Sanibel Outlet Mall site awaits redevelopment after Hurricane Ian damage

SANIBEL, Fla. — The old Sanibel Outlet Mall site remains a topic of interest for many people driving toward Sanibel.

Damaged by Hurricane Ian, the once-busy shopping hub has sat quiet for years, leaving many to wonder about its future.

Steve Adler, a resident of Fort Myers, shared his thoughts on the mall's past.

"It was really nice, very convenient for shopping, and we miss it," said Adler.

Justin Gagnon, a neighbor, reflected on the impact of the hurricane.

"I kind of see it as a testament to Sanibel and Fort Myers in general, just southwest Florida," said Gagnon. "It went through the hurricane. It got pretty much tore up."

In 2024, developers pitched a major redevelopment plan for the site, proposing Calusa Grande, which would include housing, a hotel, restaurants, and retail space. Some residents, like Adler, are eager for the change.

"Multi-use would be really nice to see there just be good for the area," said Adler.

However, not everyone agrees.

"We have so much already going up," said Gagnon. "I'd much rather see a park or maybe a community center or something, you know, productive, yeah, not just more houses."

Some residents are frustrated with the slow progress of construction. Developers have not responded to inquiries, but Lee County confirmed a development order is in place. This order allows site improvements to begin once all permits are secured, but no building permits have been submitted yet.

Adler remains hopeful for the future of the site.

"It's not being manicured," said Adler. "I'd love to see a manicured new development there that I could utilize on a day they basis. I live only a mile from here. So it'd be fantastic if they would move forward with some development."

While site work could potentially begin, there is still no official step toward rebuilding structures on the property.