With longtime guests, former employees and several community leaders in attendance the Cottages of Paradise Point officially broke ground on its Gulf-front redevelopment on Estero Boulevard this week. The property is located near the Best Western Resort.
The event was hosted by the builder Marvin Homes and the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. Marvin Homes President Richard Durling: “This is a pivotal step in the rebuilding of Fort Myers Beach. Paradise Point represents the spirit of this island—resilient, welcoming, and deeply connected to the people who love it. Today is about honoring that spirit while building forward.”
Owners Dennis and Lisa Greenspon purchased their first cottage in 2001, growing the property to eight cottages. They lost them all to Hurricane Ian in 2022. Dennis said: “What made Paradise Point special was never just the cottages. It was the feeling of family. Guests returned year after year, friendships were formed, and today many of those guests are standing here with us. Former employees—including our longtime property manager and maintenance man—are here too. That says everything about what this place meant.”
Greenspon thanked supporters who’ve stood by the project since the storm. “Fort Myers Beach is coming back—and we will be back. Seeing everyone here today reminds us why rebuilding matters.”
The redevelopment will transform the historic site at 452 Estero Boulevard into a Gulf-front neighborhood. The first cottage breaking ground is a 2,143-square-foot residence, with two additional cottages planned for 2026, including a 3,607-square-foot Gulf-front home with a pool beneath the residence and a 2,053-square-foot Gulf-side cottage just steps from beach access. Individual homesites are also available for purchase.
All cottages will meet or exceed current FEMA flood requirements, be engineered for 160-mph winds, and feature impact-resistant windows and doors—blending modern coastal resilience with the charm and spirit of the original Paradise Point.
For information about available homes or homesites, contact Richard Durling at (239) 433-1112.
