A proposed luxury hotel and apartment complex near the Edison Ford Winter Estates has sparked debate among Fort Myers city council members over zoning changes and development density along the historic McGregor Boulevard corridor.
Developer Mark McLaren of KLM Development presented plans for what he calls “River District West” during a city council workshop on Monday, proposing a 250-300-room flagship hotel, luxury apartments, retail space, and a marina expansion on property currently occupied by Pinchers and a church.
“We’re hoping to bring vibrancy and development on a scale that will help enhance the overall experience of downtown Fort Myers,” McLaren said. “It is a cityscape changing. It is life changing. We can create an entirely new environment for the city of Fort Myers.”
McLaren indicated the next steps involve meetings with zoning officials and the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency about tax credit programs that would be vital to the project’s financing.