Story Update: Naples Design District Wants to Hear From You

In a previous TCG Pulse article, we announced that Naples Design District will be reimagined with the help of Naples residents, business owners, and property owners. Numerous ambitious ideas have already been pitched to the city council after week-long series of community meetings to determine the outlook for the transformation of the Design District. The future of the Design District lies in the people’s hands, and there are a few possibilities of what it could look like.

One idea proposed to the design council suggests “repurposing the interior alleys between avenues to create new temporary or permanent uses. The idea is to convert this mostly unused space into outdoor areas for dining performances, artworks, and other public uses such as food trucks and gardens.” Creating a more attractive space could create an environment for the next generation to live, play, and work in.

Other proposed streetscape changes could mean new light posts, benches, bike racks, and more signage/reimagination of street parking. Other recommendations include making the Design District more walkable, creating more affordable housing, and more to make it enjoyable for the entire community.

Stephen Hruby, chair of Naples Design Review Board explains that he “really believes our community needs to be enriched with variety and uniqueness,” he thinks that “what they are proposing here is going to be someplace that’s very different than Fifth Avenue, that’s very different than Third Street, very different from most of the new developments that are going. “He goes on to say that the community involvement is exactly what is needed and that it helps preserve Naples “with its very special charm.”

To give your opinion on the Design District transformation, click here.