DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS, INC.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA

The Historic Downtown Fort Myers River District is a Hidden Gem on the Waterfront That Creatively Melds its Rich History with its Unique and Delightful Present to Deliver an Unrivaled Urban Destination shopping and dining in Naples; and the beautiful barrier island of Sanibel, known for its abundance of shells and great fishing; but now Florida’s West Coast has another treasure to be proud of — the recently-revitalized, charming waterfront area of Historic Downtown Fort Myers. The culture and history-rich core of Downtown Fort Myers is the River District which combines walkable, waterfront neighborhoods with commercial and residential. Over the past 10 years, the area has been steadily attracting a versatile array of new businesses including many dining, shopping, and arts and culture venues. With over 65 new businesses including cafes, bars and restaurants, and unique shops and boutiques, as well as galleries and theaters, the quaint downtown has become an extremely popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Mainsail Lodging President Joe Collier, III, of the company that will bring the new Autograph Collection® Hotel to the River District, said that his company became interested in the area about a year ago. “The city had made such an impressive investment in the overall revitalization plan and we believe that the waterfront is now ripe to be activated. Our hotel will be a big draw and an important part of the evolution of the area,” he said. Since the Harborside Convention Center has been running as more of an event center, not hosting regular conventions, he believes the hotel will help to elevate everyone in the area. “We think the population in the area will get more than its fair share of growth.” In addition to the Autograph Collection® Hotel, the City of Fort Myers will soon be home to: Millennial Brewing Company, a craft Another exciting business that recently opened its doors is the Barrel Room, which is adjacent to the Twisted Vine Bistro. The hotspot features live jazz and serves a variety of hard-to-find whiskey, bourbon and scotch, and an exclusive late-night menu. Madame Peach Cobbler, a Naples-based commercial dessert operation, also opened a new café on Hendry Street, where patrons can enjoy delectable goodies while listening to a jazz guitarist. The newest restaurant to join the unique array of eateries in the downtown is Flat Top Larry’s, a classically-styled diner serving “Retro 50’s-style food with contemporary twists.” Also part of the CRA redevelopment plan, is the creation of a new, unique identity for an older but steadily-evolving area called Gardner’s Park. Located just east of the Downtown River District, the area has become popular among locals for its unique variety of shops, restaurants and antiques, including the lovely Wisteria Tea Room and the beautiful Butterfly Estates. The exciting redevelopment plan will preserve the neighborhood’s history while creating a mixed-use urban arts district with community gardens and walkable, tree-lined streets. Gardner’s Park is expected to draw new galleries, arts-related businesses, and artists. The area is already home to UNIT A, a gallery space showcasing the works of internationally-renowned painter Marcus Jansen. With over 7,000 square feet of show space, it is the largest private art space of its kind in Southwest Florida. . “The Florida Repertory offers a variety of musical, comedic and dramatic productions each season for all tastes,” says Renee Pesci, Florida Repertory development director. One of the historic, architectural treasures of downtown is the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, hosting exhibitions, performances and educational events. In addition to the plentiful entertainment options in Historic Downtown Fort Myers, the CRA also funds regular concerts and special events including Art Walk, Music Walk, Bike Night, Pet Walk, Mystery Walk, a farmers’ market, car shows, and a New Year’s Eve extravaganza that have become extremely well-attended. Recently, an international outdoor sculpture exhibit titled “Allure Your Senses,” by world-renowned artist Edgardo Carmona was brought to the downtown from Paris. The combination of historic landmarks and architecture, preserved for coming generations to appreciate and enjoy, with new luxury condominiums, new businesses and the plentiful options for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Historic Downtown Fort Myers, has resulted in the perfect live, work, play urban environment, attracting people of all ages all year round. The first condominium to be launched in the Historic River District of Downtown Fort Myers since 2008 is Allure. The new, luxury condominium opened its sales center early this year and has received an exciting reception. It will join a handful of other condominiums such as The Beau Rivage, Alta Mar, High Point Place, St. Tropez, and the Oasis, all built during or prior to the last condo boom from 2004 to 2007. Allure’s prime location will provide amazing water views and breathtaking panoramas from sunrise to sunset. Residents of this tropical, urban paradise can enjoy a theatrical production, followed by an elegant dinner, and top off the evening with cocktails at a popular nightspot, and it is all just within walking distance or a trolley ride away. Andy Heygate is a buyer at Allure who says that he was attracted to the development for several reasons. “This is the first tower to be built in the Historic Downtown since 2008 and the location on the river is ideal,” says Heygate. “Downtown is a very exciting place with a great selection of restaurants and businesses, and even a new hotel planned,” says Heygate. A local Realtor who specializes in new developments in Southwest Florida, Heygate said he chose to purchase at Allure because of the excellent value it offers buyers. “The price per square foot is well below other towers being built in Fort Myers, Bonita, and Naples,” he says. He added that the value is even more impressive when compared to prices of condominiums on the waterfront on Florida’s east coast, which are more than double those of Allure.