Zoning approval granted for future site of Whole Foods Market

On Wednesday, October 6, the proposed 140,000-square-foot commercial project, Daniels Marketplace, including a 45,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market, received unanimous zoning approval from the Lee County Commission.

Currently comprised of a 16.5-acre driving range and an adjacent existing stormwater pond, Daniels Marketplace will be developed by S.J. Collins Enterprises (sjcollinsent.com), a commercial real estate development firm currently working on 18 retail shopping centers anchored by Whole Foods Markets or 365 by Whole Foods stores nationwide. Located at the northwest intersection of Daniels Parkway and Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway in south Fort Myers, this site is the S.J. Collin’s sixth retail center being developed in Florida.

“We’re thrilled that this project unanimously received approval, and we appreciate the support by the community, staff and commission,” said Jeff Garrison, partner at S.J. Collins Enterprises. “We’re proud to help bring the first Whole Foods Market to Fort Myers, along with several other exciting retail stores.”

The adjacent 95,000 square feet will include a refined and diverse merchandising mix, including fast-causal dining, boutique retail, outdoor dining options and other high-end shops.

Approximately 900 neighbors showed their support and backed the project. As part of the development, S.J. Collins Enterprises will create open space, high-end architecture, native landscaping and a walkable lifestyle environment, ensuring community members have the option of walking or biking to the retail hub. The team will also relocate the existing lake on Daniels Parkway to provide a buffer between the property owners and the retail center.

“While the old model of development was really just sticks and bricks, that is changing,” said Garrison. “Municipalities and local governments are asking for more. They want a development partner who will work to improve and create open space, provide sustainable projects and enhance the communities where we build. That is our specialty and we look forward to bringing that to this project and to the community.”

Construction on Daniels Marketplace is slated to begin at the end of 2016 or early 2017, with hopes of the retail hub opening in the summer 2018.

About S.J. Collins Enterprises

Founded in 2007, S.J. Collins Enterprises is a privately held, commercial real estate development firm that has acquired and developed more than 60 retail, mixed-use, multi-family and office projects throughout three regions, including the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast. The company is headquartered in Fairburn, Ga.