When Jim Ink from Ink Engineering and Albert Dambrose from Studio AD Architect team up for a project on Fort Myers Beach you can pretty much take it to the bank that it will pass. They understand the codes. They understand the people they’re pitching. Most importantly they understand the vibe of the beach.
On Tuesday the Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency unanimously approved 5 variances Ink and Dambrose presented for the owner of 1901 Estero Boulevard, YEAA, LLC.
The commercial building, at the corner of Ohio and Estero, was home to the popular Hoosier’s restaurant and other retail businesses. It was hammered by Hurricane Ian. A good portion of structure was eventually demolished, however, one section was deemed to be structurally sound and will be used as part of the rebuild. The plan is for the upper floor to again have a restaurant with the remainder of the building retail.
The new building is 7,895 square feet, 366 square feet less than the original building (see below). The approved variances involved setbacks and parking.
Under the new town rules if variances are approved unanimously by the LPA and there is no objection within 30 days, the item does not have to go to the Town Council for approval. As long as there is no objection, Dambrose says construction should begin in October and they are hopeful the building will be open in April. The owner has already been in contact with several potential businesses interested in renting the space.
Retail space is at a premium on Fort Myers Beach with The Sea Grape Plaza and Key Estero Shops both owned by Carmine Nacarato who the town is in a brutal battle with over his illegal parking lot. And it could take many years before any retail space is available in Times Square again.
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I like the old building MUCH better, this new one looks sterile
I’d like Carmine to apply for a 17 story parking garage.
Sure hope Hoosiers considers a return
Us, too. We miss it very much- such a great menu and staff.
Used to eat at Hoosiers every March. Good news to see building getting a new life but the rendering looks like an office building in any modern city. Can the builders “beach it up” a bit? Visitors coming to the island still want that beachy look!
Residents want a beachy look, too!
With Regards to Retail space, it is at a premium:
Political Will + Public Pressure
If the town council wants this badly enough, they can move it forward
* Build political consensus and speak with one voice as a town; force his hand regarding development. (Carmine Nacarato)
*Show strong public support, Letters, petitions, and business endorsements
* Politely- but clearly- convey that development elsewhere may not receive the same town support.
LOL