Oakes Farms Project in East Naples Could Bring Two 12-Story Towers

A Landmark Reinvention for East Naples

Oakes Farms is on the brink of a major transformation — one that could change the skyline of East Naples. Developers have filed plans to build two 12-story mixed-use towers on the former market site along Davis Boulevard, positioning the project as a new anchor for the fast-growing east side of town.

The redevelopment plan goes well beyond reopening a farm market. It calls for a complete urban-style village — residential units, ground-floor shops, and the return of a larger, modern Oakes Farms Market as its centerpiece. If approved, it would be one of the tallest developments in the area.

The Vision

• Two 12-Story Towers – Designed for mixed residential and commercial use, with retail and restaurants below.

• Expanded Market – The Oakes Farms brand would return in a larger format, serving as a culinary and community hub.

• Modern Mixed-Use Concept – Developers aim to blend walkability, local commerce, and urban density into one destination.

The site is being positioned as a gateway for the East Naples corridor, linking neighborhoods off Collier Boulevard and U.S. 41 to the downtown core.

Why It Matters

This project pushes Naples’ development boundaries — literally and figuratively. While most buildings in the area top out at three to five stories, the proposed 12-story towers would create a new vertical benchmark. County planners and the Federal Aviation Administration will both need to review the plans because of height and flight-path considerations.

Supporters see a chance to re-energize a prime corridor that’s lagged behind Naples proper in recent growth. With ongoing infrastructure improvements and strong housing demand east of Airport-Pulling Road, the timing may be right for denser development.

Still, concerns are likely to surface around traffic volume, visual impact, and whether local utilities can handle a project of this scale. Those questions will play a central role in county hearings expected later this year.

A Return to Roots

Beyond zoning and density, the plan has an emotional pull for locals who remember the original Oakes Farms Market as a community staple. The redevelopment concept aims to blend that heritage with a more urban, mixed-use design that appeals to younger buyers and new residents.

If executed well, it could mark the return of a beloved brand and a new chapter for East Naples — a balance of tradition and modern ambition.

What’s Next

The proposal will head through multiple layers of review — including the Collier County Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners — before any ground can break. FAA feedback could also force design changes or height reductions.

If approvals move smoothly, site work could begin within a year, though full buildout may take several years given the project’s size and scope.

The Bottom Line

The Oakes Farms redevelopment is one to watch — a 12-story vision that could reshape East Naples living and signal where the next wave of local growth is headed.