LANDMARKS

Naples Preserve

THE HEDGES FAMILY ECO-CENTER IS A WELCOMING, RETRO REMINDER OF MID-CENTURY DESIGN

JOHN EDER

Just about every visitor to the Greater Naples area has driven past the intriguing, glass-walled structure located at the intersection of U.S. 41 North and Fleischmann Boulevard. The Hedges Family Eco-Center at the Naples Preserve is a unique roadside stopover that introduces modern visitors to Collier County’s local history museums and natural areas.

Built in 1961, it’s said to have been one of the first buildings raised after Hurricane Donna ripped through the area in 1960. Designed by Naples architect Dick Morris, it was commissioned by Julius Fleischmann to establish a landmark so visitors could easily drop by to find out about local attractions, hotels, and golf courses. Fleischmann was an active developer and promoter of Naples who owned the Caribbean Gardens and had the building sited near his attraction, which is the Naples Zoo today. Fleischmann used it as a promotional ticket booth for Caribbean Gardens, and then it served as the Naples Chamber of Commerce (founded in 1947) Visitor Center through the late 1980s. After the chamber moved on, the small building sat vacant for more than a decade and was left to deteriorate. In 1999, voters approved a referendum to purchase the property for $8 million. A nonprofit group of citizens, Friends of Naples Preserve, rolled up their sleeves and removed trash and non-native vegetation. They worked to raise $250,000 to restore the mid-century gem to defray the cost for taxpayers.

Today, nature enthusiasts can traverse the 9.5-acre green space, comprising pine flatwoods and oak scrub, via a half-mile-long boardwalk. There’s plenty to see along the walk: butterfly pollinator gardens, gopher tortoises (a state-designated threatened species), and the National Champion myrtle oak standing at 41 feet tall—the largest documented in the United States. There are also picnic tables.

In many ways, it’s fulfilling its original intent: welcoming newcomers with information about Collier County’s natural and cultural amenities. It’s become a place for quiet reflection and a quick immersion in nature amid the urban bustle. Although it was once eyed for demolition, this geometric landmark has become a symbol of Naples’ past design influences and residents’ desire to preserve some of it.

The Hedges Family Eco-Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, except holidays. It is located at 1690 Tamiami Trail N. For information, call 239-261-4290.

JOHN EDER