Owner hopes to kick-start local redevelopment
A New York City developer has sealed a deal to buy a key North Fort Myers property, hoping to kick-start redevelopment in the area.
Investor Jan Zelenak has purchased the Weaver’s Corner property, which includes a Winn-Dixie, a post office branch and other stores.
“The sale has been in the making since December,” said William R. Cary II of Red Diamond Realty Group. “He now has control of the property. I hope this can also kick-start Lee County to redevelop Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers.”
Zelenak is the owner of Blava Inc., and he plans to relocate to Southwest Florida to work on the project.
“This new owner is going to actively go in to rehab the property,” said Cary. “He is going to put a new face on the property.”
Upgraded landscaping, lighting and overall appearance are the goals.
“We’re planning on updating the plaza by increasing the visibility,” said Zelenak. “New signage and other changes will show this plaza is alive.”
He said he is excited about coming to the community.
“I chose North Fort Myers because I looked at many places, including Orlando, studying the different plazas,” Zelenak said. “I saw this one stronger financially, having the potential to grow. I also like the management over here.”
“This purchase signals new investment money coming into Southwest Florida from an investor who sees a real opportunity for development and is not simply buying a project at the bottom of the market,” said Fort Myers real estate attorney Kevin F. Jursinski, who represented Zelenak and Blava Inc. in the transaction as legal counsel.
Cheryl A. Maymon was the broker who represented the owners, the Milloway family, which has owned the plaza since 1977.
Weaver’s Corner Shopping Center is located at 1830 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers.