The Watermark At Marco Island Hosts Grand Opening Event

(MENAFN- Market Press Release) February 26, 2026 12:46 pm - Marco Island's first assisted living and memory care community hosts five-star celebration

The Watermark at Marco Island, the only assisted living and memory care community on Marco Island, has lots to celebrate. Less than a year after openings its doors, residents are thriving, and the local team has hit its stride. To mark the occassion, the resort-style senior living community hosted a grand opening event on Thursday, January 29.

“We've created something one-of-a-kind here on the island and have been waiting for the right time to welcome Marco Islanders, officials, local businesses and friends to come see what makes Watermark so special,” said Robyn Johnson, executive director of The Watermark at Marco Island.“We're overwhelmed by the response of the community following this event. It was a memorable evening that we will be talking about for months to come.”

In attendance were VIPs and distinguished guests, including Rick Popoff, president of the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, who cut the ribbon and read a procolamation. Popoff's mother-in-law is also a resident at The Watermark at Marco Island. Dianna Dohm, executive director of the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, presented the community with a certificate of membership.

Also in attendance were Councilwomen Bonita Schwan and Deb Henry, Interim City Manager Casey Lucius Ph.D., Marco Island Police Chief Tracy Frazzano, and local influencers Becky Irwin and Tom Hornstein. Walt Chancey, managing partner of Chancey Design and Development, who designed and built the community was also in attendance to celebrate along with Ricky Rookis of BRW Development Partners.

The Watermark at Marco Island is a joint venture of Chancey Design and Development and BRW Development Partners. The community is managed by national senior living provider Watermark Retirement Communities, who also had several executives in attendance, including: CEO Paul Boetel, COO Jeff Slichta, and VP of Marketing and Communications Jamison Gosselin.

“We are so grateful to everyone who came together to make this community possible,” said Johnson.“Our residents are thriving because of the exceptional work of our partners and our dedicated associates who make every moment meaningful here on Marco Island.”

The event drew a lively crowd from Marco Island and the surrounding area. Attendees were treated to live entertainment, featuring Geezers in Paradise performing in perfect weather on the waterfront greens while singer-songwriter Madi Hilton provided music inside the five-star dining venue, Taboon.

Guests indulged in a stunning array of food prepared by Italian-born Executive Chef Salvatore Pezzella, including seafood paella valenciana, pasta alla genoveseand an assortment of gourmet pizza all made in the signature open-hearth oven. Guests also enjoyed a dessert buffet featuring housemade pasties from the in-house pastry chef.

Pezzella, who has worked in Monte Carlo and on Naples 5th Avenue, hopes to bring a James Beard Award to the community. His cuisine features fresh, local ingredients where everything is homemade from the stocks to the bread.

The event showcased an array of local vendors whose contributions highlighted the strong community spirit, including:
.Wicked Dolphin (Cape Coral, Fla.) serving rum shots and fresh coconuts, bringing a taste of the tropics to guests.
.Yim Speciality Coffee and Beverage (Naples, Fla.) serving fresh coffee, lattes, and handcrafted drinks from their charming mini coffee truck.
.Wine Makers Imports (Sarasota, Fla.) offering wine tastings and pairings of small-production fine wines from Italy's private cellars.
.The Friendly Burds master gardeners (Naples, Fla.) leading a Watermark University class celebrating native tropical fruits and local honey varietals, inspiring guests with local flavors and knowledge.
.Dominga Flowers (Naples, Fla.) providing stunning artisanal orchid displays, adding beauty and elegance to the festivities.

Located at 1170 San Marco Road, the 92-unit community offers world-class assisted living and memory care with an emphasis on whole-person wellness and healthy aging. The Watermark at Marco Island is managed by Tucson-based Watermark Retirement Communities, an award-winning senior housing provider with communities across the nation.

Amenities include a wellness center, salon and spa, as well as waterfront dining and sunset views. The community's two dining venues will also feature seasonal menus highlighting fresh, local ingredients and restaurant-style service led by Chef Pezzella.

About The Watermark at Marco Island
Located at 1170 San Marco Road, The Watermark at Marco Island is an 86-apartment assisted living and memory care community offering waterfront views, resort-style amenities, and enriching activities to seniors of Collier county. The Watermark at Marco Island is a joint venture of Chancey Design and Development and BRW Development Partners and managed by Watermark Retirement Communities. The Watermark at Marco Island is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit

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