Council signals support to pursue negotiations with developer for All 50 States building
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Summary
After terminating prior negotiations, council directed staff to pursue a letter of intent and negotiate with developer James Becker to redevelop the All 50 States building, with a suggested short due‑diligence window before a formal lease or agreement.
Following termination of earlier negotiations on the All 50 States redevelopment, the Fort Myers City Council discussed next steps and directed staff to prepare a letter of intent to enter negotiations with developer James Becker, who told the council he can begin work immediately once paperwork is in place.
The item is consequential because the All 50 States building is a prominent downtown property and councilmembers said they do not want the redevelopment conversation to drag on for years. During the workshop, council asked how quickly Mr. Becker could begin and he replied he had funds and contractor estimates available and could start “as soon as the paperwork’s in line.”
Councilmembers recommended preparing a letter of intent, allowing Mr. Becker a 45‑ to 60‑day due diligence period to provide financials and finalize terms, and returning to council for approval of a formal lease or redevelopment agreement. Mr. Becker described program elements including training programs for engineers and free AI classes as philanthropic or workforce development components alongside business uses; council asked staff to draft LOI language that secures site access and any needed easements around the building footprint.
The workshop provided direction to proceed with negotiations and to return with a LOI and timeline; no final lease or binding agreement was executed at the meeting.