Collier Enterprises has donated eight acres of land to The Immokalee Foundation for a housing subdivision that will serve as a hands-on learning laboratory for students in the foundation’s program, Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed.
In addition to the donation of land, Collier Enterprises is handling the permitting – at a cost of $100,000 – and has provided $500,000 in matching funds for the infrastructure needed to support the new neighborhood, including everything from street lights and sidewalks to water lines and roads.
Groundbreaking for the project is expected in spring 2020.
“The Immokalee Foundation’s new Learning Lab project simply wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and vision of Collier Enterprises, and we are very grateful for their long-standing support of our efforts,” said Noemi Y. Perez, president and CEO of The Immokalee Foundation. “The housing subdivision is a win-win for Immokalee. Our students will be paid, and those in the Engineering and Construction Management Career Pathway will gain actual on-the-job experience managing a project from start to completion, while students in the Business Career Pathway will work alongside professionals in home sales and marketing. At the same time, the Immokalee community will benefit from new homes available to local families.”
Collier Enterprises CEO Don Huffner, who serves on the foundation’s board, has helped to bring together the network of businesses that are participating in the project, including BCB Homes, which is serving as general contractor. “BCB Homes jumped right in and committed time, talent, and resources to bring this project to life,” said Huffner. “We’ve also involved a number of other business partners and professionals, all of whom are working with no profit margin to make this Learning Lab available to the foundation’s students.”
Ultimately, the new Immokalee neighborhood will include 18 homes built over an estimated five to seven years. Homes will include three bedrooms and two baths in 1,600 square feet, with prices expected to be $250,000.
Established in 1976, Collier Enterprises has demonstrated success in planning award-winning real estate projects including residential communities, commercial, healthcare and office properties, and world class recreational destinations. The company also manages an extensive portfolio of agricultural lands and operations, mineral holdings and other investments. Collier Enterprises has received public recognition and environmental awards from Audubon International and the Council for Sustainable Florida, among others.
The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education programs that focus on building pathways to professional careers through support, mentoring and tutoring, and life skills development leading to economic independence. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, becoming a mentor, its signature events, volunteering as a career panel speaker or host, making a donation, including the foundation in your estate plans, or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit https://immokaleefoundation.org.
