There is an old-world feeling with a new-world energy that permeates the River District. Whether taking a stroll to the many restaurants, art galleries and nightlife or enjoying coastal activities such as boating, fishing or beaching, Fort Myers is a lifestyle destination.
The city also boasts modern metropolitan conveniences: a thriving international airport, sophisticated shopping, dining and a continuous cultural menu of theatre, festivals, exhibits, fairs and music from jazz to classical and bluegrass to blues.
Back in 2002 the Downtown Redevelopment Agency hired urban planner Andres Duany to revitalize the downtown area in order to attract people to live, work and be entertained. Duany, is the same urban planner responsible for the revitalization of other downtown areas such as Naples, West Palm Beach and South Beach. The focus of the redevelopment plan was residential development and as a result, many new high rise luxury buildings now dot the Caloosahatchee river banks in downtown Fort Myers.