Cape's first "mixed-use" development thriving

Realmark plan makes living walkable

Realmark Group has developed Cape Coral's first mixed-use community, with the completion of Marina South II at The Marina at Cape Harbour. The project incorporates residential, retail and commercial elements in the same development, resulting in a walkable village with easy access to all services and amenities. It is the only community of its kind in Cape Coral.

"People want to gather and enjoy each other's company outside of their homes and offices," said Realmark President Will Stout. "They want a place 'on the corner', with easy access, where they don't have to get in a car or fight traffic after a long day."

Sociologists have a technical term for what Stout describes. It's called "the third place". "Third places" lend balance to people's first places (home) and second places (work) through their playful mood and sense of community.

"People thrive when they are recognized by the shop owners of the stores and restaurants they frequent," said Stout. "It's uplifting to see a friendly face across the room in your favorite restaurant or someone familiar browsing next to you in a boutique. It's a well-known fact that people are happier when they have a sense of belonging, a sense of community. That was our vision for the entire Cape Harbour community, but specifically for Marina South and Marina South II."

Marina South and Marina South II are identical high-rise condominiums, each housing 110-luxury waterfront apartments at The Marina at Cape Harbour. At their doorsteps, residents enjoy several upscale, waterfront restaurants, art galleries, specialty boutiques, a fine resort-wear and accessories shop, a gourmet market, and coming soon - a luxury day spa and an intimate sushi restaurant. The Marina community of Cape Harbour also includes the six-story Marina View condominiums. All three buildings surround a 76-slip deepwater marina, located just 3.5 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, which offers owners wet or dry storage for their yachts and free visitor docks for non-residents who want to experience the Cape Harbour lifestyle.

"I've looked up and down both coasts and no other community offers what we have," said Stout. "It has always been my vision to build a marina community from scratch, where people of all ages and backgrounds could gather, connect and enjoy nature; specifically the water."

Stout and his talented team at Realmark have achieved that, and in the process are pioneering the rebirth of New Urbanism in southwest Florida. "Pioneering" because while mixed-use is not a new concept, it is not widely embraced by developers due to its lack of short-term profits. Rather, a mixed-use community is an example of "smart growth", which requires forward thinking - looking at the long-term benefits to the entire community.

"I love the idea of 'the third place' concept," said Stout. "'Third places' allow people to put aside their concerns and simply enjoy the company and conversation around them. Here, they get the added benefit of doing that surrounded by beautiful architecture and the majesty of the sea (or mother nature, or water - whatever you prefer)."