First Street Apartments Planned for Downtown Gateway
First Street Apartments will make an inviting gateway into the Downtown core area! Located at the southwest corner of First and Fowler streets at 3466 First Street, this modern-design, 4-story multifamily apartment complex project features 274 units and 467 parking spaces. The apartment community will be built on the former location of the First United Methodist Church. Total project cost will be $73.4 million, The CRA recommended the project for an $11.025 million tax increment rebate. The developer will provide the following community benefits:
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Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) General Contractor to solicit bids from subcontractors and vendors that are minority-, women- or veteran-owned businesses, and encourage them to award sub contacts totaling a minimum of 5% of the hard/soft cost budget to MBE/DBE/WBE/HUD businesses.
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Non-for-Profit Community Organization Contribution Developer will contribute 3% of the annual TIF rebate to the SWFL Affordable Choice Foundation Inc. and 2% of the annual TIF rebate to Streets Alive of SWFL.
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Out-of-the-Box The developer will install an entryway glass mosaic mural on the retaining wall corner of First Street and Fowler, and work with the local artist and public art committee to design an abstract mural that will be fabricated and installed using custom mosaic glass. The developer will also work with a local fabricator to restore the First United Methodist Church Bell. The restored Church Bell will be displayed within the project.
Construction will begin in the first quarter of 2022 and completion is planned for the second quarter of 2024.
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Contact:
Fort Myers CRA
239-321-7100
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McCollum Hall:
CRA Issues of Notice of Intent to Developer
The CRA approved an extension for the McCollum Hall developer to commence construction by no later than December 15, 2021.
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As part of the official legal notification to the developer, the Board has issued a Letter Agreement to be signed by all interested parties on or before August 11, 2021. The Letter Agreement issues notice of the CRA's intention to terminate the lease and development agreements if the cure periods expire without the commencement of construction. |
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Business Spotlight: SWFL Military Museum & Library |
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SWFL Military Museum & Library, located in the Edison Mall at 4125 Cleveland Avenue #1520, is a new business in the Cleveland Avenue redevelopment area, sub-area 3. Although SWFL Military Museum & Library has been operating for years in prior locations in Cape Coral and in North Fort Myers at the Shell Factory, it recently located to the Edison Mall in October 2020. The museum is dedicated to honoring our military, preserving and displaying military artifacts and memorabilia while educating the public and future generations about our military heritage. The museum covers all American wars and conflicts, as well as many important events in our history. They also host events throughout the year and promote veterans causes with other organizations. "Freedom is not Free. However, admission to the museum is," so bring the family to the SWFL Military Museum & Library! |
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Contact:
SWFL Military Museum & Library
info@veterans-foundation.org
239-541-8704
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Image Courtesy Campo Felice Independent Living. |
Contact:
Fort Myers CRA
239-321-7100
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Campo Felice Phase I Sells to New Owners
The Campo Felice Independent Living apartment community, located on the beautiful Caloosahatchee River at 2500 Edwards Drive, is being sold to 2500 Edwards Drive Owner, LLC.
The CRA selected the original developer, The MacFarlane Group, LLC (now known as Campo Felice Phase I LLC), for a tax increment rebate for the project. The CRA is executing an Estoppel Certificate regarding the rebate agreement pursuant to the pending sale.
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Business Spotlight: Fort Myers Cyclery |
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Fort Myers Cyclery is a legacy business located at 3630 Cleveland Avenue in the Cleveland Avenue redevelopment area, sub-area 2. Operating for 25 years since 1996, Fort Myers Cyclery is a premier bike shop offering high quality, affordable bicycle sales. This family-owned and locally-operated business offers bikes of all sizes for everyone from toddlers to seniors, and bikes of all types to suite riding levels and styles. Stop by to view their wide assortment! Fort Myers Cyclery also sells cycling accessories and offers services including professional 1-day bike repairs at reasonable prices, custom wheel building, a bike trade-in program, and pickup and delivery. |
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Contact:
Fort Myers Cyclery
239-939-2899
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Fort Myers Kiwanis Club: CRA Executive Director Spreads the News about Redevelopment
On July 8, Executive Director Michele Hylton-Terry addressed the Fort Myers Kiwanis Club at their weekly luncheon, presenting an overview of ongoing and planned projects in the Fort Myers Downtown redevelopment area.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. The Fort Myers Kiwanis Club was chartered in 1922 and was responsible for establishing the area's first public school, and bringing the railroad and professional to Fort Myers.
Contact:
Fort Myers CRA
239-321-7100
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Fort Myers CRA Executive Director Michele Hylton-Terry presents Fort Myers redevelopment at the Fort Myers Kiwanis Club luncheon on July 8, 2021. |
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SWFEC Student Aide McKinley Davis Wins Award! |
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SWFEC Student Aide McKinley Davis is honored by the City of Fort Myers for her Outstanding Performance. Clockwise from Upper Left: McKinley with Fort Myers CRA Executive Director Michele Hylton-Terry (Left) and Fort Myers CRA Commissioner Teresa Watkins Brown; McKinley with City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson; Step Up to Work Aides with Mayor Anderson; McKinley with SWFEC Administrative Assistant Lury Ripley. Center: McKinley with her award. |
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Southwest Florida Enterprise Center (SWFEC) Student Aide McKinley Davis was selected as the recipient for the Outstanding Performance Certificate, a $100 gift card, and a trophy. Only one student in the City of Fort Myers Step Up to Work Program was eligible for this honor. McKinley was chosen based on high ratings from SWFEC Administrative Assistant Lury Ripley, a letter written by McKinley about her experience, and voting in the City's Human Resources Department. |
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"This year I had the honor to be in the Step Up to Work program," stated McKinley. "My experience with the city has been delightful and very enlightening." McKinley assisted SWFEC staff with answering phone calls, records management, filing, and other important tasks for the City's business development center.
Congratulations to McKinley Davis for this recognition of her excellent performance!
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2022 Edison Awards Nominations Opened August 1, 2021!
Nominations for the 2022 Edison Awards opened August 1, 2022. The Edison Best New Product Awards™ is an annual competition honoring excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design, and innovation.The Fort Myers CRA supports the Edison Universe, together with the Horizon Foundation and the City of Fort Myers.
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Contact:
Frank Bonafilia
Executive Director, Edison Awards
708-586-0004
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Virtual Minority & Small Business Boot Camp
Now through August 25
The Virtual Minority & Small Business Boot Camp began on April 7, 2021 and continues through August 25. This no cost, multi-session webinar series is designed to educate minority and small businesses regarding information integral to growth and success.
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Contact:
Veronica Valdez, Esq.
Director, Enterprise Florida
Minority & Small Business Capital Programs
407-752-2488
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No Cost Mental Health Counseling for
Adults and Children
Catholic Charities offers free mental health counseling for both adults and children.
Counselors are licensed with 5 years of experience. Catholic Charities is a licensed Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant agency.
Contact:
Lee County, Catholic Charities
844-385-2423
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Stay connected and learn more about your CRA!
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