The hotel, which is owned by Shell Point, has been in operation since 2001. Its last official day of operation as a hotel will be Monday, September 12, and a major renovation will begin immediately to convert the building into the non-profit community’s third assisted living facility.
“The reason for the conversion from hotel to healthcare facility is primarily an economic one,” said Peter Dys, president of Shell Point. “When we launched the hotel in 2001, the economy was booming and so was tourism in Southwest Florida. However, shortly after we opened the hotel, this area was hit by a major hurricane, followed by a real estate bust and economic downturn, and finally the impact of the BP oil spill. These factors hurt the local economy and definitely had a negative effect on tourism in this area.
“In the meantime, the senior population of Lee County will continue to grow as baby boomers retire to Southwest Florida, creating a greater need for additional healthcare services,” he added. “It just made sense to take this building and utilize it for a better purpose to support our organization’s ministry and mission to provide comprehensive residential and healthcare services to senior adults.” Bob Southern, director of project development for Shell Point, will be overseeing the renovation of the facility. According to Southern, the anticipated cost of the facility’s conversion is estimated at $2 million. When complete, the new ALF will offer 105 units. The estimated opening is February of 2012.
The Springs will be the third ALF at Shell Point. The community opened the King’s Crown on The Island at Shell Point in 1987 and added The Arbor in The Woodlands at Shell Point in 2005.
“We are excited about the addition of this third facility,” said Rita Southern, director of assisted living and resident support services for the community. “Both the King’s Crown and The Arbor remain almost fully occupied and with the increased population of baby boomers coming into this area, there is a growing need for additional assisted living in Southwest Florida.
“Since opening, the King’s Crown and The Arbor have been able to accommodate the residents of our community as well as offer a limited number of residences to the public. The Springs will be a new concept for our community in that it will primarily serve individuals from the public who were not previously residents of Shell Point.
“This is a positive addition to our healthcare continuum in that we will be able to meet the needs of a significantly increased number of senior adults throughout the Southwest Florida region and it is well-timed in anticipation of this area’s growing senior population,” said Southern.
The location of The Springs at the entrance to Shell Point is less than two miles from the Sanibel Island causeway. This excellent location, as well as access to Shell Point’s comprehensive resident activities and healthcare services, are just two of the many benefits that future residents of the facility will enjoy. The facility will also provide a heated swimming pool, exercise facilities, transportation, dining, 24-hour healthcare staffing, and a professional activities leader who will coordinate high-quality events and activities, educational and entertainment programs, and opportunities for socialization and personal growth.
Non-binding Priority Reservations are now being taken during the construction phase of the facility’s renovation to allow individuals to reserve a unit and plan ahead for their move into The Springs. Case managers and a moving coordinator will be available to assist individuals or families through the steps involved in making the transition as smooth and simple as possible. For information about The Springs at Shell Point or to request a brochure, call (239) 454-9292, toll free 800-456-4000, or email thesprings@shellpoint.org <mailto:thesprings@shellpoint.org> . </mailto:thesprings@shellpoint.org>
Shell Point Retirement Community is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers just off Summerlin Road, two miles before the Sanibel causeway. Shell Point has received national accreditation from CARF-CCAC, and is a nationally recognized leader in the retirement industry. The community offers retirement living in a resort-style environment with an 18-hole championship golf course which is open to the public, as well as recreational/fitness facilities and deep water boating access for its residents. To learn more about Shell Point, visit us at www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.
