News Summary
Ave Maria, a burgeoning community in Southwest Florida, is preparing to commemorate two decades of resilience and growth. Established by the Ave Maria Development Company in 2005, the town is recognized for its unique balance of development and environmental preservation. With plans for expansion and a dedication to education and community amenities, Ave Maria stands as a model for thriving in challenging conditions, including recent hurricane seasons.
Ave Maria Marks 20 Years of Growth and Resilience Amid Record Hurricane Seasons
Ave Maria, a thriving community in Southwest Florida, is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. Since its founding in 2005 by the Ave Maria Development Company, which is led by the vision of Tom Monaghan, the town has evolved into a vibrant hub, recognized for its unique blend of development and environmental preservation.
Developed under the Rural Lands Stewardship Area (RLSA) program, Ave Maria facilitates intense development while effectively preserving sensitive land, distinguishing itself in the region. The community has earned accolades, including being named Collier County’s Community of the Year since 2014.
Expansion Plans to Accommodate Rising Demand
The development in Ave Maria is poised for significant growth, with plans to expand by nearly 1,000 acres, bringing the total size of the community to around 5,000 acres. This expansion will allow for the construction of more single-family homes to cater to the increasing demand, with over 500 homes sold per year.
Current home prices in Ave Maria range from the mid-$200,000s to the high $800,000s, attracting a diverse array of buyers. Prospective homeowners can select from a variety of residences built by four premium builders: CC Homes, Pulte, Lennar, and Del Webb. The community boasts over 25 fully furnished model homes available for tours, designed with open-concept layouts and equipped with the latest in smart-home technology.
Educational and Community Amenities
Ave Maria prioritizes education by offering access to A-rated public schools, private institutions, and plans for an upcoming Ave Maria Elementary expected to accommodate up to 900 students. The community is home to a Town Center featuring more than 75 restaurants, boutiques, and other services that promote social connections and active lifestyles. Residents enjoy a range of special events throughout the year, including Taste of Ave, Margarita and Taco Festival, and seasonal farmers’ markets.
Ave Maria is designed with family bonding in mind, offering amenities such as parks, sports fields, golf courses, and a residents-only water park. The focus on community living contributes to a rich and engaging lifestyle.
Resilience Against Extreme Weather
Despite being challenged by three hurricanes during the 2024 season, Ave Maria showcased its robust infrastructure, experiencing zero damage. This resilience is attributed to its dedicated water treatment facility, on-site EMS and fire station, which enhance homeowner safety and help lower insurance costs. The community’s homes are built using hurricane-resistant materials, featuring impact windows and reinforced construction that adhere to stringent safety regulations. This commitment to safety not only ensures the protection of residents but also contributes to lower insurance premiums.
As a result, homeowners enjoy both stability in the housing market and reduced financial burdens. Ave Maria has gained recognition as a Top Selling Master Planned Community in the United States and has received multiple awards for its livability and community spirit.
Future Development Plans
Looking forward, Ave Maria is set to accommodate up to 11,000 residences and 1.8 million square feet of commercial development across its 5,000 acres. This ambitious plan is aimed at continuing to meet the demands of a growing population while maintaining the community’s core values of sustainability and connection.
As Ave Maria approaches its milestone anniversary, the community stands as a testament to growth, resilience, and the enduring spirit of its residents.
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Additional Resources
- Naples News: Ave Maria Turns 20
- Wikipedia: Ave Maria, Florida
- South Florida Hospital News: Ave Maria and NCH
- Google Search: Ave Maria Florida
- Community Newspapers: Ave Maria Hurricane Prep
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ave Maria
- WINK News: Ave Maria Community in Shock
- Google News: Ave Maria Florida
- Reason: The Great American City
- Florida for Boomers: Del Webb Naples
Author: Construction FL News
FLORIDA STAFF WRITER The FLORIDA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionflnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florida and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florida Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Shutts & Bowen LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
