Park Shore
Contributing Writers Rob and Laura Meiners
S
et amidst breathtaking tropical flora, pristine white sand beaches
and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico is one of the most the
spectacular communities in all of Florida, Park Shore. A Beach-toBay community, Park Shore offers residents and visitors a unique combination
of serene beach lifestyle and the convenience of a metropolitan community.
The story of Park Shore began in 1964, when a 760-acre parcel of undeveloped
land was purchased. The desirable property was bordered on the west by a
mile and a quarter of pristine Gulf beach and on the east by U.S. Highway 41,
the primary north-south route through Southwest Florida. During the next
four years, a team of architects, engineers and land planners created the landmark master plan, establishing not only the first planned unit development
district in Collier County, but also one of the first in the State of Florida.
The innovative plan for the Gulf-front section of Park Shore created Venetian
Bay, a navigable body of water separating the mainland portion of Park Shore
from the Gulf-front community; establishing a serpentine design that artfully arranges 29 land parcels amidst five beachside parks, four open-space
common areas, and a meandering beach promenade. A natural dune system
established a prestigious community of homesites with underground utility
and storm water systems, a first in Naples at the time. The result of these collective creations of the Park Shore plan was an innovative masterwork, both
in concept and application. In fact, the community served as a model for
future development throughout Florida and beyond.
In 1970, construction of the signature buildings began with the same dedication to innovation as seen in the masterplan. Venetian Villas, completed in
1976, is undoubtedly the most photographed community in Naples. Created
as a tribute to Mediterranean-style architecture, the community represents
a significant architectural and permitting achievement. Each of the villas is
actually built over the water, creating a distinctive Venetian ambiance.
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