Empty Gateway building sees new future? Plans to demolish it, build apartments are finally taking shape in Gateway, Florida, a locale that has long awaited change. The office building, once a hub of activity, now stands as a memory of more prosperous times, an empty shell echoing stories of ambition and bustle.
Jack, a resident of the area for six years, strolls past the vacant structure on his daily walks. He’s seen many seasons come and go, yet this building, with its sun-bleached exterior, always captured his attention. Recently, he stumbled upon news of an upcoming apartment complex destined to replace the dilapidated building, and a sense of hope ignited within him.
“I’m thrilled to see construction begin,” he shares, as if voicing the collective aspirations of his neighbors. “My rent keeps climbing, and if these new apartments are nice, and cost less than the Royal Greens, I’d be the first in line.” His contemplation reflects not just a desire for affordable housing, but a deeper need for community.
The Garrett Companies, the visionaries behind this transformation, showcased renderings that offer a glimpse of a bright, bustling future. These images show vibrant living spaces surrounding a pool and clubhouse, a stark contrast to the current emptiness.
Watch Gateway Community Correspondent Ella Rhoades report below:
Empty Gateway building sees new future? Plans to demolish it, build apartments.
Rob Martinson, president of the Garrett Companies, conveyed to Ella Rhoades the urgency they perceive in Gateway for additional housing. With several successful projects unfolding in The Forum, they believe this area is missing a critical link in its housing chain. “We are excited to bring housing here,” Martinson affirms, echoing the voices of countless families who yearn for a place to call home.
In total, there will be 256 units spread across five elegant buildings, complete with amenities that include a pool and clubhouse, all nestled within a spacious ten-plus-acre site. Rent will range from $1,700 to $2,500, depending on the chosen layout of one-, two-, or three-bedroom units.
Located just north of Gateway Charter High School and Daniels Parkway, this new development has the potential to significantly reshape the local dynamic. However, the implications for traffic congestion on Daniels Parkway stir concerns among some residents. Martinson believes that the addition of 256 new units won’t heavily burden the existing roadways, deeming it “insignificant in the grand scheme of things.”
Yet, Carolyn Welker, a nearby resident, finds herself shaking her head at that perspective. “During rush hour, Daniels is a parking lot the moment you get on it. Adding that many new residents? It’s going to be a nightmare,” she reflects, her voice tinged with frustration and anxiety over potential declines in property values.
The Garrett Companies plan to demolish the existing structure come January, ushering in a new phase for a community that has long craved revitalization. A fact worth noting is that Gateway itself was part of the greater Lee County area, which historically saw rapid growth due to its scenic beauty and proximity to Fort Myers. As these plans unfold, the local landscape will certainly evolve, bringing with it both hope and uncertainty.
