“You waves, though you dance by my feet like children at play . . ."

                        -William Butler Yeats

Too often in real estate circles hyperbole and superlatives are so carelessly used that places truly worthy of the highest praise – such as Park Shore in Naples – can unfairly be lumped in with “lesser lights” in the din of realtor-speak.  Park Shore is stunning on several levels, not simply in its scenic waterfront beauty, but also as an amazing achievement in urban planning, architecture and engineering.  Everyone in the real estate industry in Naples owes a great debt of gratitude to the vision of Park Shore’s original developer,  Ray Lutgert, and his company.  In the mid-1960's Mr. Lutgert purchased a completely undeveloped swath of beachfront property and parts inland west of highway US  41, and as one of the first planned unit developments in Florida, turned Park Shore into a landmark community of such importance and influence that it is impossible to imagine Naples ever evolving into the world class destination it has become without its existence.

Park Shore has a prime location, central to all the shopping, cultural events and restaurants which have established Naples as an elite resort destination.  It is located south of the Naples Cay and Pelican Bay developments, and north of the Moorings, with Anchor Rode Drive serving as the point of demarcation.  Along the Gulf-front section of Park Shore (which is the focus of this article) stand a series of luxury high rise buildings artfully arranged along a stretch of white sand beaches.  The pristine beaches of Naples in 2005 were named by the Travel Channel as “America’s Best All-Around Beach.”  On the opposite side of Gulf Shore Boulevard where these towers can be found are bayfront luxury lower rise buildings and villa style residences – many of which appear to the eye to be actually floating on Venetian Bay.

From the former marshes arose a luxury real estate juggernaut.  Given the regulatory changes over the last 40 years, it is not hyperbole to describe Park Shore as “one of a kind,” whose dramatic waterfront attributes could never again be duplicated.   The development of Park Shore resulted in the creation of Venetian Bay, which connects to Doctor’s Pass in the Moorings to provide Gulf access.  Along the beach, a 1 ¼  mile long promenade ornamentally twists and gently curves along the dunes.  To avoid the creation of a “concrete jungle” effect regrettably found all too commonly in areas outside of Naples where high rises meet oceanfront property,  Park Shore (through superior planning) includes five parks along the beach, and four large common areas.  These beautiful open areas of lush tropical gardens, swaying coconut palms and meticulously manicured lawns ensure that each of the towers all share in the magnificent views along the Gulf of Mexico. 

Residents along the Gulf in Park Shore take advantage of a myriad of amenities and special features and privileges.  From a leisurely stroll along the private promenade and parks, to private beach access, the fabulous lifestyle choices within walking distance are unmatched.  For those interested in boating, Park Shore homeowners are eligible to purchase boat slips along sections of Venetian Bay, and join the Venetian Bay Yacht Club.

At the center of activity though in Park Shore is unquestionably The Villages at Venetian Bay – an opulent luxury shopping complex that spans both sides of Park Shore Drive along Venetian Bay.  Designed by the late Walter Keller, a prominent local architect, the Mediterranean style shops seem to be magically suspended out over the Bay.  Nearly 60 shops, galleries and restaurants are found in “Venetian Village.”  Those that are fortunate enough to live in Park Shore can “leave their car keys at home” and walk the short distance to Venetian Village and such venerable local establishments as the award winning Marie-Michelle’s Restaurant on the Bay, where classically prepared French cuisine can be enjoyed outdoors under the stars, watching the moon dancing in reflection on the water.