bonita Beach and the Gulf of Mexico.

Ranging from 3,472 to 4,240 square feet of interior space, the models have been furnished by Collins & DuPont Interiors (three), Marc-Michaels Interior Design (two), Gary David Designs, Beasley & Henley Interior Design and Romanza Interior Design (one each). Azure’s 4,240-square-foot, third-floor unit is priced at $1.9 million.

COMMUNITIES WE LOVE

Started in October 2005 and slated for an October ’07 finish, Florencia’s 116 homes will have screened terraces that showcase Estero Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, natural preserves, a lake and a Jerry Pate-designed golf course.

Each Sky Home, as each unit is called, has a private elevator lobby that leads to an interior foyer as well as a separate service elevator and entry. Priced from $950,000 to $1.4 million, the units are six per floor and come in a choice of three floor plans that range from 2,451 to 3,276 total square feet under air. Among the goodies for all residents to enjoy are a grand salon with a fireplace, a social room with billiards area and bar, theater, business center, fitness center and two guest suites.

Beyond a cascading water feature at the tower’s entry are a garden deck and reflecting pool, pool with lap area and a spa overlooking the lake and golf course. The poolside pavilion has been equipped with a bar, cabanas, deck and barbecue area. Residents have access to the Bay Club waterfront dining facility, a 34-acre island beach park, the Pelican Landing community center, canoe park, tennis courts, fitness center and tennis pro shop. Membership opportunities are also available to the Colony Country Club.

Discounted passports may be purchased in advance for $15 at local CVS/pharmacy locations as well as at seven area Robb & Stucky locations. During the tour dates, passports will be available at the participating homes for $25, or $5 for single-site access. Proceeds from the Luxury Home Tour benefit American Public Media. Visit www.napleshometour.com or call (866) 895-8912.