by Zemel Real Estate Venture .
Business owners will find a good inventory of quality space in all sectors of the market , says Deems , though industrial inventory is in big demand . Deems says he often promotes that niche opportunity to prospecting developers .
“ I think we have pent-up demand in Lee County and Cape Coral . First of all , consumer confidence is what drives commercial real estate . They buy as an investor or end-user ,” says Deems . He notes he ’ s been working with an automotive business based in the North that is relocating to Cape Coral . “ They are plain tired of the winters and moving their entire operation to Cape Coral .”
Much of the commercial development centers on main commercial corridors : Pine Island Road
Who ’ s there : Major retailers such as Lowe ’ s and Bed , Bath and Beyond ; national restaurant chains including Olive Garden and Outback ; Florida-based eateries like Bonefish Grill ; and auto dealerships such as Fuccillo Kia of Cape Coral . The completion of the $ 8.8 million four-laning of Pine Island Road opens the gateway for robust development . Wal-Mart , McDonald ’ s ,
Sam ’ s Club , Golden Corral and others have chosen parcels along this corridor .
Del Prado Boulevard
Who ’ s there : Wal-Mart and JCPenney ; Coralwood Mall ’ s popular cinema ; local specialty stores selling everything from running shoes to books ; independently owned ethnic restaurants ; mom-and-pop computer-repair shops ; and bait-and-tackle stores . Santa Barbara Boulevard Who ’ s there : Target , Lowe ’ s , Publix , Sears , and restaurants including Ruby Tuesday and Jason ’ s Deli .
Downtown
Who ’ s there : Several new businesses have recently opened , including both Starbucks and Baristas Coffee from Seattle ; Culver ’ s from Wisconsin ; and Ford ’ s Garage , a Southwest Florida-based neighborhood burger and beer joint . Efforts are underway along Cape Coral Parkway to create a pedestrian-friendly town center and plans for a Village Square , a mixed-use project featuring office , retail and residential space . Meanwhile , the Community Redevelopment Agency is creating an entertainment district along Vincennes Boulevard and S . E . 47th
Terrace .
“ The entertainment industry has really taken off ,” says Brunett . “ The South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association has taken a leadership role and really has made a concerted effort to schedule events and concerts , and has instituted the trolley for traveling between all of the establishments in South Cape on Friday and Saturday nights .”
Southwest Cape has become an attractive hub anchored by Tarpon Point Marina and Cape Harbour along the waterfront .
Diversifying the Economy and Enriching the Community
One of the biggest attractions to doing business in the Cape is the low cost of living . Residents already benefit from the absence of income tax in Florida . To stimulate a more diverse tax base and job opportunities , the city creates customized incentive packages that reward job creation , defer impact fees or assist in the permitting process , depending on local , state and federal programs . Up to $ 25 million in economic development incentives from Lee County is available to businesses seeking to open , expand or relocate in the Cape .
Cape Coral tourism will get a boost in
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