As seen in the News-Press
CAPE CORAL, Fla. (Oct. 30, 2009) -- Tile setters worked quickly, placing one tile on the floor, then moving to the next. Time is running out before guests begin arriving at the Resort at MarinaVillage at Tarpon Point, which opens Monday.

"We're working on finalizing leases," said Lauren Hagen, director of sales for Grosse Pointe Development, as she walked down the path that will lead visitors and guests past a series of shops and restaurants on the resort's first level.

Work on Marker 92, the nautical-themed restaurant, is almost complete. The restaurant features mahogany and teak accessories, wine storage for future residents and sweeping views of the shoreline and water just down the steps. Named for the marker that leads boaters to Tarpon Point, Marker 92 will feature a full drink and food menu, an outdoor bar and fire pit where customers can listen to live music. Grosse Pointe Realty invested more than $3 million in Marker 92 and the outdoor bar area, which is called the Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar and Grill.

The grounds surrounding Marker 92 were designed for as many photographic opportunities as possible, Hagen said.

"Can't you just imagine a wedding here?" she asked, walking through an arbor and down the grass and stone steps that face the water in one direction, lush vegetation on the opposite side.

The landscape is suitable for any special occasion, and Marker 92 opens for a charity poker run Dec. 4. By then, most of the construction crews will be gone, the bed linens in the 210 residences will be in place and members of the house staff will be waiting at the front desk to hand out room keys and answer questions about local attractions.

Gary Locke, hotel operations manager, took his management staff on a guided tour last week, going over last-minute details.