Fort Myers River District faces potential transformation with new development proposal

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

KLM Development is pitching a proposal to transform the River District west of downtown Fort Myers into a destination as lively as the city center, aiming to draw more visitors and highlight the Edison and Ford Estates.

Kim Denny, a visitor to Fort Myers, expressed concerns about the project.

"Certainly, we've done a great job of recovery from the storms and such. But it's-- it'll be interesting to see what they do do. But how do you balance the growth versus keeping next door to something that's amazing?" Denny said.

Rick Liesmann, who appreciates Pinchers Restaurant, hopes it will retain its old-school marina charm.

"It's too much. But I can't be the guy that came in five years ago and say, 'OK, now we stop building.' But I think some of the character of the waterfront, you know, with, with the commercial, and if you look around here, it's, is it a neighborhood anymore?" he said.

The development could transform the entire street into high-rise apartments, a luxury hotel, and more, with KLM Development hoping to merge the River District east and west, creating more attraction to Fort Myers. Mitch Kokish, who visits Fort Myers annually with his family, sees the development as a positive change.

"That's a good thing. It's a good thing. More attraction for us," Kokish said.

Mark McLaren of KLM Development explained that one of the major expansions involves demolishing Pinchers and revamping the public marina for river cruises, as well as expanding the dock size for boats to dock and dine. KLM plans to create a destination hotel for weddings, event space, luxury apartments, restaurants, retail and more.

Ian Gatesman, a resident on McGregor Boulevard, expressed reservations about the project.

"I actually think it might be a little bit tight. And I definitely don't want to bring in construction trucks because we live close to the road. And that's unfortunate. But yeah, I think that-- I think that I would prefer it not to be here," Gatesman said.

If passed, KLM Development plans to completely demolish Pinchers with the support of the restaurant's owner, aiming to introduce more luxury dining options, including a revamped Pinchers with Chops Steakhouse and a rooftop bar offering views of the water.

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