Planning Studies
Project Overview: Continuity Developing Fort Myers underused riverfront was the final step in Downtown redevelopment. To mine all facets of the riverfront, the Plan had to be created cohesively with the existing 2003 Downtown Master Plan. Issues included: Integrating the historic core with the new riverfront development; Reinstating downtown convention capabilities through event center expansion and accompanying hotel; Attracting key businesses like a top-notch hotel and unique retail and restaurants; Managing water quality issues such as the riverfront s low elevation and storm water runoff; and Designing extensive public space along the river for a riverwalk, special events, everyday sports activities, and Farmers Market. Before
Project Overview: Solutions Using an innovative approach to creating and implementing the, the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) restricted the team s managing partner be a developer rather than a planner or architect. This allowed the developer to choose their team specifically geared toward drafting and seamlessly building a workable, financially-feasible Plan. The RFQ stipulated two phases. The first phase required the team to design a plan addressing planning, design, financial feasibility, detailed cost estimates and potential fund sources. Following Plan adoption, the second phase included a development contract with the same developer to implement all or portions of the Plan. After (Conceptual)
Project Overview: Before-After (Conceptual) Before After (Conceptual) Before After (Conceptual)
Integrating the Historic Core with Riverfront Area The Plan will tie the currently-thriving historic core with the newly-developed riverfront restaurants, retail, hotel and public access spaces to cross-promote both sections of downtown.
New Development Development will make the riverfront more business-friendly through a convention center, hotel, restaurants and retail. Event Center Meeting Rooms Olympians/Mixed Use Mixed Use Lecture Hall W5 Exhibit Hall W1 W2 W3 W6 W7 A1 B4 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 W4 D1 D2 E1 F1 F2 Event Center Event Center Admin Hotel Hotel Parking Mixed Use Ambassador Hotel
Riverfront Development Plan Water Quality: Low Elevation Basic corner Condition with (2) 30-0 ramps Plan Perspective Bumped out patio with curved stairs Plan Perspective Bumped out patio with straight stairs and switch-back ramp Plan Perspective The riverfront land is in a Coastal High Hazard Zone and is 4-5 feet below the FEMA and Water Management District required 10 foot Finished Floor Elevation (FFE). The design team creatively addressed this challenge by reaching an agreement with Water Management District staff for a variance from the 10 foot FFE to allow up to 2.5 feet of flood proofing, something critical to attracting restaurants and retail. A 1.5-2 foot elevation is more pedestrian-friendly and manageable, as the stair and ramp concepts (left) demonstrate.
Riverfront Development Plan Water Quality: Detention Basin The most innovative and unique feature of the Plan is a 1.5 acre multifunctional Water Detention Basin. The fully-seawalled Basin will provide storm water mitigation for 15 acres of vacant land; add waterfront property for hotel, retail and restaurant development; and symbolically return a portion of the waterfront to its historic shoreline, 2 blocks south of the present day shoreline.
Typical Pavement Layout around Basin Pedestal with Pedestrian Lighting Fort Myers River District Basin Details Detention Basin features show how its design will create an attractive public space along the water s edge, thereby promoting a community-centered riverwalk. Pedestal with Bas Relief Accent and Decorative Rail Pedestal, Root Supports & Cable Rail Typical Elevation of Monument with Art Panels Overlapping Supports echo Mangrove Roots
Public Improvements A number of improvements will create a dynamic public space to entice visitors and spur business development. Waterfront Promenade Centennial Park Small Craft Boat Slips New Pier/Seawall Boardwalk Park Pavilions Detention Basin City Pier Marina Expansion Auto Drop-Off Waterfront Promenade Lee Street Expansion Edwards Drive Park Pavilions Interactive Children's Fountain Monroe Street Monroe Street Plaza Edwards Bridge Hendry Street Experience