Downtown Ft. Myers

Haven't been in town for the past few days. Last Friday I trekked to Orlando and attended the Champs Sports Bowl that featured Michigan State and Boston College. Even though Michigan State lost by three points 24-21, it was great to be around long time friends and experience the thrills college football has to offer. While I didn't attend MSU, both my parents worked there and we always had season tickets for football. It's just something that is in my veins.

Then, we caravaned to my good friends' place. They live in Punta Gorda and I spent the night there. In the evening, we happened meet up with some folks in downtown Fort Myers. I had my camera handy so I thought I would share some pictures of their downtown here. There are many public realm improvement projects going on there - streetscape, lighting, pedestrian amenities, etc. They are also opening up their waterfront for greater access and linkages to the central part of the downtown.

The strange thing was that on a Saturday night, there were very few people on the street. There are some residential units that have been renovated and some spaces have been converted to live/work lofts. There are many destination employers downtown - courthouse, Lee County offices, City offices, law firms etc - so the streets are probably more alive during the weekday.

But I came away impressed with their historic architecture and generally good looking buildings. They seem to have done some selective demolition as well. It appears that most of the non-contributing buildings just are not there anymore.

It's good to get away since it usually leads to a greater perspective and appreciation of the potential we have in our own community.

This is the inside of the "French Connection Cafe" where we ate. Good food at reasonable prices, but the only things that were French on the menu were the French dip and French fries.

This is a night view of the Edison Hotel which has been converted to residential condominiums.

Part of an improved courtyard/alley system decked out for the holidays - notice the lack of people.

One of the more attractive larger buildings in the downtown. There were quite a few restaurants/bars with sidewalk tables. The French Connection Cafe is at the corner of this building.

This building has a very distinctive corner piece above the door and appeared to be very well restored.

The original marquee of the Arcade Theater. I am not sure what the theater is used for now. The marquee was not lighted at the time.

This is the old courthouse building done in coquina stone.

Another view of an improved streetscape. This one leads down to the waterfront.