The Lutgert Companies has announced that Merrill Lynch will lease space at The Mercato in Naples.

The financial management and advisory firm will occupy approximately 17,000 square feet of Class A office space in a professional office building that is under construction and expected to open in early 2009.

Located on 53 acres at the intersection of U.S. 41 North and Vanderbilt Beach Road, The Mercato is scheduled to open in early 2009. The project is a joint venture of The Lutgert Companies and the Barron Collier Companies of Naples.