Ave Maria Growth and Future Development
The 2026 master plan expansion, explained
Many Ave Maria websites still describe an 11,000 home community at buildout. That framework is outdated. Here is what changed in June 2026, what it means for buyers and what remains uncertain.
June 2026
What Collier County approved
On June 9, 2026, the Collier County Commission approved a major expansion of Ave Maria's master plan.
- The expansion adds land north and east of the existing community
- Potential residential entitlement increased from the older 11,000 home framework to approximately 17,738 dwelling units
- The proposal also included additional nonresidential capacity for commercial, medical, hospitality and related uses
Important: 17,738 is long term development capacity. It is not a count of homes that exist today, and it does not mean every future neighborhood has been announced. Development will continue over many years.
For Buyers
What the expansion means if you are buying now
More choice over time
Future builders, neighborhoods and product types can be added as phases are released, which keeps Ave Maria's new construction market active for years.
More services over time
Additional commercial, medical and hospitality capacity can bring more everyday conveniences inside the community, reducing the need to drive west.
Change and construction
Growth brings construction traffic, evolving road patterns and new neighbors. Buyers near future phases should ask what is planned nearby.
Disclaimer
Future builders, neighborhoods, commercial areas, road improvements, development timing and the final number of homes can change. Entitlements describe what may be built, not what will be built or when. Verify current plans with Ave Maria, Collier County and the applicable builder before relying on any future development expectation in a purchase decision.
History
A concise history of Ave Maria
Ave Maria was developed through a partnership involving Barron Collier Companies and Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino's Pizza and Ave Maria University. Planning began in the early 2000s and construction of the community began in 2006. The town grew around its Town Center and university into one of the largest master planned communities in Collier County, adding neighborhoods from Pulte, Del Webb, Lennar and CC Homes along the way.
- Early 2000s
Planning begins for a new town in eastern Collier County built around a university and a walkable center.
- 2006
Community construction begins.
- 2000s to 2020s
Neighborhoods, Town Center businesses, parks, the Water Park, golf and schools develop across the master plan.
- 2026
Ave Maria Elementary School opens; Collier County approves the master plan expansion to approximately 17,738 potential residential units.
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