Florida Construction News staff writer
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida marked a major milestone April 18 with the groundbreaking of the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, a large-scale redevelopment of its Nature Center campus that will significantly expand conservation education, public programming and visitor facilities.The ceremony, held during the Conservancy’s Earth Day Festival, brought together dignitaries, environmental supporters and families to launch construction on the transformative project, which is being funded in part by a $25-million grant from the John & Carol Walter Family Foundation.
Stevens Construction, Inc. is leading the build, with support from Mudgett Parker Smith LLC, Coastal Vista, Museum EXP and Mainstreet Design. The project is expected to be completed in early 2028.
Stevens highlighted its role in a LinkedIn post following the event.
“Stevens Construction is building a new 6,859-square-foot welcome center with expanded deck, marking a new chapter in how the community will experience, understand and protect the systems that sustain Southwest Florida’s way of life,” the company said.
The broader project, located at 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples, also includes a three-story, 56,629-square-foot parking garage with a solar rooftop, as well as new interactive and travelling exhibits, immersive natural environments, a preserve trail, walking loop, and food truck and picnic area.
As part of preconstruction services, Stevens Construction said it worked alongside the Conservancy and Parker Mudgett Smith Architects during an 18-month design phase, helping align sustainability, budget, schedule and quality targets. The firm also identified approximately $950,000 in potential cost savings for the non-profit organization.
Construction is scheduled to begin in May, with completion targeted for 2028.
The redevelopment will expand the Conservancy’s 21-acre campus, integrating new education and conservation features with existing assets, including the Susan and William Dalton Discovery Center, the John & Carol Walter Discovery Wing, electric boat tours, and the Jeannie Meg Smith Theater.
During construction, the existing Nature Center will close on May 1, while offsite programming will continue across Collier and Lee counties. The von Arx Wildlife Hospital will remain open throughout the build.
