A Fort Myers site hit by destruction and controversy in the mid-90s is finally getting a new lease. J.L. Wallace has been awarded a contract valued at approximately $1.25 million to build a structure leased by Eckerd pharmacy at the site of the old Coca-Cola bottling plant, located at 2403 Cleveland Ave.
"I am happy to see this site put to good use," says Jerry L. Wallace, president of J.L. Wallace. "It was in disrepair for quite a long time and served as a reminder of unhappy events. By rebuilding here, I feel like we're giving the site a new lease on life."
The plant, vacated by Coca-Cola in 1991, made headlines five years later when it was set on fire by the Lords of Chaos, an anarchist youth gang. The city declared the building a historic landmark shortly after the fire, but the City Council voted to destroy it due to disrepair May 15, 2000.
The 14,000-square-foot concrete masonry unit building will feature stucco finish, built-up and clay tile roof, and a drive-thru pharmacy. J.L. Wallace will break ground on the project in April, and it is expected to be complete by July. Jose Castillo will serve as project manager, and Richard Risner as project superintendent.
Print this page
Email to a Friend
Digg This Article
Subscribe to Gulfshore Business