In Fort Myers, Florida, a community of colorful beach cottages that were a cherished local landmark for decades has been reborn following its destruction by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The original structures, known as Paradise Point cottages, built in the 1960s, were completely demolished by the Category 5 storm. The owners at the time, Dennis and Lisa Greenspon, announced in October 2022 that they would not rebuild, stating the cottages were "no more."
However, nearly four years later, construction is underway to restore the beachfront community. The rebuilt cottages will be modernized and sold as luxury homes, with prices starting at $2.6 million. Marvin Construction is overseeing the rebuilding efforts, with work on the first cottage beginning in January and at least two more slated to start this year. These new homes are being designed to withstand extreme weather, elevated significantly above ground to mitigate potential flooding.
Richard Durling, President of Marvin Homes, explained that the original cottages, built to codes from the late 1950s and early 1960s, were constructed on wood piles and only slightly elevated. While they weathered many storms, Hurricane Ian proved too destructive. The neighborhood of Paradise Point, located on the north end of Fort Myers Beach, was hit hard, leaving the 12 cottages reduced to debris.
The Greenspons, who had successfully operated the cottages as rentals for over two decades, have opted to rebuild and sell the new properties rather than continue the rental business. "At this point in their lives, they’re thinking they just want to rebuild them and sell them," Durling told Business Observer. "And then whoever buys them can rent them."
The first reconstructed cottage, a bright pink structure exceeding 2,100 square feet, is nearing completion. Other planned residences will range in size, with one measuring 3,600 square feet and another at 2,053 square feet. The Paradise Point community consists of 12 lots arranged in three rows. The Greenspons own eight of these lots.
Marvin Homes has also built a new home on one of the lots for a different owner, with another under construction by a separate contractor. The remaining two lots are vacant.
The new cottages are being built 15 feet above ground on concrete pilings and reinforced to withstand winds of up to 160 miles per hour. They will also feature hurricane-impact windows, doors, and metal roofs. While modernized, the design aims to retain the bright colors and beach-home aesthetic reminiscent of the original community.
This reconstruction aligns with a broader redevelopment trend on Fort Myers Beach following Hurricane Ian, as traditional communities are being transformed into more modern, upscale neighborhoods. The Fort Myers Beach Town Council is also considering proposals for other redevelopment projects, such as the reconstruction of the Silver Sands Resort into a six-story boutique hotel.