The city of Fort Myers is hoping for a renaissance in the area known as Midtown, which is south of the River District downtown.
"Nobody wants to take the chance on Midtown in Fort Myers, but if you look at Midtowns in other parts of the country and other metropolitan cities, it’s all happening and it’s nonstop," said Peter Kramer.
Years of patience have turned to frustration for Peter Kramer as he continues to ask why Fort Myers Midtown is so far behind. After living here for more than 25 years, he wants to see his community catch up.
"There’s a belief in other metropolitan cities and here it’s marginal at best," Kramer said.
After 20 years of back and forth, construction has finally started on a multi-million dollar apartment complex along Jackson Street. A Cape Coral developer decided to take on the challenge hoping to change Midtown.
"He’s built in the city before, he’s got a great reputation and he builds quality buildings, he doesn’t go to the cheap side," said City of Fort Myers Councilman Liston Bochette.
In addition to more than 300 units, there will be a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, and even a six-level parking garage.
"We will see how this goes on and eventually maybe we will see how this goes," Bochette said. "Maybe we will build some new apartments, scrape off some of the old ones and put more better housing in."
Peter is just hoping that projects like these will continue to make Midtown more attractive to locals and visitors.
"If they’re maintained and the novelty doesn’t wear off with them, hopefully it will draw more population more demographic will continue to grow from it," Kramer said.
"I’m expecting to see a mixed-use and mixed affordability, but we’re going to solve this is with great trust and faith in this developer Bochette said.
The Montage at Midtown is projected to be completed by December 2025.