Fort Myers downtown construction is complete
The City of Fort Myers is proud to announce the completion of the Downtown Utility Replacement and Streetscape Improvements project. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15 under the tent of the First and Hendry Streets with a downtown-wide celebration immediately following until 9 p.m. Five bands are on tap and street performers will entertain throughout the evening. Enjoy a latte or relax and dine at one of the downtown restaurants.
The City of Fort Myers began the Downtown Utility Replacement and Streetscape Improvements project in late 2005. While this project beautified downtown Fort Myers, more importantly, this was a utility replacement project. The project replaced all existing water, sewer and storm drain systems in downtown Fort Myers, many dating as far back as the early 1900s. Once the underground utility replacement work on each street was complete, street beautification elements were constructed including brick-accented sidewalks and crosswalks, streetscape amenities, and landscaping and lighting. Street furniture such as benches, waste recepticales, and decorative bike racks placed throughout the downtown area complete the street furnishings package.
One of the most exciting aspects about this project has been the effort to recover and “recycle” over 500,000 old bricks once covered for decades by asphalt. Several streets such as Jackson, First, Main, Hendry and Lee Streets were known or suspected to still contain many of the old bricks. Suspected streets were carefully demolished, old bricks found were palletized and taken off-site for cleaning. Many of the old bricks were cleaned by South Fort Myers JROTC members, citizens needing community service hours and a handful of volunteers. The process was long and tedious, but the results are well worth the effort. Today, First Street, Hendry Street and Main Street reflect the look of a simpler time and add charm to downtown Fort Myers.
Step back in time and take a stroll along the newly completed brick streets. Join us on celebrating the transformation of our downtown.
Source: Cella Molnar and Associates, Inc.