Fort Myers Approves $356K for Redevelopment Study of City of Palms Park

The Fort Myers City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve up to $356,000 for Card and Associates. The Indianapolis-based firm will examine what could replace the stadium if wrecking crews tear it down.

The site spans about 14 acres, and demolition is the current plan for the old spring training home of the Boston Red Sox, although no date has been set.

Card and Associates works on sports complexes, hotels, and retail outlets in cities with available land. The firm presented to the council last fall, showing what might work at the location.

Plans include a fieldhouse that could host basketball games and tournaments. A hotel and housing could sit nearby, and green space might also appear at the site.

The agreement states the municipality isn't required to follow any recommendations. The firm will draft plans over the next few months.

City leaders have said developing this property matters for revitalizing Midtown, which sits just south of downtown. The council held no discussion before voting on the deal.

The stadium has seen little use since the Red Sox departed for JetBlue Park more than a decade ago. Their exit left the city with a big chunk of real estate in a prime spot.