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Fort Myers council approves 11‑story hotel amendment after split public review
Summary
After extended public testimony about historic character and pedestrian impacts, the Fort Myers City Council approved an amendment to the planned unit development at 2301 1st Street to increase the approved project from nine to 11 stories and allow a 175‑room hotel.
The Fort Myers City Council voted to amend the planned unit development at 2301 1st Street, approving an increase from nine to 11 stories for a proposed 175‑room downtown hotel. The amendment (Ordinance 4065) was the subject of lengthy staff presentations and nearly an hour of public comment before passing the council vote.
Planning Manager Nicole Devon and Community Development Director Steve Belvin told the council the change would create a hotel with accessory retail and a contract to reserve 60 parking spaces in the Main Street garage. Veronica Martin, the applicant’s planner, summarized the request: "Again, our request is to add two stories to the hotel. So, we're going from 9 stories to 11 stories." She also said the project includes provisions for public‑art panels on the facade and used previously approved materials.
Opponents raised design and compatibility concerns. Architect and urbanist Tom Hogue argued the raised ground floor and facade would undercut downtown’s pedestrian orientation, and historic preservation advocate Art Hammel told the council the project likely violates historic‑district design guidelines, stating, "I think it's in violation of the code. You shouldn't vote for it." Other residents warned the additional height would change the character of 1st Street and increase pressure on infrastructure such as sewer capacity.
Supporters, including local business owner William Ward, urged the council to approve the amendment to activate a long‑vacant lot and boost downtown commerce. "As a business owner... I want to see tourism," Ward said, arguing the site has been vacant for decades.
Council members debated compatibility with the downtown future land use (which allows up to 12 stories) and whether outstanding financing questions (including prior discussion of TIF) should delay action. After discussion, Councilmember Burson moved and Councilmember Watson seconded the motion to approve the PUD amendment. A roll‑call vote recorded the motion as carried and the amendment was approved.
