Revised London Bay Plans for Outrigger Site Aim to Balance Height, Amenities, & Community Feedback

London Bay Development Group has submitted revised site plans for the property at 6200 Estero Boulevard - the former Outrigger Beach Resort and Charley’s Boathouse site on Fort Myers Beach. The changes follow substantial feedback from the Town, residents, and local governing bodies. 

Here are the major updates:

• A condominium‐residence tower of 15 stories, reduced from the earlier 17-story proposal. 
  
  
• A 12-story hotel is also part of the project. 
  
  
• Commitments to include public amenities: a beach bar, beachfront restaurant and more communal features. 
  
  
• More parking has been included, and heights reduced to address neighbor concerns. 
  
  

Background & Context

The Outrigger Beach Resort originally occupied this site, as did Charley’s Boathouse Grill. The land, about 3 to 4 acres beachside plus additional parcels across Estero Boulevard, was acquired by London Bay in a deal completed in 2023. 

Earlier plans had drawn criticism over building height, density, traffic implications, and potential impacts on views and community character. Critics raised concerns about shadows, proximity to single-family homes, canal access, and local infrastructure. 

In response, London Bay paused the project in mid-2025 to work more closely with town staff and adjust its designs. 

Community Feedback & Developer Response

Developer Mark Wilson (London Bay President & CEO) has stated that the revisions reflect input received from the town, community members, and council. These collaborative changes include not just reducing height but modifying aspects like parking capacity and public amenity offerings. 

Residents remain cautious; many still worry about:

• Traffic volume and access, given increased usage of Estero Boulevard. 
• Visual scale, how the towers will impact the look and feel of the beachside backdrop.
• Use of canals or water taxi/shuttle services (though London Bay has in past discussed water transport, it’s not finalized). 
  
  

What’s Next

London Bay is expected to continue working with the Town’s planning boards and the Local Planning Agency (LPA) to finalize the plan. As revisions have been submitted, public hearings and additional reviews are likely. The developer has expressed optimism about the long-term positive impact of the revamped proposal. 

Residents will want to watch for:

• Updated renderings and elevations showing how the scale works in context
• Details about how public amenities will function (access, hours, staffing)
• Plans around managing traffic and parking, especially during peak tourism / beach days
• Any infrastructure improvements that come with the project (sidewalks, stormwater, utilities)

Why It Matters

This development represents a pivotal moment for Fort Myers Beach:

• It offers redevelopment of a prominent beachfront site, replacing older structures lost to time or storms.
• It tests the balance between growth and preserving the character that residents love.
• It will likely set precedent for what height, density, and amenities are acceptable along Estero Boulevard.

If this plan is approved with the revisions, it could signal a more collaborative development process that respects both investor goals and community expectations.