Bimini Basin Project: Cape Coral’s Future Gem
Posted on Mar 4, 2016
Cape Coral is looking to up its game by creating a “destination jewel.” The growing city is home to the Bimini Basin, a body of water lined with homes and condos with boating access to the Gulf of Mexico. However, this waterfront location has residents and business owners excited; they’re partnering up to change the landscape of the basin area; these changes would not only make Cape Coral a destination for people from around the world, but the area would be more appealing to locals, as well.
Plans for the Project
This idea for change is known as the Bimini Basin Project. The vision of the project is to enhance the area and quality of life for residents and visitors, while protecting and preserving the environment. The project will create a mixed-use commercial center by leveraging existing city assets, according to the official Bimini Basin Project website.
On the Bimini west side, a marina will be built featuring retail shops, restaurants, green space, water features, and a boardwalk. On the Bimini east side, commercial and entertainment centers with be created, along with residential space, which would expand from the already standing single-family homes and neighborhoods in the area. Planners from the University of South Florida’s School of Architecture and Community Designed worked together with the City of Cape Coral to create this plan.
Community Involvement in the Plan
The city is excited about this plan and has been moving forward with the project. Business owners are excited, because this project could bring millions of tourist dollars to the area. The city accepted all three of the final design concepts for the plan. After hearing from the community (full-time residents and snowbirds) and developers, a final plan will need to be approved by the Cape Coral City Council.
Right now, Cape Coral residents can go online and tell the city what three features they’d like to see in the Bimini Basin Project. The city of Cape Coral believes community input is important to the final design. The links on the website allows residents to review three concepts and each of their six attributes. The three concepts are: Bridging the Gap, Canal Works, and Threading the Needle. A few of the attributes in the concepts include: a farmers market, a sculpture and botanical garden, an observation deck, an art museum and children’s museum, an aquarium, a transit hub, and urban swings. Pictures and written content explain the concepts and attributes for people to get and understanding of what the area will look like.
Future of the Bimini Basin Project
At the end of last year, the city said a final plan is a long way away, but Cape Coral Mayor Marni Sawicki will report updates on the Bimini Basin Project during a Real Estate Investment Society’s meeting on March 8th.
Good Time to Invest Near Bimini Basin
Do you want to live near the newest hot spot in Southwest Florida? The Bimini Basin Project will bring so much entertainment and opportunities to the area, so now would be a good time to invest before the project is in full swing! Realtor Kim Arasimowicz lives in Cape Coral and can offer great advice about the Bimini Basin area of the city. Contact her at 239-214-1039.