Space Considerations

"The live/work spaces that we've been looking at are basically units where the living space upstairs is open to the work space downstairs," says Oskey. "What we've come up with is not that, but similar. You'd still have to go downstairs and out of the residential portion and have a separate entrance into the business part."

The residential units above retail/office space in The City Marketplace will be as marketable as any live/work, he predicts, because they are smaller units attractive to young professionals.

"The price is not out of control, and you get all of the amenities of a downtown setting," he says.

The City Marketplace, one of the first major projects being approved by the city of Punta Gorda under the new mixed-use code, is not scheduled for completion until 2008.

"The city seems to be encouraging this type of growth, and it's extremely exciting," says Oskey. "I can't wait to live in [Punta Gorda] when it's all done like this."