Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency |
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Since 1984 the CRA has been at the forefront of local redevelopment efforts occurring in the most blighted areas and spaces in the City of Palms.
We have prepared this monthly project update newsletter to keep you better informed and engaged about the work of your Fort Myers CRA.
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For questions or information about
these and other CRA-supported projects
call us at (239) 321-7100, or
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Royal Palm Gardens Apartments |
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Far Above: Before picture of Royal Palm Gardens Apartments, when it was known as Jones Walker Apartments. Above: Construction underway at Royal Palm Gardens Apartments. |
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Royal Palm Gardens Apartments
Renovation work at Royal Palm Gardens Apartments, formerly Jones Walker Apartments, is currently progressing on schedule. Third phase residents moved back to the property (24 units), and the fourth and final phase of unit work is now underway. The fourth phase of unit work is expected to be completed in October. The community room/office area work has been completed, and the landscaping and site work will be completed shortly!
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Luminary Hotel & Co and the
Caloosa Sound Convention Center
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Far Above: Video of Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Above: CRA Leadership pose in front of the Luminary Board. L to R: Commissioner Randall P. Henderson, Jr., Commissioner Kevin Anderson, Commissioner Gaile Anthony, Executive Director Michele Hylton-Terry, Chair Fred Burson, Commissioner Teresa Watkins Brown. Not represented in photo: Commissioner Johnny W. Streets, Jr., Commissioner Terolyn Watson. (Video & Photo Courtesy of Luminary Hotel.) |
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Luminary Hotel & Co and the Caloosa Sound Convention Center Open!
"As you're sitting in the transformed convention center right now, think about the hotel, the amphitheater across the street, and the Oxbow in the old pier building - so it's not just a hotel, it's not just a convention center, it's an entire footprint... I hope that locals will embrace the mentality we have, which is activating every square inch of the hotel."
--Joe Collier, President, Mainsail Lodging & Development
The Luminary Hotel & Co officially opened on September 23, 2020. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on September 17, 2020. The Luminary Hotel & Co is home to the signature Silver King Ocean Brasserie opening November 5, the Beacon Social Drinkery rooftop lounge opening October 15, The Workshop culinary theater, an indoor and outdoor fitness facility, Ella Mae’s Diner and retail space at street level, and a pool area on the fourth floor overlooking the Caloosahatchee River. The hotel also offers more than 8,000 square feet of function space and is connected to the neighboring Caloosa Sound Convention Center.
The $91 million Luminary Hotel & Co., an Autograph Marriott Collection hotel, was built by Mainsail Lodging & Development. The 12-story hotel features 243 guest rooms, 210 parking spaces, and ground-level retail spaces. This project, located next to the Downtown River Basin between Edwards Drive and Bay Street, was awarded a $2.6 million tax rebate/loan agreement. Adjacent Caloosa Sound Convention Center, a rehabilitation of the former Harborside Event Center, was officially opened on September 19, 2020.
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River Basin Educational Signs |
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Educational Signs Surrounding Basin Restored
Six Educational Signs located around the Downtown River Basin were replaced with freshly-printed versions in September. The original signs had faded through many years of constant exposure to the strong Florida sun. Timing on the installation was coordinated with the opening of The Luminary Hotel & Co.
The new signs use colorful pictures and fun facts to educate the public about:
- The Caloosahatchee Watershed
- The Caloosahatchee River
- Stormwater Runoff
- Mechanical Stormwater Treatment
- Clean Water for a Healthy Ecosystem
- Past to Present: From a Parking Lot to Waterfront
Total restoration cost was $4,915. which included updating design details, printing, and installation.
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Progress continues at West End at City Walk; the developer in favor of a public private partnership to improve interconnectivity to the river front and improving the pedestrian experience on West First Street.
"I think there's a real opportunity to create something special and a bridge between the projects and downtown, and make it really walkable... and to enhance that streetscape."
--Joe Bonora, Developer, Catalyst Asset Management
West End at City Walk is really taking shape! The majority of the structures are at the 4-story mark. View the video for the latest bird's eye view of construction.
Developer Joe Bonora of Catalyst Asset Management is in favor of a working with the developers and owners of neighboring properties to create walkable connection between the projects and downtown by investing in landscaping, hardscape and other enhancements along West First Street "Concept A" below.
West End at City Walk is a 318-unit residential apartment community that will include 22,500 square feet of amenity and co-work office space. It broke ground in 2019 and is planned for completion in April 2021. Leasing for the first building will begin in early December 2020.
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September 2, 2020 Construction Video (Courtesy of Nick Stewart/NPS Engineering & Consulting). |
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Silver Hills at Fort Myers |
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Phase I Continues despite Late Summer Storms
Despite late summer storms and much rain, Silver Hills at Fort Myers, Phase I, continues to make construction progress. Walls are up in many sections of the development, primarily edging the perimeter of the property. Watch the video below for the most up-to-date video!
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Rendering pedestrian riverfront access/promenade "Concept A" proposed to the CRA Board this past month. |
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Far Above: Rendering of Courtyard and River Walk at Silver Hills.
Above: September 17, 2020, Construction Video of Silver Hills at Fort Myers Phase I (Courtesy of DeAngelis Diamond/Eagle Eyes UAS Drone Service)
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Stay connected and learn more about your CRA!
See our 2019 Annual Report or Click the Video Link Below
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