Now under construction at Daniels and Metro parkways in Fort

Myers, Fifth Third Center reflects Lee County’s changing business hub and a

trend toward upscale office buildings more similar in design to those in

Naples.

Fueled by a lack of space for new commercial projects and a

desire to be closer to major transportation thoroughfares such as the

interstate, Fort Myers’ office corridor is shifting from busy College Parkway

to Daniels and Metro. One reason is traffic: Companies want to get farther from

U.S. 41 and closer to I-75, which would help shorten workers’ commutes.

The four-story, Class A office building also reflects a new

wave in design as Naples-based developers turn to commercial projects in Fort

Myers, says Randal L. Mercer of CB Richard Ellis. Those who have primarily

worked in Naples are eyeing Lee because there’s still room for commercial

growth. “There’s not a lot of space left to build in Collier,” he says.

Developer: Antaramian Development.

Builder: Kraft Construction.

Architect: Gora/McGahey Associates in Architecture.

Consulting engineers: Jenkins and Charland, and Hole Montes

& Associates.

Total square feet: 48,797.

Tenants: Fifth Third Bank, Florida plans to take up 25,973

square feet for its Lee County headquarters. Another 11,412 square feet are

available on both the third and fourth floors.

Amenities: Fiber-optic and broadband Internet access; domed

ceiling in the main lobby and walls with a marlite (a decorative wall-covering

designed for high-traffic commercial interiors) finish; high-impact,

high-performance glass for all windows; marquee with tenants’ names.

Lease rates: $17 per square foot. CAM (Common Area

Maintenance) fees estimated at $7 per square foot.

Completion date: End of 2002.

Leasing agents: CB Richard Ellis’ Mercer, rlmercer@cbre.com,

and Tim Colen, tcolen@cbre.com. (239) 481-3800.