Southwest Florida Homes and Lifestyles: SWFL Impressions - Downtown Fort Myers Art Walk

Known as the core of the River District, Downtown Fort Myers is where old Florida meets new. Once the area's shopping and business district, Downtown Fort Myers has undergone a myriad of changes. From it's early heydays as commercial center, the Downtown saw a downturn with the introduction of one-way streets and the Edison Mall during the 1970s. It went through a rather abysmal period during the 1980s and into the '90s. In the early 2000s, there was a rediscovery as the original commercial buildings were renovated and small businesses moved in to set up shop as part of the Downtown Redevelopment Project. With lots of trial and error and lots of startups and closures over the past 15 to 17 years, the Downtown is now a vibrant events venue, entertainment district and dining center. With its array of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, along with luxury high-rise condo communities to the east and west, the River District has become an alternative lifestyle opportunity with high walkability and tremendous curb appeal.