McCollum Hall developers ask Fort Myers for $4.2M to complete food-hall and programming

Developers updating the council on McCollum Hall's planned "38 Collective" presented a mix of cultural programming, food-hall space and residential phases and asked the city for $4.2 million in public support to close a financing gap for the McCollum Hall component.

Miles Alexander, the project's lead developer, told the council: "We are looking for a public support of $4,200,000." He said the team had secured some financing and a Choice Neighborhoods grant for $1,000,000 but that fundraising gaps remained for the food-hall and program elements.

Kellen Nixon, part of the development team, described a broad community engagement effort that the developers say reached nearly 400 residents and multiple partners, and stressed the project's goal to be a citywide amenity rather than a neighborhood-only development.

CRA Executive Director Michelle Hilton-Terry told council that CRA support includes a proposed $500,000 increment rebate to be paid out over five years (about $50,000 annually) and that the CRA has invested roughly $2.8 million in the project over prior years. Staff and CRA counsel said legal and financing constraints limit what the city can contribute directly from the general fund, but managers and CRA staff agreed to meet with the developer and city attorney to explore legal mechanisms for closing the gap.

Former councilmember Johnny Streets spoke during public comment in support of the project and emphasized its historic and cultural importance to the Dunbar community.

Council did not vote on funding at the workshop; staff were directed to meet with the developer and CRA to report back within 60 days on options.