Made-over condos sell in North Naples
Made-over condos sell in North Naples
By Christina Cepero
News Press
Along Vanderbilt Beach, condominiums have been selling after a proactive
effort by Bonita Springs-based K2 Design Group to spruce up buildings
and residences up and down Gulfshore Drive.
“So many made good use of a market in pause, and we’re now seeing buyers
walking into condominiums that knock their socks off and they’re buying
them,” explained Mari Vesci, owner of Mari Vesci Realtors, Inc. “For
homeowners as well as sellers, the trend is definitely makeovers.”
Vanderbilt Beach, a 1.3 mile stretch of land between a Ritz-Carlton
Hotel and Delnor-Wiggins State Park, has prime beachfront real estate,
much of it in high-rise towers. Upscale dining in the immediate vicinity
include Baleen at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort and the Turtle Club. The
intimate neighborhood even holds vestiges of Old Florida with Buzz’s
Lighthouse Restaurant and Lighthouse Inn on Vanderbilt Lagoon.
The demographic most attracted to Vanderbilt Beach comprises of empty
nesters in the 50-year age range, Vesci said. Whereas the traditional
buyer has been a second-home buyer, high technology and the virtual
office have paved the way for longer stays.
A perfect example of the what is happening in many of Southwest
Florida’s more mature high-rise condominium communities is found at
Vanderbilt Gulfside Condominium, where exterior common areas as well as
residences are sporting sophisticated new looks.
Flexible living space and innovative storage solutions are high on the
priority list for those wanting to turn dated vacation condos into
year-round residences. In one condominium, the successful transformation
of a two-bedroom layout resulted in two additional remodel contracts for
K2 Design Group, a single-source architectural, interior design and
construction management firm.
“The owners wanted better use of their home,” said Jenny Carter,
president and principal designer of K2 Design Group.
As in the case of many homes, one of the bedrooms was rarely used.
Opening that one room changes the dynamic of the entire home with
increased functionality and stylish looks. To accomplish that, K2 Design
Group expanded the air conditioning onto the lanai at one end of a great
room and created an attractive work space, a beautiful setting to catch
up on e-mail. In the same area, sliding acoustical panel doors allow the
space to convert — with finger-tip ease — to a guest suite for the
occasional visitor.
In the kitchen, which was opened to living areas, glass-walled cabinetry
showcases the homeowner’s handcrafted blown glass collection while
concealing electrical and plumbing.
“This is a dramatic change,” Carter said. “By eliminating the wall that
had previously housed the electrical panel, we gained a view. Glass in
the curio cabinets also allows the Gulf view to be seen from the entry.”
Throughout the home, ceilings were opened and ductwork was moved. The
foyer was opened. In addition to a much-improved interior, the facelift
opened the residence and changed the focus from walls to beautiful views.
Several touches incorporate existing features. A wave ceiling treatment
adds interest and creates the illusion of depth without having to raise
the ceiling. Paneling kitchen appliances with wood skins matching
cabinetry lends an integrated look. Recovered living room furniture
blends with the renewed interior.
“High-rise makeovers take a bit of ingenuity, and K2 Design Group has
completed many,” Carter said. “We won new contracts when residents in
the same building saw everything that we did and appreciated that we
could completely open a two-bedroom unit. Clever adjustments enable
condominium residents to enjoy their homes so much more.”
When they were built in the 1980s, these beachfront residences were not
about high ceilings. The entire ceiling was lowered to the depth of the
duct work.
“We have the technology and skills today to open high-rise spaces and
the impression is dramatic,” Carter said. “Homebuyers do not always have
the vision to imagine what’s possible. For sellers, these makeovers
create interest.”
Celebrating a 15-year anniversary, K2 Design Group has completed upscale
residential and commercial projects in Southwest Florida — from Marco
Island to North Fort Myers — and throughout the United States.
Internationally, the company has completed work in the Bahamas, Canada,
England, Germany, Ireland and Panama.
Sitting on 8.8 acres, the 80s-era high-rise property — 72 residences in
each of two towers — is in the midst of an exterior facelift. Parking
structures, entry gate and porte-cochère have been replaced. Lush
landscaping has been enhanced and is receiving increased attention with
a new irrigation system. Attractive pavers replaced asphalt along the
winding driveway and Italian stone was installed around the pool and
walkway. In addition to fresh paint, exterior balconies, railings and
screens are being upgraded.
Along Vanderbilt Beach, many bought their homes more than 20 years ago
for well under $200,000. In addition, many were bought as vacation
homes. While the real estate appreciated considerably, the common
thinking was that there was no need to spend money to fix what was not
broken, especially when cosmetic improvements would be costly.
Perspectives change in a buyers’ market, Vesci said.
“Potential buyers have certain expectations about the amenities,” she
said. “First impressions count. No matter how nice a condominium is, a
buyer considering the purchase of a condominium might not even come to
look if they hear that the building’s common areas are not scheduled for
some kind of improvement.”
At Vanderbilt Gulfside Condominiums, sellers, homeowners and real estate
agents alike are pleased with a fresh exterior and stylish interiors,
said Pat Gibbs, manager.
“Our residents are thrilled that the exterior is brand new and in
keeping with the upscale nature of the neighborhood,” she said. “And
Realtors love it when they can show a property like this following a
makeover. It generates excitement.”
For more information, visit k2design.net.
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090506/NEWS0102/90506062&template=printart
For all of your real estate needs, call Mari Vesci at 239-269-8889 or email mari@vesci.com
By Christina Cepero
News Press
Along Vanderbilt Beach, condominiums have been selling after a proactive
effort by Bonita Springs-based K2 Design Group to spruce up buildings
and residences up and down Gulfshore Drive.
“So many made good use of a market in pause, and we’re now seeing buyers
walking into condominiums that knock their socks off and they’re buying
them,” explained Mari Vesci, owner of Mari Vesci Realtors, Inc. “For
homeowners as well as sellers, the trend is definitely makeovers.”
Vanderbilt Beach, a 1.3 mile stretch of land between a Ritz-Carlton
Hotel and Delnor-Wiggins State Park, has prime beachfront real estate,
much of it in high-rise towers. Upscale dining in the immediate vicinity
include Baleen at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort and the Turtle Club. The
intimate neighborhood even holds vestiges of Old Florida with Buzz’s
Lighthouse Restaurant and Lighthouse Inn on Vanderbilt Lagoon.
The demographic most attracted to Vanderbilt Beach comprises of empty
nesters in the 50-year age range, Vesci said. Whereas the traditional
buyer has been a second-home buyer, high technology and the virtual
office have paved the way for longer stays.
A perfect example of the what is happening in many of Southwest
Florida’s more mature high-rise condominium communities is found at
Vanderbilt Gulfside Condominium, where exterior common areas as well as
residences are sporting sophisticated new looks.
Flexible living space and innovative storage solutions are high on the
priority list for those wanting to turn dated vacation condos into
year-round residences. In one condominium, the successful transformation
of a two-bedroom layout resulted in two additional remodel contracts for
K2 Design Group, a single-source architectural, interior design and
construction management firm.
“The owners wanted better use of their home,” said Jenny Carter,
president and principal designer of K2 Design Group.
As in the case of many homes, one of the bedrooms was rarely used.
Opening that one room changes the dynamic of the entire home with
increased functionality and stylish looks. To accomplish that, K2 Design
Group expanded the air conditioning onto the lanai at one end of a great
room and created an attractive work space, a beautiful setting to catch
up on e-mail. In the same area, sliding acoustical panel doors allow the
space to convert — with finger-tip ease — to a guest suite for the
occasional visitor.
In the kitchen, which was opened to living areas, glass-walled cabinetry
showcases the homeowner’s handcrafted blown glass collection while
concealing electrical and plumbing.
“This is a dramatic change,” Carter said. “By eliminating the wall that
had previously housed the electrical panel, we gained a view. Glass in
the curio cabinets also allows the Gulf view to be seen from the entry.”
Throughout the home, ceilings were opened and ductwork was moved. The
foyer was opened. In addition to a much-improved interior, the facelift
opened the residence and changed the focus from walls to beautiful views.
Several touches incorporate existing features. A wave ceiling treatment
adds interest and creates the illusion of depth without having to raise
the ceiling. Paneling kitchen appliances with wood skins matching
cabinetry lends an integrated look. Recovered living room furniture
blends with the renewed interior.
“High-rise makeovers take a bit of ingenuity, and K2 Design Group has
completed many,” Carter said. “We won new contracts when residents in
the same building saw everything that we did and appreciated that we
could completely open a two-bedroom unit. Clever adjustments enable
condominium residents to enjoy their homes so much more.”
When they were built in the 1980s, these beachfront residences were not
about high ceilings. The entire ceiling was lowered to the depth of the
duct work.
“We have the technology and skills today to open high-rise spaces and
the impression is dramatic,” Carter said. “Homebuyers do not always have
the vision to imagine what’s possible. For sellers, these makeovers
create interest.”
Celebrating a 15-year anniversary, K2 Design Group has completed upscale
residential and commercial projects in Southwest Florida — from Marco
Island to North Fort Myers — and throughout the United States.
Internationally, the company has completed work in the Bahamas, Canada,
England, Germany, Ireland and Panama.
Sitting on 8.8 acres, the 80s-era high-rise property — 72 residences in
each of two towers — is in the midst of an exterior facelift. Parking
structures, entry gate and porte-cochère have been replaced. Lush
landscaping has been enhanced and is receiving increased attention with
a new irrigation system. Attractive pavers replaced asphalt along the
winding driveway and Italian stone was installed around the pool and
walkway. In addition to fresh paint, exterior balconies, railings and
screens are being upgraded.
Along Vanderbilt Beach, many bought their homes more than 20 years ago
for well under $200,000. In addition, many were bought as vacation
homes. While the real estate appreciated considerably, the common
thinking was that there was no need to spend money to fix what was not
broken, especially when cosmetic improvements would be costly.
Perspectives change in a buyers’ market, Vesci said.
“Potential buyers have certain expectations about the amenities,” she
said. “First impressions count. No matter how nice a condominium is, a
buyer considering the purchase of a condominium might not even come to
look if they hear that the building’s common areas are not scheduled for
some kind of improvement.”
At Vanderbilt Gulfside Condominiums, sellers, homeowners and real estate
agents alike are pleased with a fresh exterior and stylish interiors,
said Pat Gibbs, manager.
“Our residents are thrilled that the exterior is brand new and in
keeping with the upscale nature of the neighborhood,” she said. “And
Realtors love it when they can show a property like this following a
makeover. It generates excitement.”
For more information, visit k2design.net.
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090506/NEWS0102/90506062&template=printart
For all of your real estate needs, call Mari Vesci at 239-269-8889 or email mari@vesci.com
Labels: naples fl real estate, Naples Real Estate, Naples Real Estate Market, real estate sales trends, Southwest Florida Real Estate Sales
posted by Mari Vesci at
1:19 PM
There is an Open House today 5/17 2:00-5:00 at unit #1105, stop by and take a look or call to schedule a private showing 239-269-8889.
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/may/16/makeovers-condominiums-along-vanderbilt-beach-insp/
Open House, Sunday, May 24th
Vanderbilt Gulfside
10951 Gulfshore Drive #1105
2:00-5:00
or Open by Appointment, call 239-269-8889