Florida’s Going Coconuts

Dillard’s Inc. (Little Rock, Ark.) will be one of the anchors in the newly announced Coconut Point, a mixed-use project in Estero/Bonita Springs, Fla., on the west coast of the state halfway between Ft. Myers and Naples.

The project, to be developed by Simon Property Group (Indianapolis), will contain 1.2 million square feet of open-air retail space, plus 90,000 square feet of office condominiums, 200-400 residential units and one or two hotels.

“Dillard’s is tremendously proud to join the new Coconut Point project,” said William Dillard II, ceo of the department store organization. “We believe Simon’s innovative concept for Coconut Point brings together a truly compelling mix of great retailers and favorite restaurant and entertainment choices in a unique new village setting. We are certain Coconut Point will be the premier place for area Floridians to shop, live and work. Our new Dillard’s store will reflect the excitement of Coconut Point.”

In addition to Dillard’s, the Village will be anchored by Barnes & Noble, a Muvico 93,000-square-foot, 20-screen megaplex theater, and four restaurants. In all there will be approximately 100 stores, and commitments have been received from Bath & Body Works, Brookstone, Express and Express Men, Finish Line, Jos. A. Banks, Talbots and Victoria’s Secret.

Others who have expressed “strong interest” in The Village include Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, Ann Taylor Loft, Apple, Baby Gap, Casual Corner, Elizabeth, Gap Maternity, Gymboree, Hollister, J. Jill, Johnny Rockets, Petite Sophisticate, Select Comfort, Sigrid Olsen, Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma.

The Village will incorporate two parks and many casual gathering spots. It will be oriented around a Main Street designed by world-renowned architects, The Jerde Partnership (Venice, Calif.) and will feature a Mediterranean theme. Groundbreaking for The Village is scheduled for summer 2005 with a planned opening in September 2006.

One of the two other areas in the complex, The Community Center of Coconut Point, will feature approximately 40 stores. Best Buy, Sports Authority, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ross Dress for Less, Designer Shoe Warehouse, PetsMart, Old Navy, OfficeMax, Pier I Imports and Ulta Cosmetics have committed to The Community Center, which is scheduled to open in October 2005.

The third area, The Lakefront of Coconut Point, will feature restaurants and shops surrounding an 18-acre lake. Simon reports that negotiations with Brio, California Pizza Kitchen, Cameron Mitchell Seafood, Champps Americana, Claddagh Irish Pub and Kona Grill are currently taking place.