Paradise Isle Proposed for N Fort Myers

An abandoned North Fort Myers golf course could soon see a new life, with newly emerging plans to redevelop a large amount of acreage in North Fort Myers. Dubbed Paradise Isle, plans call for redeveloping 270 acres, including up to 1,200 new multi-family residential units, with some of the buildings standing up to 20 stories high. The plan also includes expanding a marina and adding in upwards of 100,000 square feet of dining, commercial and office space, along with some fitness and spa space. If all goes as planned, the developer wants to rezone the property and significantly change the area from how it’s looked for decades. This includes the construction of dual 20-story buildings, each with 300 units and sitting close to a conservation area. As well, it also calls for dual 12-story towers and some three-story townhomes on the property. Additionally, the developer wants to make room for a 200-slip expanded marina and 200-slip dry boat storage. This is addition to a large mixed-use area incorporating retail space, offices, parks, restaurants and a hotel. As well, it would also mean parking, the multi-family residences, a golf clubhouse and updates to the old golf course. One possible addition could also mean water taxi service from the property to Downtown Fort Myers. Purchased by its current owner about three years ago, it’s not the first time for a mixed-use development to be on tap for the area. A previous developer also planned to build at the site, but those plans came to a halt with a large and well-publicized foreclosure. For many North Fort Myers area neighbors the proposed developed could mean a new start for the site. The old Lochmoor Country Club and golf course has been closed since the mid 2000s. Public meetings will likely be held in the future, though no dates are set just yet.