Bob Beville (left to right), Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Scott Safford, Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak, Marvin Homes President Richard Durling, Cottages of Paradise Point owners Dennis Greenspan and Lisa Greenspan break ground with ceremonial shovels for the redevelopment of the Cottages of Paradise Point on Fort Myers Beach on Friday.
Photo provided
Surrounded by longtime guests, former employees, community leaders, and partners, the Cottages of Paradise Point officially broke ground on its Gulf-front redevelopment, marking a powerful milestone in the ongoing rebuilding of Fort Myers Beach.
Hosted in partnership with the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, the ceremony celebrated not only the future of the iconic property, but also the deep sense of family and history that has defined Paradise Point for more than two decades.
“This is a pivotal step in the rebuilding of Fort Myers Beach,” said Richard Durling, President of Marvin Homes, the project’s builder and development partner. “Paradise Point represents the spirit of this island-resilient, welcoming, and deeply connected to the people who love it. Today is about honoring that spirit while building forward.”
Owners Dennis and Lisa Greenspon reflected on the property’s legacy and the profound personal meaning behind the moment. Dennis shared what he described as the “bookends” in Paradise Point’s history-purchasing their first cottage in 2001, growing the property to eight beloved cottages, and then losing them all to Hurricane Ian in 2022.
“What made Paradise Point special was never just the cottages,” said Dennis Greenspon. “It was the feeling of family. Guests returned year after year, friendships were formed, and today many of those guests are standing here with us. Former employees-including our longtime property manager and maintenance man-are here too. That says everything about what this place meant.”
Greenspon expressed gratitude to the many supporters who have stood by the project since the storm. “Fort Myers Beach is coming back-and we will be back,” he said. “Seeing everyone here today reminds us why rebuilding matters.”
The redevelopment will transform the historic site at 452 Estero Boulevard into an intimate, resilient Gulf-front neighborhood. The first cottage breaking ground is a 2,143-square-foot residence, with two additional cottages planned for 2026, including a 3,607-square-foot Gulf-front home with a pool beneath the residence and a 2,053-square-foot Gulf-side cottage just steps from beach access. Individual homesites are also available for purchase.
All cottages will meet or exceed current FEMA flood requirements, be engineered for 160-mph winds, and feature impact-resistant windows and doors-blending modern coastal resilience with the charm and spirit of the original Paradise Point.
For more than 20 years, Cottages of Paradise Point was a place where generations made memories along the Gulf. While Hurricane Ian destroyed the physical structures, the groundbreaking affirmed that the heart of Paradise Point-and the community that surrounds it-endures.
“These new buildings are fantastic. It’s a great representation of where Fort Myers Beach is going. These cottages are cute but they are resilient,” Fort Myers Beach Councilman Scott Safford said.
About Cottages of Paradise Point
For more than two decades, the Cottages of Paradise Point on Fort Myers Beach welcomed visitors from around the world to experience colorful cottages, sweeping Gulf views, and a sense of community. Destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022, the property is now being reimagined as an exclusive neighborhood that preserves the essence of the original cottages while embracing resilient, modern coastal construction.
About Marvin Homes
Marvin Homes has been a respected Southwest Florida homebuilder for 53 years.