Estero Florida, as you will see from this new (September 2022) “round-up,” considerable development is occuring in the local Southwest Florida community. It seems likely that the total number of residents off East Corkscrew Rd will be 35,000 in the next ten years. But, if the new planned development by Kingston and FFD is built to the maximum allowed, the estimated population will be over 57,000 in around 10 -15 years, almost double the current population within the Estero Village boundary!

Where Is Estero Florida?

Firstly, concerns have been expressed about the guidelines of the Environmental Enhancement & Preservation Communities Overlay (EEPCO). It encompasses properties critical to providing regional benefits such as re-establishing wetlands, flow ways, hydrology, and wildlife corridors within southeast Lee County. The overlay provided an opportunity to achieve the environmental objectives by allowing for the possibility of higher residential density in exchange for developer commitments to provide regional benefits.

Additionally, if you add the proposed plans for Kingston and the Florida Farms Development (GL Homes), the total will be 15,000 homes over the next 15 years. The total number of residents along East Corkscrew Rd, if Kingston and FFD are built to the maximum allowed, will therefore amount to an estimated population on east Corkscrew of over 57,000, as indicated previously.

Lastly, it should be noted that the developer (Cameratta) has stated they will incorporate necessary environmental, and water run off safeguards into their plans. This includes removing a levy which impedes the water runoff from NE to SW. In addition, the developer plans to build a 2 lane each way boulevard from Corkscrew Rd to Ste Rte 82, and is working with the Lee County MPO and Lee DOT to extend Corkscrew Road widening Phase III to Kingston.

The Lee County MPO has also moved up the construction of the Alico Rd Connector from St Rte 82 and this could send some traffic North, rather than down Corkscrew.

FFD (Florida Farms Development) Project

FFD is a 5,208-acre site on the south side of Corkscrew Road, just east of Corkscrew Shores and west of Six L’s Farm Road. GL Homes will develop the area consisting of farm fields, uplands, and wetlands.

The proposed project includes:

5,208 residential units (single-family and multi-family) 1 unit per gross acre
100,000 square feet of commercial uses
240,000 square feet of amenity area use
Existing agricultural services, including 50,000 square feet of research and development

According to GL Homes Traffic Impact Statement, there would be 42,401 new daily trips from this project. The peak hour trips would be approximately 4,300 (in and out at the evening peak hour, around 5 PM.)

Verdana Village on East Corkscrew

Verdana Village, a Cameratta Companies, is currently underway on east Corkscrew Road. The planned community by Lennar & Pulte Homes showcases several collections of new homes styles and footprints.

Verdana Village will host an array of vacation-style amenities with a first-of-its-kind indoor pickleball center. In addition, residents have a Publix anchored retail shopping center outside the front gates. Heartland Dental and other tenants will join Publix, and the community will encompass 2,400 single-family homes on various homesites with lake and preserve views. When completed, The Shoppes at Verdana Village will have over 78,000 square feet of grocery, retail, medical, and dining and additional space for lease.

River Creek (formerly Corkscrew Crossing) by GL Homes is progressing.

The new community will consist of 395 acres and 544 single-family homesites, bounded by Corkscrew Road to the North, Wildcat Run to the West, The Preserve, and Bella Terra to the East. The homes will include single-family homes, twin villas, townhomes, and condominiums. This residential community will have three phases, with a common recreation area. Most importantly, river Creek’s GL Homes’ grand opening will be on Aug. 27. The new home designs will range from the $500s-$800s

The New Estero Fire Rescue Station on East Corkscrew Road

Susan Lindenmuth, Director of Public Affairs, Estero Fire Rescue, has provided an update on the Estero Fire Station 45 Construction. You can view a construction video at Estero Station 45 Construction Tour.

The availability of this “state of the art” fire station will be a welcome and essential facility for those living on east Corkscrew Road. As with other Estero Fire and Rescue Fire Stations, firefighters will be 24-7 on-site, and those stationed there will have available: living quarters, kitchen facilities, a day room for relaxing, and a patio area.

Some of the significant features of the Estero Fire Station 45 include:

A full-sized training room for in-house training and training classes open to the public
A tower training facility on site that will eventually have live-fire training opportunities
An EMS treatment room for walk-in emergencies
A designated decontamination area of bunker gear with specialized washing machines
Specially designed locker areas for the storage of firefighting equipment
Five fire engine bays have been included in the design to allow for future expansion
A sixth bay will initially be used for equipment storage but could also be developed to accommodate an additional fire engine at a future date

Residential Developments within The Village of Estero

Stock Commercial’s project- Estero Crossing

Located on the south side of Corkscrew Road, between Three Oaks Parkway and I-75, Estero Crossing (east of Lowes) will feature 306 apartments and 60,000 square feet of retail shops. It will be positioned closest to Corkscrew Road and include six three-story luxury apartment buildings.

Vertical construction is underway. The commercial space will be pedestrian-friendly, with brick-paver walkways, benches, and lush landscaping. Various businesses have expressed interest in the high-traffic corridor, including restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating, other entertainment venues, boutique-style shops, and even health and wellness offices and studios. Current tenants include Chicken Salad Chick, Crisp & Green, Dunkin, Oak & Stone, Orange Theory, Restore Cryotherapy, Sherwin Williams, Affordable Dentures, The Joint, and Bubbakoo’s.

Estero to the North of Broadway

A 34-acre site on the east side of US 41, North of Broadway and east of Broadway Shoppes, is being considered for a mixed-use with multi-family buildings, two mixed-use buildings, and proposed commercial uses. The initial phase will include the project’s backbone infrastructure, perimeter buffers, landscape, and streetscape. The County has approved Mixed-Use Planned Development for the development with specific design standards.

The Reserve at Coconut Point (formerly Edera)

This development (a four-story, 180-apartment community) on Williams Road and Via Coconut is complete. Miami-based 13th Floor Investments have developed the project. The various-sized apartments have an outdoor pool, fitness center, dog park, resident lounge & more.

Genova

What began as a private gated community of luxury condominiums inspired by the Italian Riviera, Genova is now getting ready to debut its final phase consisting of 40 brand new luxury villas and townhomes, 14 of which are single-family homes.

The Colonnade (on Corkscrew Road, opposite Genova)

The concept already seems to be popular. The Colonnade will be a multi-family development proposed East of Sandy Lane across from Genova. It will be the first Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Estero. There will be 92 independent living apartment homes, 64 assisted living homes, and 24 with memory care support. They will have resort-style amenities.

The balconies and covered lanais will mean residents will have open air and open space. Residents can still be independent and socially distanced if required.

Via Coconut (via Coconut on the west side of Genova)

This is a new 20-Acre development on the West Side of Via Coconut, south of Corkscrew Road.

The commercial development will likely involve an Animal Clinic, Banks & Financial institutions, a Bar, a Broadcast Studio (Commercial Radio & Television), and cinemas and theaters.

The developer has dedicated a Public Park on the overall site to the Village and will maintain it in perpetuity. They also plan pedestrian and road connections to the railroad right-of-way and Happy Hollow Lane.

Coconut Landing

The development is located off Coconut Road ¼ mile from the Coconut Point Hyatt Resort next to El Dorado Acres. Coconut Landing will have 25 single-family homes. Key features include open concept floor plans, customizable outdoor living with a private pool, and exclusive VIP membership to the Coconut Point Hyatt Resort.

West Bay Club

West Lake Court at the West Bay Club will have 26 Luxury Villa Single Family Homes (now under construction) with spectacular waterfront and golf views.

It will have a central core building designed to maximize the panoramic views from every residence. The residences will have wider terraces with summer kitchens, expansive walls of glass, and premium interior finishes. The building will be 23 stories over parking (approximately 270 feet) plus 20 feet for rooftop equipment. The building will have four units per floor, with two penthouse levels. The glass on the building will be non-reflective. West Bay Club is located at the end of Williams Road, west of US 41.

Individual Commercial Developments

Construction Begins on Lee Health University Highlands

Stevens Construction provides construction management services for Lee Health University Highlands, located at 19511 Highland Oaks Drive in Estero.

The New School Planned for Three Oaks near the Post Office

This proposed development is on hold.

The Development of the 62acre Land Parcel on the Estero River

The land south of the river is an area of natural beauty.

The natural area will offer a peaceful natural environment for everyone to enjoy.

Ultimately, the area north of the Estero river is still under discussion regarding the most suitable options.

The Lee Health Development on the Northwest corner of US 41 and Coconut Road

Lee Health has sold the land on this site. Lee Health has expressed the wish that the developer should incorporate much of their original design in the new plans. These included housing, a hotel, medical offices, health & wellness facilities, an entertainment venue, restaurants, and open areas for public gatherings.

FAQs

1. What is the projected population growth in Estero, Florida?

The population off East Corkscrew Road is expected to reach 35,000 within the next ten years. With the development of Kingston and Florida Farms Development (FFD), the population could exceed 57,000 in the next 10-15 years, nearly doubling the current population within the Estero Village boundary.

2. Where is Estero, Florida located?

Estero is a growing community in Southwest Florida, located in Lee County. It’s part of a region undergoing significant development, particularly along East Corkscrew Road.

3. What is the Environmental Enhancement & Preservation Communities Overlay (EEPCO)?

The EEPCO is a guideline that focuses on re-establishing wetlands, flow ways, hydrology, and wildlife corridors in Southeast Lee County. It allows for higher residential density in exchange for developer commitments to provide regional environmental benefits.

4. What are the plans for Kingston and Florida Farms Development (FFD)?

Kingston and FFD are planned to include 15,000 homes over the next 15 years, contributing to a significant population increase in the area. FFD specifically includes 5,208 residential units, 100,000 square feet of commercial space, and 240,000 square feet of amenity areas.

5. What new residential developments are underway on East Corkscrew Road?

Verdana Village and River Creek (formerly Corkscrew Crossing) are two major developments currently in progress. Verdana Village will feature 2,400 single-family homes and various amenities, while River Creek will consist of 544 homesites, with homes ranging from the $500s to $800s.

6. What amenities will be available at the new Estero Fire Rescue Station on East Corkscrew Road?

The new Estero Fire Station 45 will include a full-sized training room, a tower training facility, an EMS treatment room, a decontamination area, and five fire engine bays with the potential for future expansion.

7. What is the Estero Crossing development?

Estero Crossing is a mixed-use development featuring 306 apartments and 60,000 square feet of retail space. Located on Corkscrew Road, it will include pedestrian-friendly commercial spaces with a variety of businesses, including restaurants, shops, and wellness offices.

8. What is the status of The Reserve at Coconut Point?

The Reserve at Coconut Point (formerly Edera) is a completed four-story, 180-apartment community on Williams Road and Via Coconut. It offers amenities such as an outdoor pool, fitness center, dog park, and resident lounge.

9. What is the Colonnade development?

The Colonnade, located on Corkscrew Road opposite Genova, is Estero’s first Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). It will offer 92 independent living apartments, 64 assisted living homes, and 24 memory care units with resort-style amenities.

10. What is planned for the Via Coconut development?

Via Coconut is a new 20-acre commercial development located on the West Side of Via Coconut, south of Corkscrew Road. It will include an Animal Clinic, banks, financial institutions, bars, a broadcast studio, cinemas, and theaters, along with a public park dedicated to the Village.

11. What are the key features of the Coconut Landing development?

Coconut Landing is a residential development off Coconut Road near the Coconut Point Hyatt Resort. It will consist of 25 single-family homes with open-concept floor plans, customizable outdoor living spaces, and exclusive VIP membership to the Coconut Point Hyatt Resort.

12. What is the West Bay Club’s West Lake Court development?

West Lake Court at the West Bay Club will feature 26 luxury villa single-family homes with waterfront and golf views. The central core building is designed to maximize panoramic views, with features like expansive terraces and premium interior finishes.

13. What commercial developments are currently underway in Estero?

Several commercial developments are in progress, including the Lee Health University Highlands at 19511 Highland Oaks Drive and a potential new school planned for Three Oaks near the Post Office (currently on hold).

14. What is the future of the 62-acre land parcel on the Estero River?

The development of the 62-acre land parcel on the Estero River is under discussion. The area south of the river will remain a natural area, while the most suitable options for the area north of the river are still being considered.

15. What is the status of the Lee Health development at the Northwest corner of US 41 and Coconut Road?

Lee Health has sold the land at this site. The developer is expected to incorporate much of the original design, which included housing, a hotel, medical offices, health & wellness facilities, entertainment venues, restaurants, and public gathering areas.

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