The
World Is Her Oyster
It’s
been said that some people don’t see the forest
for the trees. But that old axiom doesn’t apply to
Margaret Miller, who as president and chief executive
officer of Miromar Development, has a vision for growing
the Southwest Florida region beyond all expectations.
In
her quest to develop the once-sleepy coast into a world-class destination,
Miller knows no boundaries.
Builders, designers and homeowners in search of the ultimate design resources,
and shoppers looking for the
best shopping west of Miami, are flocking to the
International Design Center and Miromar Outlets,
respectively. Homeowners who want a resort-like
residential community that exceeds other developments
by leaps and bounds have discovered Miromar Lakes.
After
a successful career in broadcast management and sales, Miller wanted
a challenge. For years she had
been involved in a variety of projects related to her
husband’s construction and development companies
and had developed an appreciation for and love of
building, design and construction; so what better option
than to start a development company?
It
all started in April of 1995 when, after visiting the area twice in eight
years and seeing the unbelievable
growth surge, she purchased land slated for the Miromar
Outlets. In September of that same year, she purchased the property for
the International Design Center and by
1997, Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club was on its way
to becoming a reality. Future plans for Miromar
Development include the University Village, a mixed-use
project adjacent to Florida Gulf Coast University, Phase V
of Miromar Outlets, which is already under construction
and a luxury resort hotel like nothing else experienced
in Florida.
Miller,
a ball of energy who has her finger on the pulse of everything going
on around her at all times, is currently
concentrating her efforts on the introduction of the
400,000-square-foot International Design Center to the
community. Prominently located at the intersection of
Corkscrew Road and Interstate 75, the beautifully
landscaped, elegantly designed neo-classic International
Design Center is recognized for offering the highest level
of service and amenities within the design community.
When
asked how this fleck of sand became a pearl, Miller answered, “When
we were developing Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club and Miromar Outlets,
there were no local resources offering the scope of design
services and products we were looking for. With the
continuing and escalating growth in both residential and
commercial construction in this market, we saw the
need for a full-service, comprehensive design center of
this caliber.The timing is perfect,” says Miller, “and as
the
region continues to grow, the IDC is poised for
expansion in order to grow along with and benefit the
community and its increasing needs.”
Miller
and her team are meticulous in their long-range planning to deliver the
highest quality product to the
marketplace. An integral part of her philosophy is to
expand in phases. “Whether it’s the IDC, Miromar Lakes
Beach & Golf Club or the Miromar Outlets, it’s more advantageous
for us to grow our company in phases
because we are able to keep pace with the market and
manage the process from design and construction
through completion in the most efficient and effective
way,” says Miller. “Developing projects in phases creates
an on-going sense of excitement. There’s always an air
of anticipation – both from the public, as well as
with our own team – that keeps the interest and
momentum going.”
Phase
I of the International Design Center will house more than 60 luxurious
kitchen, bath, building products
and home furnishing showrooms in over 250,000
square feet of space. According to Miller, the IDC will
offer a full range of interior design services and
products, from nationally recognized companies to local
industry leaders, including: Agostino’s Fine Furniture, Ann
Saks Tile & Stone, Baker Furniture, California Closets, Clive Christian,
Keys Granite, Kravet, Lee Jofa,
Mobelform, Pierre Deux, Silk Loom, Stickley Furniture,
Walker Zanger, Waterworks and The Wood Floor
Company, among others.
The
first-floor Atrium level is opened to the public, showcasing design collections
and goods in a customer
friendly atmosphere. A unique personal shopping
service, aptly named Designer on Call™, enables
customers access to the exclusive, trade-only showrooms
on the upper floors by providing a professional designer
to assist with custom specifications and purchasing.
Myriad
events have been planned for the upcoming year, including several charitable
fundraisers, trunk shows
and vendor sample sales, as well as a full curriculum of
educational programs for designers, builders, architects and homeowners.
Depending upon future availability,
time and space, Miller is considering the possibility of
scheduling private events at the Center.
Miller’s vision doesn’t
end once the construction stops. In addition to growing the IDC in phases,
she has
anticipated the needs of the marketplace, and plans are
already underway for a hotel and office park, further
accommodating the business trade.
MIROMAR DEVELOPMENT CORP.
10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 305, Estero, FL 33928
239 390-5100
Written by Marla J. Ottenstein
Photography courtesy of Miromar Development Corp.
