New Retail and Apartment Development on the Horizon for Golden Gate Estates
Q: Are the rumors true that the Publix at Orange Blossom project has come to a halt and that the land is now up for sale? —Brandon Blanco, Naples
Q: While I’m uncertain about the facts, I’ve heard whispers of a potential chain restaurant or sports bar joining the lineup for the new Publix on Oil Well Road. Have you heard anything on that front? —Mark Woods, Naples
Q: The familiar sounds of progress are echoing as the new Publix starts taking shape near Palmetto Ridge High School. Are there any confirmed tenants for the remaining retail spaces? I hope developments in the area keep pace with the work on the phase 2 road to Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park! —Jason LoRusso, Naples
A: New retail developments are taking great strides at The Shoppes at Orange Blossom, a fresh mixed-use complex emerging along Oil Well Road, just east of the bustling Palmetto Ridge High School in Golden Gate Estates. The landscape of this community is changing, with the backdrop of growth adding both excitement and uncertainty.
New Publix sign for the Shoppes at Orange Blossom
Though a new Publix supermarket will anchor this burgeoning shopping center, the anticipated sports bar may not make an appearance after all. Bob Pekol, a senior associate at Fort Myers-based LQ Commercial real estate services, was candid in his discussions, explaining that while interest from a sports bar existed, that deal has fallen through. Instead, the center is expected to include more family-friendly dining options. “We have a couple of pending deals,” Pekol noted, hinting at exciting reveals on the horizon.
The commercial spaces, particularly Units 106 and 107, are set to host two small restaurants, catering to the growing community that is characteristically diverse and ever-evolving. Each eatery will occupy slightly over 1,300 square feet, offering ample space for vibrant, inviting atmospheres.
Florida’s WMG Development took a purposeful step forward this summer, breaking ground with aspirations of delivering a development that reflects the essence of this community. Aryel Perring, their regional director, expressed a heartfelt commitment to providing a space that harmonizes with the area’s needs while meeting future aspirations.
Site plan for The Shoppes at Orange Blossom
Beside the almost 52,000-square-foot Publix—showcasing the latest prototype complemented by a delightful 3,144-square-foot mezzanine—will rise 9,374 square feet of additional inline retail space, shining a new light on this area. Units will welcome establishments like Publix Liquors, Encore Nail Bar, and Great Clips, among others, each contributing to the fabric of this new shopping destination.
With sitework for the Publix already complete, vertical construction is anticipated to initiate soon. Pekol shared that he expects the shell to rise by late September or October, aiming for a second-quarter completion next year. There’s a palpable anticipation in the air, as the community awaits openings that will shape local culture.
Aerial map layout of The Shoppes at Orange Blossom
In a notable addition, Fifth Third Bank has plans to construct a freestanding branch office with a drive-thru, meeting the demands of the community as it grows, while offering convenient banking solutions. This branch is set for the northwest corner of Oil Well Road and what will become Big Corkscrew Drive—a future route poised to enhance access to the area.
This vibrant new chapter for Golden Gate Estates continues with a luxurious apartment community, Emblem at Orange Blossom. Developed by Quarterra Multifamily, the complex will feature 384 units spread across 16 buildings alongside a clubhouse and outdoor swimming pool. As site clearing progresses, the anticipated construction is slated to kick off in September, aiming for completion by May 2026, serving a pivotal role in the area’s transformation.
As the Publix-anchored shopping center is poised to bloom by late summer 2025, residents can look forward to the new job opportunities it will bring—over 200, to be exact. The excitement surrounding this development leads to a shared sense of community pride, as individuals can envision the positive impact this will have.
“I think we’re going to have an exciting lineup there that people are going to be excited about once they hear about it. It’s going very well,” shared Pekol, encapsulating the community’s hope for these new beginnings.
Your insights are always welcomed. The “Tim Aten Knows” weekly column answers local questions from readers. Email Tim at tim.aten@naplespress.com.
