London Bay Development presents Outrigger plans to Fort Myers Beach
Mixed hotel and condo buildings includes 17-story highrise
London Bay Development have made their plans official for its Outrigger redevelopment plans, putting forth a proposal to the Town of Fort Myers Beach that includes a hotel and condo buildings, including a 17-story highrise.
The proposal for the Estero Blvd. property would require a zoning change to a Commercial Planned Development for the “London Bay Outrigger.” The project includes 100 hotel units, 50 hotel/condominiums, and 46 multifamily condominium units with multiple buildings.
According to the development proposal submitted by 6200 Estero Blvd. Investments LLC, the residential building would be comprised of a single terracing tower that breaks into three segments – a 13-story, a 15-story, and a 17-story segment.
Comparatively, the Outigger was two stories high at its 6200 Estero Blvd. location. According to the developers, the original Outrigger approvals allowed for 144 hotel rooms. Under current code, the developers would only be allowed to build two stories above parking without a zoning change.
In their application, 6200 Estero Blvd. Investments LLC (a limited liability company set up by Mark and Steve Wilson of London Bay Development), propose a maximum building height of up to 200 feet as measured from one-feet above Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) base flood elevation.
The hotel and hotel-condominium buildings are 10 and 11 stories with parking on the first two floors. A second part of the building is perpendicular with the beach and accommodates a 12-story building also with parking on the first two floors.
In their application, the developers note that there are other high-rises in the neighborhood along the southern side of Fort Myers Beach. They include Sunset Condominium building at 12 stories, Island Winds at 13 stories, GullWing Resort at 12 stories, and Pointe Estero Resort at 15 stories. The Outrigger is about two miles north of Big Carlos Pass Bridge, which is currently undergoing reconstruction.
The site will provide 300 vehicle parking spaces and up to 72 spaces for bicycles, golf carts, and e-charge stations for scooters.
Recreational amenities include a pool, spa and outdoor area, a lobby, office space, private beach club and event/conference rooms. Additionally, there is dedicated commercial public space that includes a public restaurant, hotel lobby bar, hotel grab-n-go, rooftop bar and a new public beach access with a linear park.
“The site design encourages alternative modes of transportation by providing bicycle, golf cart and e-scooter parking, access to water taxi shuttles, airport shuttles, and public transportation via the Fort Myers Beach trolley and ram,” the proposal states. “Pedestrian traffic will also be encouraged through the design of street level landscaping and shading of walkways, public plaza at the entrance to the public beach access and linear park, and seating and shaded areas in the park as well.”
The Outrigger was was one of the more popular hotels on Fort Myers Beach, providing guests an old Florida experience with reasonable rates and access to a wide-open beach area along with a tiki hut, bar, restaurant and pool that was accessible by the public.
The Outrigger was constructed in the 1960’s and was totaled by Hurricane Ian. London Bay acquired the property and Charley’s Boat House and Grill across the street for $38 million.
A public presentation by London Bay last month drew a mixed response of supporters and those who are concerned about the height and density of the project. A number of residents were concerned about the plans for the dock and canal across the street and statements from the developer that they are considering the use of water taxis – which is mentioned in the submitted plans.
The project will require review from town staff who will make comments the developers and their consultants will likely need to address before the application is heard by the Town of Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency (LPA).
According to the development proposal submitted, architectural renderings will be part of the Commercial Planned Development zoning package for conceptual compliance review by staff and the LPA and town council during public hearings
The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council would need to approve a zoning change for a Commercial Planned Development.
“I’m excited to see the continued willingness of London Bay to be a community partner, and I look forward to seeing their final design for discussion,” Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said.
Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said his hope is that the developers “will continue to be flexible and incorporate the various public input that we will hear in the coming months. The south end of the island is in need of a number of the public benefits that the developer is offering like a gulf side restaurant, rooftop restaurant, tiki bar and grab and go breakfast shop. Many folks who would normally walk or ride bikes to the Outrigger or Santini Plaza are having to get in a car, adding to traffic problems, to enjoy a meal outside of the home. I would also like to have some additional clarity from the developer as to what the plans are for the Charley’s Boat House property across the street.”
Fort Myers Beach Observer Editor Nathan Mayberg can be reached at NMayberg@breezenewspapers.com