Construction continues in Paseo's Mercado neighborhood

COURTESY PHOTO Paseo's Burgundy model is offered in the Mercado neighborhood. Stock Development reports that about 30 percent of the homes have been sold. Stock Development has passed the 30 percent construction mark in the Mercado neighborhood of single-family homes at Paseo, the 2008 Lee Building Industry Association's Community of the Year.

Homes are underway on nine of 29 homesites in the Mercato neighborhood, which was released for sale in the spring. Most of the homes offer lake views or vistas of the Six Mile Cypress Slough's nature preserves. The neighborhood is adjacent to Paseo's Village Center.

According to Anthony Lucas, vice president of sales for Paseo, there are ten singlestory, two-story and courtyard designs available in Mercado starting from just the low $300s. All offer attached two car garages and pool and spa options.

"Mercado's smaller single-story designs are perfect for empty nesters, while the twostory designs offer up to five bedrooms and more than 3,000 square feet under air," said Lucas. "They are perfect for growing families seeking extra bedrooms and play rooms for the children. They also have the convenience of being located across the street from the Village Center."

The Village Center amenities include a full-service concierge, a bistro, an ice cream parlor, a pub, an internet café, a coffee shop, a 4,000-square-foot fitness center, a business center and library, as well as spa services and a 90-seat theater with a projection room and comfortable elevated seating.

The free-form pool includes elaborate waterfalls and rockscapes, as well as a poolside gazebo serving refreshments. Adjacent to the main pool is a large spa, a fitness-oriented lap pool and a children's water playground. The richly landscaped sundeck offers custom-designed furnishings and a large semi-circle of seven authentic Old Florida Chickee huts to provide shade.

The Sports Center includes six lighted, Hydro- Grid tennis courts, a fishing pier, four bocce ball courts and a basketball court.

Paseo is a private, gated 444-acre community surrounded by the pristine environment of the Six Mile Cypress Slough. With prices starting from the low $200s, the community offers a blend of multi-family and single-family residences. Furnished models of all designs are open for viewing and Stock Development has begun construction of a new model center that is home to 15 new furnished models set to open before the end of the year.

"As a private, family-owned company, Stock Development has retained a financially strong position that has allowed us to complete all of our amenities and build a new model center," said Lucas. "We have already had more than 100 new home sales in 2008 and are getting ready for a strong 2009. Paseo is Lee County's must-see community."

The Paseo Sales Center is located in South Fort Myers at 11940 Palba Way. Call 425-6777 or visit the community on the Web at www.livepaseo. com for more information.