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Council approves start of Larchmont Avenue infrastructure work to unlock Edison Ford Winter Estates project
Summary
Council voted to proceed with the city’s portion of infrastructure upgrades on Larchmont Avenue needed for the Edison Ford Winter Estates master plan after negotiating with the contractor; the Edison Foundation plans to contribute roughly $3 million for building improvements but city construction bids came in higher than earlier estimates.
The City of Fort Myers will move forward with the city’s portion of infrastructure work on Larchmont Avenue that the Edison Ford Winter Estates says it needs before starting a new visitor center and related buildings.
Councilmember Fred Berson, who pushed to take the item up at the meeting, said Wright Construction’s current guaranteed maximum price (GMP) came in near $3.8 million, higher than the city’s earlier budget estimate of roughly $2.45 million. Berson said the Edison Ford Winter Estates (the “estates”) would contribute about $3 million toward the new building planned at the site and urged the council to avoid further delay.
City Manager Marty Lawing said the GMP from the contractor was higher than the prior budget line and explained staff were finalizing the “finer points” of the contract. He said construction would be scheduled outside peak season to reduce event impacts. Assistant manager and staff described the project as a mix of water/sewer, paving and stormwater work funded from multiple capital sources; staff told council they would provide the final numbers at the next council meeting.
Council members debated whether to finalize authorization immediately or wait for a firm contract document. Supporters argued the estate’s construction would not start until the city completed the infrastructure and that delaying would stall a project that brings visitors and economic benefit. One council member asked staff to return with the final GMP and a funding plan; the council approved moving forward at the meeting with direction for staff to finalize funding sources and contract details.
Project details discussed in public comment and council discussion: Wright Construction bid approximately $3.8 million for the city work; the city had budgeted $2,450,000 as estimates and design work; the Edison Ford Winter Estates expects to spend about $3,000,000 on a new visitor center and related work; staff said obtaining the final contract and splitting costs across stormwater, water/sewer and paving was in progress.
What happens next: Staff will return with the finalized GMP, a breakdown of funding sources and a project schedule; construction was expected to start after the spring visitor season and aim for substantial completion before the fall event season.
