FORT MYERS, FLA. (WINK) — After years of planning and discussion, Fort Myers’ vision for Midtown is taking another step forward.
The city is moving ahead with Phase One of a nearly $30 million investment in Midtown — and today, people can get a closer look at what’s planned.
The city is holding an interactive open house where residents, businesses and others can learn more about the project, view renderings of the planned streetscape and ask questions of city and construction representatives.
The first phase focuses on infrastructure and improvements in part of Midtown, just south of downtown.
The project area includes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Broadway Avenue, Victoria Avenue and Central Avenue.
The nearly $29.5 million project includes new water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, along with rebuilt streets and sidewalks.
The city also plans to add new lighting, landscaping, street furniture and signage.
City leaders say the goal is to build the foundation for future development and help turn Midtown into a more walkable, mixed-use area with housing, businesses and public improvements.
The broader Midtown vision has been in the works since 2018.
Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson told WINK News the infrastructure work is about preparing the area for future development.
There are already signs of that vision taking shape.
Montage at Midtown, a 321-unit apartment complex, opened earlier this year. Other projects on the horizon include the future redevelopment of the former News-Press site, the demolition and redevelopment of City of Palms Park, and a new Fort Myers Police Department headquarters.
As Phase One moves forward, the city says the project is scheduled to be substantially complete by the end of 2027.