Daniels Marketplace announces groundbreaking for phase two
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Wilder, a national real estate development firm focused on the east coast, is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of phase two of Daniels Marketplace, an open-air, Whole Foods-anchored shopping center in Fort Myers. The commemorative groundbreaking ceremony was held at the center on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 9 a.m.
Phase two of the development is located at the northeast corner of the current center, adjacent to the Six Mile Cypress Parkway entrance and directly next to Kekes Breakfast Cafe. Confirmed tenants coming to the 24,616-square-foot addition include Bluemercury, Fidelity Investments, Lovesac, J. McLaughlin and VIO Med Spa, with more to be announced soon. The new development will also introduce public green space that will be available for center activations and leisure activities.
“The breaking of ground for phase two marks a significant milestone in Wilder’s journey to unlock the power of place at Daniels Marketplace,” said Tom Wilder, principal at Wilder. “Our vision to embrace the space between the buildings with the introduction of green space and event activations, combined with diversifying the merchandising mix and adding financial services, will be realized with this development. On completion of phase two, Daniels Marketplace will become a landmark example of a post-pandemic shopping destination, where a carefully curated mix of uses will breathe new life into every corner, to be enjoyed by the community and all visitors.”
Wilder acknowledges several local municipalities, officials and partners for their involvement in making this development a reality: John Talmage at the Lee County Economic Development Department; Cecil Pendergrass, District 2 Commissioner; and Dave Harner, Lee County Manager; LQ Commercial Real Estate Services; Cherry & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services; Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida; J. Raymond Construction Corporation; Nelson Worldwide; Newgate Retail Advisors; Rue Real Estate.
Phase one opened in 2018 and is located at the northwest intersection of Daniels Parkway and Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway in south Fort Myers. Anchored by Whole Foods Market, the first location in Fort Myers, the 140,000-square-foot space features a robust merchandising mix, including fast-casual dining, boutique retail, outdoor dining options and other high-end shops.
The development is scheduled to be completed in 2026.
About Wilder
Wilder is a Boston-based real estate development, management, and leasing firm specializing in positioning retail properties. Privately held and owner-managed, Wilder’s mission continues to be to create vibrant shopping places that meet and exceed the expectations of customers, retailers, and investors. From lifestyle centers and urban properties to community centers and mixed-use developments, Wilder has developed, managed, and leased over 20 million square feet of retail properties throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The Company continues to have a diverse portfolio of properties throughout the East Coast, including Greater Boston’s Arsenal Yards, Silver Spring Square in Pennsylvania, and Daniels Marketplace in Fort Myers, Florida.