Perhaps seeing what’s going on with development on the island, TPI’s Tom Torgerson has added a 5th floor to his proposal for the new Silver Sands. The resort was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September of 2022 and eventually sold to TPI for $7.1 million.
The original plan was to ask for 4 stories over parking and TPI will now be asking the town for 5 stories over parking (6 total floors). The original ask was for 46 units. The additional floor will allow TPI to add 14 suites and go to 60 total units. The zoning district the Silver Sands land is in allows for a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 2.5 FAR. Torgerson says they are at 1.95.
Torgerson is hoping the project will go before the LPA in June and the Town Council in August, after their July Summer break. He’ll be on Beach Talk Radio Saturday morning at 10:30 to discuss the proposal.
The property is directly across from Margaritaville’s Fins Up Beach Club and is now being used for employee parking. It’s also the property where the Lee County Sheriff’s trailer sits. That trailer will eventually be moved to the empty Lee County owned property at the base of the bridge in front of Margaritaville that will be converted into a Golf Cart and bicycle parking lot next year.
In 1983 the Silver Sands Resort was established as a condominium residential resort with a mix of patio residential dwellings and hotel units. Some of the structures date back to 1960. At some point in time one of the dwelling units was converted to a restaurant at the corner of Primo and Estero.
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Any way to replace the employee parking with a park and ride bus?
Key Impacts of Development on Barrier Islands:
Sinking and Subsidence: Research, such as studies on Miami-Dade’s coastal buildings, has shown that high-rises built on barrier islands can settle or sink by several inches over a few years, a process linked directly to the construction activities and weight of the buildings.
Reduced Resilience: Barrier islands are designed by nature to move and shift. Heavy development, such as building sea walls or building too many structures, prevents the natural migration of the island.
“Drowning” the Island: As sea levels rise, the islands need to wash over themselves to gain height. Preventing this through urbanization makes them effectively “drown” faster than they would naturally.
Overwash and Erosion: The added weight of buildings can worsen the effect of storm surges, allowing them to carve away the island’s land faster.
Environmental Strain: The infrastructure of heavy development (concrete, roads) can cause erosion by destroying the natural vegetation and sand dunes that help hold the island in place.
Nice looking building!
Hey Ed, anything going on with the Surf Club?
I agree with the positive comments about this property – let’s get it built and it will be another great addition to the island. Tom T. had to fight for 10 years to get Margaritaville built because of all the negativity from some of the locals. And now everyone agrees Margaritaville is the crown jewel of the island. Funny how that works! Love the renderings Tom – let’s get this one passed and get it done!
Agree 100%. The prior town council bent him over and he got royally screwed as compared to the current development proposals on the island. His gift of a 25% discount for all island residents and the public benefits he had to give up for the Margaritaville project far exceed any of the public benefits the developments this town council has approved. If anyone deserves a break, TPI does.
Please remind me why the township incorporated again.
Always asking for more!
Good for Tom. He gave up so much with Margaritaville, and he gave so much to the town and its residents. He deserves the extra floor.
If people cry about ONE floor… please get help.
Agreed. I’m betting this will be a beautiful property and one floor isn’t going to turn it into a monstrosity. Looking forward to another great TPI property on FMB.
Might be the most short sighted, absolute dumbest, arrogant statement I’ve heard yet.
Are people expecting another Miami Beach to happen on Estero Island? Cuz: barf