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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Buck's Backyard at McCollum Hall
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Far Above: Erick Schlake mural entry for Buck's Backyard at McCollum Hall.
Above: Michael Rosato mural example from another community.
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Buck's Backyard Finalists Selected
"The awarded artists will be given $500 each to further develop their design concept after accepting the artist agreement."
--Shari Shifrin, Director, Fort Myers Mural Society
McCollum Hall's Art Stumble 2020 selection committee has selected three finalists to present their vision to Fort Myers Public Art Committee (PAC) on September 15.
Artists Michael Rosato, JP Almonicid, and Erik Schlake were recommended by the committee. Each artist submitted initial concepts and/or examples of similar mural work in other communities.
The artists have each been awarded $500 to further develop their design concept for a scheduled presentation to the PAC. The final selection will be made at that meeting.
Art Stumble 2020 will be an artistic mural painting event that features the painting of murals on 17 panels of the concrete barrier wall behind McCollum Hall. The theme of the mural collection is a “wall” that symbolizes the positive influences of diversity designed to promote pride in the Fort Myers Dunbar community, as well as a way to support economic growth with aesthetic enhancement. A block party will be held in 2021, where the community can watch the murals being painted while enjoying other pieces of art on display, vendors, refreshments, and music.
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JP Almonicid's colorful mural entry for Buck's Backyard at McCollum Hall, above, was based on the black and white photo of the Anderson Avenue Package Store, which was open in McCollum Hall during its heyday.
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Above: Link to Luminary Hotel Webcam (7/29/2020) courtesy of Luminary Hotel & Co..
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Hotel Preview was held July 18; Pandemic Delays Luminary Hotel Opening One Month
"T
he hotel opening is set for September 17, however, there are many moving pieces between now and then
. "
--Nori Guevara, Luminary Hotel Spokesperson
A preview of the Luminary Hotel & Co. was held for media on July 18. Reporters from local news stations and newspapers, local dignitaries, and community members who won a contest to preview the hotel, were led through the hotel which is in its final month and a half of construction.
The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed opening for one month, with the new opening date set for September 17. Other changes will be made because of the pandemic as well. Floor decals for social distancing and sanitizer stations for every elevator landing have been ordered. The pool deck, which would normally hold 200 people during an event, will be limited to 100 guests. Additionally, the hotel will hire 100 employees versus the 200 employees it had originally planned.
Luminary Hotel & Co. will be home to the signature Silver King Ocean Brasserie, the Beacon Social Drinkery rooftop lounge, 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 will also offer more than 8,000 square feet of function space and will be connected to the neighboring Caloosa Sound Convention Center, formerly known as Harborside Event Center.
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Luminary Hotel interior preview. Source: Amanda Inscore, Fort Myers News-Press
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Recent West End at City Walk construction video (July 3, 2020) courtesy of NPS Consulting LLC.
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City Walk Making Headway in July 2020
"Leasing for the first building will start in early December 2020."
- Joe Bonora, Catalyst Asset Management
Construction is moving along on West End at City Walk. The basic 4-story structure of the first building is completed. On the second building, two stories are in place and building the 3rd story is being added.
Watch the video above for an exciting bird's eye view of construction underway.
West End at City Walk
will be a 318-unit residential apartment complex with retail and Class A office space. It broke ground in 2019 and is planned for completion in 2021. Leasing for the first building will begin in early December 2020.
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Rendering of the completed West End at City Walk apartment complex.
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Silver Hills at Fort Myers pre-construction phase video (July 21, 2020) courtesy of Deangelis Diamond and Eagle Eyes UAS Drone Services
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Silver Hills Site Work in Progress
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Fort Myers has gotten off to a quick start and there is definitely much more construction activity going on now.
"
Site construction work is in progress on Silver Hills at Fort Myers. Foundational walls are being built and slab preparation is underway. View the video for a recent update on the progress being made.
Silver Hills at Fort Myers will be a 327-unit luxury apartment complex. It was approved for a $12.96 million CRA tax increment rebate in 2019.
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More Development News Around Town
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The Fort Myers CRA is proud to feature these City, County or Privately-led development projects to keep you apprised of the exciting opportunities happening in our community. For more details about other developments see the
City of Fort Myers Development Activity Map
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Around Town Highlight: State Funds Approved for Refurbishment Projects
"In a year with a record number of vetoes, the City of Fort Myers owes a debt of gratitude to its legislative delegation, who championed and prioritized these local projects."
- Saeed Kazemi, Fort Myers City Manager
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The City of Fort Myers is planning to lead three water quality initiatives and refurbishment of Centennial park with funds approved in the 2020-21 state budget. Projects include the following:
- Billy's Creek Final Phase Restoration - $1,000,000
- Midtown Water Quality Planning projects for next generation stormwater systems - $250,000
- City of Fort Myers Septic Tank Abandonment initiative - $100,000
- Centennial Park upgrades for Children with Unique Abilities (replacing 25-year-old+ playground equipment, modernizing grounds and pathways, and focused, programmable spaces - $1,000,000
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Billy's Creek, Midtown Rendering
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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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