Big Johns Plaza is for sale and the iconic statue is coming back soon

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—Big John's Plaza is on the market for nearly $12.5 million, but the iconic Big John statue is not part of the deal.

• RELATED: Cape Coral's beloved Big John statue restored for holiday season

Elmer Tabor, who owns the shopping center, met with WINK News and said his family will continue to own Big John. He plans to keep the statue on the same podium where it has stood since the 1960s.

"How can Big John leave? He's an icon. He's a legend," Tabor said.

The jolly statue has been under repair since Hurricane Ian damaged it. Tabor said Big John should return to his podium this summer.

Tabor has owned the plaza since the 1990s and said it's time to sell. He said people have already reached out with interest in purchasing the property.

"The center is so well-known, and it's been the anchor, the icon of Cape Coral since 1960 when my father had his grocery store in there. So it's not just a normal property," Tabor said.

The plaza suffered flood damage from Hurricane Ian, which Tabor said they fixed up. Some of his tenants have been in the plaza for decades.

Tabor said he hopes the new owners will keep it a gathering spot for the entire community.

"I support the art festival that's anchored through the shopping center; holiday festival lights; the official Tree Lighting has been here for over 40 years,” said Tabor. “This is a place, a place of home of Cape Coral. So I'm sure, I'm hoping that whoever ends up buying it will continue that tradition.”

Tabor said crews had to replace all the steel during Big John's repairs. When the statue returns, it should be able to sustain winds up to 180 mph.