The Beach Bar welcomes visitors with its new resilient structure designed for sustainability and community spirit.
The Beach Bar on Fort Myers Beach has reopened with a brand-new structure following Hurricane Ian’s devastation. The rebuilt establishment features a durable design aimed at withstanding future storms, while incorporating sustainable materials and local aesthetics, including turtle-friendly glass and lighting. As it welcomes guests, the bar symbolizes hope and community resilience, providing a festive atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.
The Beach Bar, a cherished gathering spot on Fort Myers Beach, has officially reopened with a brand-new structure that promises resilience and durability following the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Located at 1668 I St., the rebuilt establishment welcomed visitors on July 4, complete with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.
Construction of the new Beach Bar commenced in October 2024, after taking significant steps in design and planning with Stevens Construction. The project team worked closely with the Fort Myers Beach municipality for approximately 12 months on project scheduling and permitting before breaking ground on construction.
The new building stands at an impressive height of 20 feet and covers a footprint of 6,133 square feet, structured over three stories. This design aims not only to enhance the aesthetics of the waterfront but also to withstand future hurricanes and storm surges.
The rebuild prioritizes resilience through the use of high-quality construction materials. Features like simulated stucco siding, composite soffits, and a standing seam metal roof enhance the building’s ability to endure harsh coastal weather. Additionally, the inclusion of marine-grade cabinetry on the first floor is designed to withstand intense exposure to sunlight and saltwater.
Exterior enhancements, such as yellow Bahama shutters, complement the bar’s branding while providing an aesthetic that resonates with the local culture. The first floor hosts the main bar area, designed for flexibility and open to the beachfront, allowing patrons to enjoy live music and coastal breezes. It includes a covered beachfront seating area, an open-air walk-up bar, retail space, and storage facilities.
Mindful of the local ecosystem, the new Beach Bar incorporates turtle-friendly glass and lighting to help safeguard hatching sea turtles during their nesting periods. This environmental consciousness showcases the bar’s commitment to preserving the natural beauty surrounding Fort Myers Beach.
The first-floor design accommodates a variety of needs, featuring this flexible layout with provisions for temporary cooler storage and relocatable restroom trailers, ensuring the bar can effectively respond in advance of approaching storms. The second and third floors contain a residential unit, boosting the establishment’s offerings for visitors looking for longer stays.
The successful completion of this project involved key contributions from Stevens Construction’s dedicated team, including a project manager, superintendent, and project administrator, guided by the expertise of Studio A.D. for the building’s design and Edge Interiors for the interior finishes.
The grand reopening symbolizes not just the return of a beloved beach bar but also a revitalization of community spirit. The Beach Bar aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere where patrons live by the motto: “Come in as friends, and dance out as family.” Replacing the temporary trailer that served on-site after Hurricane Ian, this new structure signifies hope and resilience for both the bar and the broader Fort Myers Beach community.
As patrons gather once again at The Beach Bar, the establishment stands as a beacon of resilience, ready to serve excellent food, drinks, and entertainment for years to come.
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