The on-again-off-again project to build a 109-room boutique hotel on The Plaza on Third Street site in downtown Naples is on again.
Construction on the Old Naples Hotel is expected to begin this fall with completion targeted in early 2024 in the historic Third Street South District. The Plaza on Third Street was razed there in late 2020 after the open-air shopping center sat mostly vacant for many years on slightly more than 2 acres on Third Street South that stretch to Gordon Drive and Broad Avenue a couple of blocks from the Gulf. The Old Naples Hotel will be built on the grass field between the Sea Salt restaurant and the historic Olde Naples Building.
The three-story hotel will offer hotel guests and passersby numerous public amenities, such as a café/bar with outdoor dining, a picturesque courtyard, a sundry shop, spa and a small retail commercial space on Third Street South.
The Camalier family, which has owned the property for decades, announced a partnership with Ocean Properties Hotels & Resorts and Affiliates to construct, develop and operate the luxury hotel, according to a news release Thursday from the Camaliers, operating as Old Naples Hotel LLC.
“We look forward to bringing the Old Naples Hotel to life in partnership with Ocean Properties,” said Anne D. Camalier. “This new luxury destination will undoubtedly become a favorite of visitors to Naples, as well as neighbors throughout the community who can enjoy the beautiful courtyard and gardens. We are excited for the hotel to become a vibrant part of the Third Street District, while reinforcing the historical and cultural heritage of Old Naples itself.”
The Camaliers have been residents of Naples since 1964 and owners of properties in the Third Street South shopping district and elsewhere in the city for decades. Ocean Properties is one of the largest hotel owners and operators in Florida. Most of the company’s hotels are owned and operated by descendants of the brand’s patriarch, Tom Walsh. Among its extensive holdings are several AAA Four Diamond resorts in South Florida.
Design of the Old Naples Hotel is inspired by the city’s original and iconic Naples Hotel, which opened nearby in 1889 and served guests for nearly 90 years. The new hotel was designed by Hart Howerton, an architectural firm based in New York and San Francisco and behind the design of hotels and resorts worldwide.
In May 2018, project approvals for the hotel were obtained from the city of Naples, including the Design Review Board and City Council. The next steps include the completion of construction documents to obtain a building permit from the city.
