Page 104 - February_2016_Life_In_Naples_Magazine

going to the chapel

by Kelly G Cooper

W hat was once a remote wilderness accessible
only by boat and home to the Calusa then
Seminole Indians, has evolved into one
of the worlds top tourist destinations and
winter resort. Naples, Florida rich in human and natural
history began to attract interest during the Florida land
boom of the 1880s, however much of the groundwork
for growth and development was laid during WWII. In
1943 an influx of servicemen with their families relocated
to Naples when the U.S. Army Airfield was activated. By
1946 the First Baptist Church was erected, one of three
churches in Naples at that time, and served as a place
of communication and gathering for families. Today
this structure is still used as place for socialization and
family gatherings only in a different way, as it has been
rechristened into an A-List dining venue now know as
the Chapel Grill.

While driving along 8th Street South one summer
day in 2011, retired New Yorker and current Naples
resident, Stephen Fleischer noticed an old abandoned
church and thought, “they are going to demolish that
building.” Without delay he felt compelled to revive the
beauty of the former abandoned church and restore the
65 year-old historical landmark. Fleischer soon learned
that the building served not only as a church but also
as the Senior Friendship Center of Southwest Florida
in later years. Intrigued and impressed that the facade
had been preserved through changing ownership, he was
delighted to learn the structure had continued to embrace
and support the community with open doors.

The evening of November 5, 2012 the Chapel Grill
opened its doors and has been satisfying palates with first
class service for locals and visitors alike ever since. One
year later the site of the former church was dedicated
as one of the city’s historic landmarks and unveiled a
bronze Diamond Jubilee plaque, which proudly stands
at the location on the corner of 7th Avenue South and
8th Street.

Unlike many other restaurants downtown the Chapel
Grill not only holds a beautiful history but also presents
a unique setting just two blocks off 5th Avenue South
offering covered outdoor patios including bars and

104 Life in Naples | February 2016