Plans set for new business center near downtown Punta Gorda

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PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- A new office center is set to be built on Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda, across from the Charlotte County Justice Center.

Restaurants in the area say they’re looking forward to a boom in business.

“We don’t have a whole lot down here other than the Justice Center, everything is kind of in the middle, so we need more down here,” said Rhonda Millike, owner of Dana’s Cafe. “I’d like to see more shops and things down toward this area.”

Kevin Doyle, co-owner of Celtic Ray’s Irish Pub, agrees, “anything we can build down this side of town and develop is great.”

The business center, which will be named Donelson Park Professional Center, is expected to be built in two phases.

Design companies, accountants, real estate agents and attorneys are all ready to set up shop, developer Chris Evans said.

“We’ll only benefit and same with anybody else in the downtown district,” said Max Doyle, co-owner of Celtic Ray’s Irish Pub. “I’m all about new businesses, more culture, more restaurants, more bars, more stores.”

Evans says the business center will be complete with a drive-through coffee shop, a parking garage, and a roundabout for drivers.

“I think it’s grown so much but it’s a more beautiful little town, and it’s quaint in some ways and it’s modern in others,” said Susan Kelso.

Evans hopes the business center will make for a new gateway into downtown Punta Gorda. Phase one of construction is set to begin by the end of this year. The center is scheduled to be complete in 2018.

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