Fort Myers Beach’s new, resilient The Beach Bar opens

Construction on The Beach Bar has been completed and the popular Fort Myers Beach hangout destroyed during Hurricane Ian has reopened.

Stevens Construction finished work after nine months in time for a ribbon-cutting during the July 4 holiday. “The weather cooperated, and it was a successful, busy day at the re-designed bar,” co-owner Madeline Boyd says in an email.

The 6,133-square-foot bar at 1668 I St. has been more than just redesigned, though. It was rebuilt with resiliency in mind.

That includes the use of durable materials, simulated stucco siding and trim, composite soffits and a standing seam metal roof for greater longevity and storm resistance.

The Fort Myers construction company also used marine-grade cabinetry that is meant to handle harsh coastal elements including sunlight and saltwater exposure. And the building will have turtle-friendly glass and lighting to protect hatching sea turtles by controlling beachfront illumination.

In addition to the materials, Stevens says the first floor of The Beach Bar was designed to be flexible with temporary cooler storage and restroom trailers that can be moved in the event of a storm.

As for the top two floors, Boyd says they is one residential unit consisting of a four-bedroom, four-bath duplex. She says the company will begin advertising the rentals later this month.