Accessibility Information

South Cape Development Opportunities

South Cape header

Every great community has a heart that makes a place genuine and defines the character of the community. For Cape Coral, that place is the South Cape. It is the historical beginning of Cape Coral, where small planes took off to show prospective buyers vacant land in the early sixties and where the first shops, restaurants, and City Hall were built.

Today, more than 60 restaurants, all-star chefs and cuisine, and 250,000+ annual visitors define the South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The South Cape hosts numerous events and festivals, including the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts, Bike Night, the Holiday Festival of Lights, the Farmers' Market, and numerous parades and trolley events.


COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) OF THE CITY OF CAPE CORAL

The City of Cape Coral established its’ Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in 1989 as part of an effort to jumpstart the revitalization of the South Cape. The CRA/South Cape roughly encompasses an area bounded by Del Prado Blvd. westward to Palm Tree Blvd.(about 1 mile long) and north-south from S.E. 46th Street southward to Miramar Blvd.


Goals of the CRA

  • Vibrant Downtown and Positive Image for the City
  • High-Density Residential Development
  • Site Specific Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
  • Redevelopment of Underutilized and/or Undeveloped Properties

Key Objectives of the CRA

  • Blight Removal. Utilize tax increment revenues combined with private investment dollars to encourage the redevelopment of underutilized, underdeveloped, undeveloped, and deteriorated properties. 
  • Attract Private Investment. As with all CRAs, the intent is to draw private investment locally and beyond to acquire and redevelop properties and deliver significant revenues to the local area resulting in increased revenues for the local CRA to support public infrastructure improvements.
  • Employment & Services. Job creation, retention, and expansion are key components of a CRA’s Program. The ability to attract major employers, especially those creating employment exceeding the areawide median income, is key. 
  • Housing. Encouraging a mix of market rate and affordable housing are key components of a CRA.
  • Livable and Vibrant Community. Ultimately, cities establish CRAs to improve their downtowns and business districts in order to improve their public image and attract private investment while creating a positive environment where locals can congregate and enjoy the community.

Breaking Barriers to Business (B2B) Program  

The B2B program is designed to remove barriers to business development and promote growth in the South Cape CRA.  Businesses and developers that have submitted applications for permits to build, expand, or renovate facilities located in the CRA can receive grant assistance to pay for costs incurred to meet the City’s Land Development Code requirements.

--> Click here for more information on program goals, eligibility criteria, how to apply, deadlines, and evaluation criteria.


Key Accomplishments in the CRA/South Cape

  • Streetscape Improvements along S.E. 47th Terrace. This project includes decorative sidewalks and landscaping from Del Prado Blvd. westward to Coronado Blvd. The total cost for the streetscape project was $15M and was funded evenly by the CRA and the City.
  • Underground Transmission Lines. Working with the City of Cape Coral, the CRA agreed to fund the underground installation of new high-voltage electric transmission lines through the downtown district. This funding will eliminate the need for above-ground lines.

south cape roundabout


SOUTH CAPE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Bimini East. This 17-20 acre site represents the largest available property within the CRA and approximately 90 percent of the land is owned by one property owner. The property owner is seeking to sell the land to a private developer(s) to redevelop into a town center. The City has increased the density in this area to support high density development (up to 125 units per acre or 160 feet in height).
South Cape Basin East



Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency
1015 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3737

South_Cape_Redevelopment_Map