The Naples Design District, Southwest Florida’s premier creative quarter, was officially created on March 15, 2018 by founding directors and a steering committee of member businesses. It is defined as the area in Naples, Florida located between 5th Avenue South to 7th Avenue North and the East side of US 41 to Goodlette Frank Road.
With the support of the local government and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which oversees and helps guide private and public initiatives for creating economic development, physical characteristic improvements and investment within the designated CRA districts, the Naples Design District is working towards several initiatives including 1) increased parking and accessibility to businesses 2) district wide beautification and infrastructure efforts geared towards a pedestrian-friendly experience and 3) district signage and identification.
The Naples Design District will continue to evolve with the addition of likeminded businesses and residential developments. Guests and residents in the area can visit, shop and dine at a variety of creative businesses ranging from art galleries, consignment shops, restaurants, to interior design shops, floral store, veterinarian clinic and a hair salon. The Naples Design District is also a hub for business men and women in the design industry to shop for clients at the myriad of home, lighting, furnishing, art and décor showrooms.
Meet Our Officers
Elizabeth Kurtz – President
Elizabeth Kurtz, a native Naples resident, gained her Business degree from the University of Central Florida. While working in the Orlando nonprofit sector, she gained experience in building relations and connecting resources to the community and has brought these skills to the Naples area. Elizabeth now covers marketing and events for the family business, Kurtz Homes Naples. She also serves as a representative of The Collective Naples, a high-end design center in the Naples Design District.
Elizabeth Kurtz – Vice President
Elizabeth Kurtz, a native Naples resident, gained her Business degree from the University of Central Florida. While working in the Orlando nonprofit sector, she gained experience in building relations and connecting resources to the community and has brought these skills to the Naples area. Elizabeth now covers marketing and events for the family business, Kurtz Homes Naples. She also serves as a representative of The Collective Naples, a high-end design center in the Naples Design District.
Jenny Haire – Vice-President
Jenny Haire was born and raised in Naples and has lived her for over 42 years. She is passionate about the community and its people. Jenny is currently the Managing Director of Stofft Cooney Architects and manages both the Naples and Sarasota offices. She has grown the firm from a smaller size to a mid – large size Architectural office and has earned the company many local, State and National awards and gained recognition for their custom designs and specialty services.
Jenny has been involved in several local non-profits and has 10+ years of experience in fund raising and raising awareness for local charities, including but not limited to STARability, the Shelter for Abused Women and Children, the Naples Children Education Foundation and the David Lawrence Center.
Jenny attended and graduated from the University of Florida in 2001 and is currently raising her family of 2 boys, Jackson (9 years) , Tyson (6 years) and her dog Coral (2 years) with her beloved husband Tate Haire. Tate Haire works at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Office and they’ve been happily married for over 12 years. The family lives in Park Shore community and enjoys boating, playing competitive lacrosse, soccer, watersports and snow skiing together. Jenny is also a 3- time World Series Champion winner in the sport of women’s softball and enjoys coaching her children and others throughout local programs such as the Optimist Soccer Club and Greater Naples Little League.
Rachael Johnston – Secretary
Rachael, a Naples native, is a marketing and events manager for a local nonprofit. After graduating from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, she transitioned her passion to the development side of nonprofits. Her nearly decade of hands-on marketing experience includes branding, advertising, multi-media and fundraising. Creating conceptual, detailed and well-organized designs is what fuels her creative drive. In her spare time, she can be found sipping iced vanilla lattes, whipping up blog posts and enjoying time at local establishments. She lives in Naples, FL with her boyfriend and Tiki, their Guayana Toucanet.
Rachael Johnson – Secretary
Rachael, a Naples native, is a marketing and events manager for a local nonprofit. After graduating from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, she transitioned her passion to the development side of nonprofits. Her nearly decade of hands-on marketing experience includes branding, advertising, multi-media and fundraising. Creating conceptual, detailed and well-organized designs is what fuels her creative drive. In her spare time, she can be found sipping iced vanilla lattes, whipping up blog posts and enjoying time at local establishments. She lives in Naples, FL with her boyfriend and Tiki, their Guayana Toucanet.
Shawn Foust – Treasurer
Shawn, who moved to Naples in 2012, started out in the IT and Web Development fields. After his move to Naples, he was introduced to a local Interior Designer that offered him a position with her company. This was a complete 360 from what he was doing previously, but it was a challenge that he welcomed. He has been with Lovetto Design for 5 years as their Business Manager, and been involved with the Design District since its inception as a Board Member and the Treasurer. He looks forward to working with the new team to continue the growth and development of the district.
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