First Street Village gives River District boost it Needed
[FORT MYERS, FL]
By: Libby McMillan
Throughout the past two decades, residents of Fort Myers, Florida have watched in disbelief as their downtown area's revitalization moves one step forward, one step back. It's true that several high-rise projects have been completed, including High Point Place, Beau Rivage, and Cypress Club. But in the meantime, the business district of downtown has remained a risky environment, with new restaurants repeatedly failing, succumbing to a lack of nighttime traffic. As many of the high-rise condos have been purchased for investment, and thus sit empty, the downtown River District has remained primarily a 9-5 Mecca for attorneys and government workers. The few clubs who have survived cater to the 20-30 year old crowd, which has claimed this area as their own.
Fort Myers residents hoping for a successful economic picture in the River District are also holding their breath, as massive 2007 road projects are further hampering the few successful restaurants in the area. The popular Harold's on Bay, and adjacent tapas bar H2 are suffering as there's no way to reach their front doors.
But as downtown watchers have, for years, seen upswings and then waning interest, a new project called First Street Village has once again filled Lee County residents with hope that their prime downtown area - riverfront, with architectural gems and plenty of parking - will truly begin to sustain itself economically. First Street Village, a development by Cameratta Properties, is a large mixed-use community without gates, which has been designed to encourage interaction with the public.
The three-block project includes a large Publix supermarket, which has just been completed and is the first large grocery of its kind to cater to the downtown area. (Even residents in the tony riverfront district adjacent to downtown have, for years, been driving quite a distance to reach a desirable grocery.) The project's Phase 1B includes 5 town homes and a pocket park, which are now underway. Several popular local businesses have signed on to be part of First Street Village, which will eventually include 105,000 square feet of retail space, 360 luxury residential condominiums, 40,000 sq. ft. of office condos, a rooftop pool, bowling alleys, virtual golf, a suspended running track, a music-mixing studio and lounging area.
Businesses which have signed up for space include Starbucks, First Watch Restaurant and Dagwood's Deli, as well as a dry cleaner and a spa. Ground-breaking for 98 of the condo units over retail shops, and indoor parking, will take place in December 2007. Another 98 units will follow in Summer 2008.
According to the sales team at Cameratta, sales of residential condominiums at First Street Village have been brisk; all residences in the final phase, a massive seven-story mid-rise, will enjoy private terraces, as well as the rooftop pool, clubroom and fitness center, and indoor parking.
First Street Village was conceived in a Mediterranean-revival architectural style; units range from $289,000 to $600,000. Units along West First Street will have panoramic views of the Caloosahatchee River.
The project is only 10 minutes from Centennial Park, restaurants and theaters in the River District. Cameratta is hoping, as are downtown merchants, residents and neighboring communities, that with the addition of First Street Village, downtown Fort Myers will finally achieve economic stability.
Fort Myers Condos
By: Libby McMillan
Throughout the past two decades, residents of Fort Myers, Florida have watched in disbelief as their downtown area's revitalization moves one step forward, one step back. It's true that several high-rise projects have been completed, including High Point Place, Beau Rivage, and Cypress Club. But in the meantime, the business district of downtown has remained a risky environment, with new restaurants repeatedly failing, succumbing to a lack of nighttime traffic. As many of the high-rise condos have been purchased for investment, and thus sit empty, the downtown River District has remained primarily a 9-5 Mecca for attorneys and government workers. The few clubs who have survived cater to the 20-30 year old crowd, which has claimed this area as their own.
Fort Myers residents hoping for a successful economic picture in the River District are also holding their breath, as massive 2007 road projects are further hampering the few successful restaurants in the area. The popular Harold's on Bay, and adjacent tapas bar H2 are suffering as there's no way to reach their front doors.
But as downtown watchers have, for years, seen upswings and then waning interest, a new project called First Street Village has once again filled Lee County residents with hope that their prime downtown area - riverfront, with architectural gems and plenty of parking - will truly begin to sustain itself economically. First Street Village, a development by Cameratta Properties, is a large mixed-use community without gates, which has been designed to encourage interaction with the public.
The three-block project includes a large Publix supermarket, which has just been completed and is the first large grocery of its kind to cater to the downtown area. (Even residents in the tony riverfront district adjacent to downtown have, for years, been driving quite a distance to reach a desirable grocery.) The project's Phase 1B includes 5 town homes and a pocket park, which are now underway. Several popular local businesses have signed on to be part of First Street Village, which will eventually include 105,000 square feet of retail space, 360 luxury residential condominiums, 40,000 sq. ft. of office condos, a rooftop pool, bowling alleys, virtual golf, a suspended running track, a music-mixing studio and lounging area.
Businesses which have signed up for space include Starbucks, First Watch Restaurant and Dagwood's Deli, as well as a dry cleaner and a spa. Ground-breaking for 98 of the condo units over retail shops, and indoor parking, will take place in December 2007. Another 98 units will follow in Summer 2008.
According to the sales team at Cameratta, sales of residential condominiums at First Street Village have been brisk; all residences in the final phase, a massive seven-story mid-rise, will enjoy private terraces, as well as the rooftop pool, clubroom and fitness center, and indoor parking.
First Street Village was conceived in a Mediterranean-revival architectural style; units range from $289,000 to $600,000. Units along West First Street will have panoramic views of the Caloosahatchee River.
The project is only 10 minutes from Centennial Park, restaurants and theaters in the River District. Cameratta is hoping, as are downtown merchants, residents and neighboring communities, that with the addition of First Street Village, downtown Fort Myers will finally achieve economic stability.
Fort Myers Condos
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