Bonita Springs Downtown
Old 41 streetscape wraps up in late 2017
BONITA SPRINGS WAS DUE FOR A MAKEOVER, AT LEAST THE ROADS AND STREETSCAPES IN THE BUSINESS DISTRICT ALONG OLD U.S. ROUTE 41, MOST AGREE.
C ompletion of the Bonita Springs Downtown Improvement Project is on schedule, some of the work completed, says Tiffany Esposito, president and CEO of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Bonita Springs Estero Economic Development Council. The nearly $19 million project has included centralizing drainage in the city’s Old U.S. Route 41 merchant district, new waterline installation, undergrounding of utilities, underground stormwater storage, roundabouts at Ragsdale Street/Pennsylvania Avenue and Terry Street, with sidewalks varying from 8-10 feet wide, 150 new downtown parking spaces, Imperial River and Oak Creek bridges refurbished, new lighting along Old 41, and r econstruction on Felts Avenue between Wilson and Dean streets. Work that began in September 2015 should be completed by fall 2017.
The inconveniences of a community makeover can take a toll on merchants, Esposito says. “Show some extra love to your friends and neighbors who may be experiencing business challenges due to the construction and remind them to keep their eyes on the prize―our vibrant, revitalized downtown area which will be complete next year,” she says.
Bonita Springs was due for a makeover, at least the roads and streetscapes in the business district along Old U.S. Route 41, most agree. The area dates to the 1880s when locals farmed citrus, coconuts and bananas. Many streets were named after potential buyers, and in the early 20th century the town of Survey was renamed Bonita Springs. Barron Collier ensured its growth with rail and the new Tamiami Trail. “I am sure the area’s future holds images of family outings at the library or the park, couples having date nights at the downtown restaurants, and shoppers of all ages visiting the growing retail district, all while taking advantage of the unique walkable area,” Esposito says.
Project details are at bonitaspringsdowntownimprovements.com. Craig Garrett is Group Editor-in-Chief for TOTI Media.