And when you add in the Gulfview Manor Resort, which was part of the deal, both properties on Estero Boulevard sold for $19 million. What will happen to the Beach Theater building now?
What did $4 million get the new ownership group? Just under an acre of land and a 9,200 square foot building that needs a lot of work. It is on one of the busiest roads in all of Lee County.
Steve Boge is part of that ownership group that purchased the Beach Theater and 34-room Gulfview Manor resort. Boge is also part owner of The Dolphin Inn and Palm Terrace on the beach. He told us he’s not really sure when the Beach Theater building will open up again or what it will be when it does.
Right now the ownership group is exploring options. There’s a possibility it may open with 2 screens and a larger restaurant (there are 4 screens now) or it could open as a full restaurant. It could also be something completely different. Boge says the building allows for “broad zoning usage.” Before they open the building will need to be renovated, including the pillars out front, which have seen better days.
Over at Gulfview Manor Resort Boge says the building is in great shape so there won’t be any need for a major renovation. And, he says, business is still good on the beach. While the rates have come down some since season ended, people are still coming to Fort Myers Beach.