The first renderings of a potential development known as Downtown Estero were shared at a recent public forum.
Indiana-based Buckingham Companies is exploring purchasing the property on the east side of U.S. 41, south of Estero Parkway and north of Corkscrew Road. The wooded area was rezoned by Lee County years ago to become up to 310 units and up to 200,000 square feet of commercial space, including a maximum of 115,000 square feet of retail, and also is zoned for up to 125 hotel rooms.
The buildings in the Downtown Estero development would have a Mediterranean revival style, adhering to building codes established by the Village of Estero government. Buckingham pledged to make the development pedestrian-friendly.
The Estero Planning Zoning and Design board would have to approve of the project before Buckingham pulls the trigger on purchasing the land.
CH Estero Land LP paid $3.3 million for the land in 2006, property records show.
Buckingham Development’s plans include a lake with a fountain, and a park accessible to the public with the development being accessible from both U.S. 41 to the west and Broadway Avenue to the south.