Earlier this week DiamondHead General Manager Neil Hopgood presented expansion plans for the resort to his next door neighbors at the Surf Song condo building. The DiamondHead team is hoping to add 57 rooms to the existing 121 rooms currently at the resort.
Before the town of Fort Myers Beach incorporated in the mid 90’s Lee County approved a project on the DiamondHead property to build 154 units and go up as high as 15 stories over parking. Everyone knows the history of incorporation and what drove the town to break from Lee County.
The permitting of the development was contentious and faced legal challenges. To move forward and expedite the construction, ownership decided to reduce the height of the building by 3 floors, but maintained the right to all density. So by right, under a Development Order granted by Lee County, DiamondHead was approved for 154 rooms, and 12 stories over parking. However, the town is now incorporated, and has its own rules.
Under the town’s current zoning, by right, DiamondHead can only go up 30 feet above base flood elevation and 3 stories over parking. DiamondHead will be asking for an extension to the existing building and a new building. The extension will basically be an add-on to the the current portion of the existing building, on the Surf Song side of Estero Boulevard. That extension would have 33 rooms, 12 floors above parking, and go up a total of 127 feet from grade, the same height as the existing building.
A new stand alone building, closer to the Gulf, would have another 24 rooms, 9 floors above parking, and go up a total of approximately 117 feet from grade. In addition to the height request for both structures, DiamondHead will be asking the town to approve the additional 24 units, above the 154 they were granted by Lee County. While these pictures may change before being submitted, the DiamondHead team will be asking the town for a rezoning of the property.
Hopgood told Beach Talk Radio News, “After more than three years of restoration following Hurricane Ian, DiamondHead has positioned itself as a leading revitalized hotelier on Fort Myers Beach. With few new guestrooms likely island-wide for several years, our approved plans can add 57 rooms to the island’s inventory! With strong 2026 peak-season demand and the Town’s positive restoration momentum, we are confident this addition will support growing demand. This expansion will inject spending into local businesses, create construction and hospitality jobs, grow occupancy and property-tax revenues for beach renourishment and parks, smooth seasonality, and offer an additional venue for locals and visitors alike, keeping Fort Myers Beach competitive.”
At the meeting with the neighbors, it was unanimous that they were not in favor of the building closest to the Gulf. They said it would block their view of the beach, devalue their property and cast a shadow on their pool throughout the day. Both sides agreed they enjoyed the neighborly relationship over the years and the Surf Song resident appreciated seeing the plans first before they were even submitted to the town.
DiamondHead Resort was an outstanding partner for the town of Fort Myers Beach post Hurricane Ian. They opened the resort quickly and were ready to help within days. Whatever the town needed, the resort was there for them, from opening their ballroom to all government meetings to event space for local charitable organizations. They certainly have banked years of goodwill with the town and they’re hoping to meet the hotel room demand on the island.
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We love our visits to Fort Myers Beach and have stayed in the immediate area of the Diamond Head, so just offering my feedback as a traveler and not a resident of the neighbouring properties. When we travel, we stay at the beach not to stay in our room and enjoy the view from there, but to socialize and hang out at the pool overlooking the beach, or on the beach itself. Why not add the additional rooms by expanding closer to Estero Blvd and creating a large raised resort pool overlooking the ocean; perhaps an infinity pool? The design of having a courtyard pool closed off from the sun and view of the ocean does not seem to align with a top-notch resort, which is what the Diamond Head is known for. Looking forward to seeing how this expansion evolves and I hope consideration is given to the feedback received.
Not great news for the condo owners of Surf Song. This will not be only during the construction, but a bigger resort will now be situated closer to their lanais and community pool. I love the DiamondHead and thankful for all of their goodwill & contributions to the Island, but I’m sure the residents of SS will not welcome this new addition to the resort. You can’t please everyone.
Might not be such a great idea if you’re a timeshare owner whose view of the gulf will be completely blocked by the addition!!
I agree. Looks like our room will have a blocked view.
Stupid is as stupid does.
– Forrest Gump.
Here’s what’s stupid. The idea being peddled that change requires bigger, taller and more. That’s what’s stupid.
“They certainly have banked years of goodwill with the town …”
Perfectly said, Ed, and it’s exactly the sentiment of the across-the-street” neighbors of the “Wyndham” property on the south end. The difference we advocate for is walk-in beach access and sensible low-rise commercial development within comp plan guidelines. Good luck to Diamondhead, which is a lovely property.
No. Just no.
Sorry. That was meant as a general comment, not a reply to you
I do love that a existing hotel wants to expand and invest on Fort Myers Beach.
Going higher at neighbors all around expense. Diamond Head should have NEVER been allowed to go higher than 4 floors to begin with. Spoiled the view for many people but money talks ‼️
It’s a great idea. It’s so beautiful from the pictures. I hope it becomes and reality.
I’m so sick of hearing the crybaby residents bitch and moan about building anything but restaurants. Well listen up stupid, without lodging, the restaurants will be empty. How many hotel/motel rooms down is FMB since Ian? 3 years later and not one property has even broken ground. Next up, crying about property taxes, limited property taxes come from vacant land geniuses.
I take it you’re not a resident? So residents shouldn’t have any thoughts or opinions and it’s all about what tourist’s want?! Anyone can comment or have an opinion. You don’t need to call people crybabies or stupid just because their opinion might be different than yours.
Read one of the other article “stupid” it says we’re about 400 rooms down, alsmot back to pre-Ian numbers. Also, “stupid”, London Bay, Seagate and Wyndham are paying more than triple the property taxes before building. Most residents want responsible development. Do your research before calling people stupid.
Just out of curiosity, you live here on the island, are you a visitor? A snowbird.
Sounds like he’s a developer, crying about not being able to get his way on everything.
Then go build something and stop crying about what others want…or don’t want.