Developers behind Fort Myers riverfront project want more time, density

The New Jersey developer looking to redevelop the Legacy Harbour Marina and Hotel in Fort Myers has asked the city for more time.

AIRN Management Co. filed an application last week looking for a 10-year extension for permitting and construction costs for Phase 1 of the project.

Legacy Harbour, according to a description on a website for the development, is located on 4.7 acres of property and connects downtown Fort Myers with the historic McGregor neighborhood as well extends the River District south on West First Street.

In a statement AIRN says the existing development plan for the property at 2044 W. First St. includes two 25-story towers, a seven-story parking garage and commercial uses.

The project, according to the company, was approved in 2014, with the first phase of construction required to begin within 10 years.

The company did not give a reason for the delay but says in the statement that the property sustained extensive damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and that “upland clean-up efforts are currently underway, with marina clean-up expected to begin upon completion of upland efforts.”

In addition to the request for additional time, AIRN also asked the city to amend its planned unit development plan. An AIRN spokesperson says the company wants to make minor revisions in order to update “the development concept, including density and incorporation of hotel units, as well as residential units.”

According to AIRN’s website for the project, the plan originally called for 352 residential units and 37,658 square feet of commercial space. It is now looking to build 377 residential units and 37,673 square feet of commercial space.

It is also looking to update the plan to include 37,506 square feet of public open space that would bring a riverwalk and park.

According to the AIRN spokesperson, the PUD process could take as long as nine months and that there is too much still to be done before a groundbreaking date can be established.

As for the cost of the project, “management is still in the early planning stages and an estimated cost is not available at this time.”