Naples shopping plaza to be converted into apartments by 2022

A former East Naples shopping center is breathing new life with apartments.

What was once known as the Courthouse Shadows Shopping Plaza will soon be the 300-unit Courthouse Shadows Apartments. 

Owner of JC Hair Design Jake Sannicandro called it a missed opportunity. 

“It was almost like the stepchild that was forgotten in a sense because it wasn’t really kept up according to standards,” he explained.

Sannicandro owned a barbershop in the plaza called Haircuts By Joe Cool. At first, business was great, with a Publix next door constantly bringing him walk-ins. But around 2015, the grocery store closed down.

Sannicandro said his business, a Buffalo Wild Wings, a dentist and a Chinese restaurant were all asked to relocate.

He said the owner of the plaza was working to get a Sam’s Club location to move in. Sannicandro reopened his barbershop under a new name in the Naples Towne Center but that time, Sam’s Club pulled out. 

The plaza has sat vacant until Johnson Development Associates took over the property and brought in a wrecking ball.

Neighbors living behind the project, like Jason Benenatti, say they are relieved.

“This is a private road. They were cutting down the private road, cutting through the mangroves, and in the backyard,” Benenatti said.

Others, like Diane Anzalone, are uneasy about how the project could affect the area.

“All the traffic is completely nuts,” Anzalone said, “I don’t think it’s a good thing. I don’t know how they keep getting these permits to keep building.”

The project is slated for completion by the end of 2022.