Bailey’s General Store Reveals Vision for a New Sanibel Island
Bailey’s General Store shares renderings for the Sanibel Island rebuild, marking a hopeful turning point almost two years after Hurricane Ian brought devastation. Richard Johnson, the current operator, was ready with plans and permits when calamity struck, but those were soon abandoned, swept away with the remnants of the store he cherishes.
This iconic store at the intersection of Periwinkle Way and Tarpon Bay Road, recognized as the oldest retail establishment in Southwest Florida since its inception in 1899, holds a unique place in the community’s heart. Its persistent spirit feels almost palpable, even from the ashes.
“Upon witnessing the destruction, it became clear that rebuilding the store was not feasible,” Johnson reflects. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 50% rule complicated matters, yet the decision to rebuild resonated deeper than compliance—it was a matter of revitalizing the lifeblood of the community.
The new design will expand the store from 29,000 square feet to a generous 35,000 square feet. It will also incorporate two additional outparcels designated for local businesses, each covering approximately 6,000 square feet, fostering growth within the local economy.
In a thoughtful move, the ground floor will offer open space and parking, while the grocery store will rise to 10 feet above ground, creating an effective buffer against storm surges, which reached 5 feet during Ian. The vision of soaring structures reaching 45 feet aligns with Sanibel’s building codes, reflecting a commitment to restructuring with resilience strongly in mind.
“To be more resilient,” Johnson asserts, “we need to rise above the challenges that lay behind.” His words evoke a sense of hope grounded in hard-won experience. Having been part of the Bailey family, the grocery store’s legacy runs through his veins—a legacy that leaves an indelible mark on Sanibel.
Before Hurricane Ian, about 105 dedicated individuals constituted the Bailey’s staff. Presently, only a fraction remains, underlining the ongoing impacts felt throughout the community. Johnson holds tightly to the promise of returning to that former number, or perhaps more, as he faces uncertain times with a blend of pragmatism and optimism.
Another storm, Hurricane Charley, had previously thrown the business into turmoil back in 2004. Johnson’s proactive discussions then with the previous owner, Francis Bailey, regarding succession highlight the importance of planning amidst unpredictability, a lesson that will resonate long after the last brick is laid in the new store.
Johnson’s background in information technology and disaster recovery offers him a unique perspective on resilience building. Each strategy falls into place, from fortifying power connections to implementing energy backups. His understanding shapes a comprehensive approach to ensuring Bailey’s remains a cherished resource for years to come.
Bailey’s will also reinstate its rooftop solar panels, a nod to sustainability. Designing solar-powered batteries to complement emergency generators speaks volumes about the store’s commitment to the environment and the community’s resilience against future storms.
Bailie Johnson, Richard’s daughter and pivotal office manager for the store, expresses excitement about the ongoing developments. She reflects, “It’s a brand new beginning,” capturing the essence of their mission to rebuild stronger and wiser.
Bailie embodies a pragmatic hopefulness, stating, “Witnessing the aftermath of Ian was sorrowful, yet I am grateful for a fresh start.” This sentiment resonates not only with the Johnson family but also with the broader Sanibel community. The eagerness for construction to commence in 2025 and the dream of completion by the end of 2026 brings warmth to many hearts.
Collaborative partnerships are key to this venture. Benchmark General Contractors will oversee the construction, while GMA Architects & Planners spearhead the design. UNFI, United National Foods Inc., meticulously works on the interior elements, ensuring it reflects the community’s character. Sanibel-based Coastal Vista Design will attend to the landscape, nurturing the island’s natural beauty even as new structures emerge.
