New renderings show the futuristic community and workforce housing planned for the Sanibel Outlets site.
The iconic mall has sat in ruins on the corner of McGregor Boulevard and Summerlin Road for over two years now.
The development group, Fort Myers Future, plans to transform the property into a modern, sustainable community called Calusa Grande, and for the first time, NBC2 is showing you 3D images of what it could look like in the story above.
Calusa Grande’s design includes two 20-story towers of energy-efficient apartments, around forty percent (200 units) will be workforce housing units. The community also features a 20,000-square-foot performing arts center, 200-room hotel, a public park, and restaurants.
"This has never been built in Florida, a structure this size," said Thomas Spiegelhalter, the architect and master planner for project. "Fifteen feet above the main sea level, being resilient, off the grid, it's carbon neutral. It has its own power."
Spiegelhalter and project director Edgar Wilson, II, told NBC2 the development will incorporate shell sediment ground inspired by the Calusa Indians, rooftop gardens and plenty of green space.
While some who used to shop at the outlets are bummed about the small amount of retail space included in the future property's plans, others think the project will benefit the community more than a mall could.
"I think it's going to be good for the economy," said Tammy Clements, a Fort Myers resident who likes the addition of workforce housing with the project. "It's really hard to start over again, so I think it's going to be really good for everybody."
Others worry about where the new residents will find jobs and how the area’s infrastructure will handle increased traffic.
“It’s going to suck with the whole traffic situation,” said Fort Myers resident Izzy Armstrong. “But it’ll help with creating jobs, and I think the sense of community will be good.”
Deconstruction of the Sanibel Outlets, which is expected to finish in January, has been delayed as workers salvage materials for reuse in the new development.
Construction on Calusa Grande is hoped for early next year, pending county approval. Developers have also hinted that a couple restaurants from the original outlets may make a return, you can count on NBC2 to keep you updated as plans develop.