Part of Sanibel Outlets to become affordable housing

FORT MYERS, Fla. — A portion of the former Sanibel Outlets property has sold and will soon be redeveloped into affordable and workforce housing just before drivers cross the Sanibel Causeway.

A 4.6-acre parcel at 20350 Summerlin Road sold for $5.25 million to Wendover Housing Partners, an Altamonte Springs-based affordable housing developer, according to public records.

The project, called Helm’s Bay at Grande Calusa, will include 200 units, 88 workforce housing units and 102 affordable housing units.

Developers say construction is expected to begin as early as the end of March, though Lee County officials say vertical building permits have not yet been filed and the project remains under consideration for funding.

For neighbors who have watched the site sit largely vacant since Hurricane Ian, the sale marks a significant step toward redevelopment but not everyone agrees on what should be built there.

Jeffrey Anderson, who lives in Cottage Point near the property, says after nearly three years, it’s time to see movement.

“ We can't not have progress. It's good for the neighborhood and even if it's low cost housing, it's gonna benefit some people that need it,” Anderson said. “That's not a bad thing in the world.”

He believes affordable housing near the islands could help workers who currently struggle with long commutes and high costs.

“T he bridge toll's expensive and, and the housing on Sanibel and Captiva is, is way outta reach for the average person,” Anderson said.

Some neighbors told WINK News they would prefer to see more green space or a preserve on the property and remain unsure about what the remaining 18 acres could become.

Across the street, small business owners say the housing development could bring more energy and more customers back to the area. Jason Kelly, co-owner of Island Vibes Kava Bar, says affordable housing close to Sanibel could help both employees and local shops.

“ Having a place to live locally for people affordable too is just huge. 'cause that's kind of a little bit of the stressor for people around here,” Kelley said. “You hear about people moving further away than they'd like to, but still work here.”

Plans for the broader Grande Calusa redevelopment include a mix of commercial, retail, residential and potential hotel space. The site is already approved for up to 297 additional residential units beyond the Helm’s Bay apartments, along with two previously approved 18-story residential towers.

LSI Companies is currently marketing portions of the remaining land.