The revitalization of downtown Bonita Springs is moving forward, with full support by the City Council. Downtown redevelopment plans are getting a major push by the city that will completely change Bonita’s historic downtown, increasing economic development in the area. Bonita Springs is getting The Longitude, a mixed-use residential/commercial condominium planned at the corner of Hampton Street and Old 41.
The Longitude, a mixed-use development project, will feature 1 and 2 bedroom condos priced at $269,000-$516,000 as well as retail businesses. The Daily Bean coffee shop, an interior design firm and an athletic training business have signed on as tenants. The Longitude will evoke a beach resort lifestyle with a tropical resort swimming pool, a heated spa, and spacious outdoor lounge area surrounded by lush landscaping. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for later this month, and construction should begin shortly thereafter. As word of this planned project has spread, and the city’s desire to ignite a revitalization downtown, there has been a lot of interest in the corridor.
This has provided an economic shot in the arm to the city, which will also add a walkable “Main Street” downtown with wide sidewalks, bicycle lanes and roundabouts. The goal is to attract more people and businesses along a mile stretch of Old 41 Road between Terry and Tennessee Streets. The project will cost $14-$16 million. Work may begin as early as July. Key design elements include medians; parallel parking along sidewalks; and two roundabouts. To improve safety and walkability, engineers and consultants recommend building roundabouts at the intersections of Terry Street and Old 41, and Pennsylvania Avenue and Old 41. Roundabouts are designed to manage traffic flow at the intersections efficiently among motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. They are less expensive to maintain than a traditional stoplight intersection. The vote this month by the City Council is the most recent move for the downtown revitalization project. The Council has worked with the city’s economic staff and public works department, meeting local residents and analyzing the impact on traffic. Here is a resource to explore Downtown Bonita Springs real estate options.