Public parking now open at The Cove at 47th
The first parking structure in Cape Coral cut the ribbon Friday morning and the public can now use the facility which is part of The Cove at 47th.
The South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency partnered with The Cove at 47th to complete this two-story parking garage with 125 parking spaces dedicated for public use.
City council members, who also act as the CRA governing board, touted the garage as being able to support local businesses, improve visitor convenience, accommodate the community’s growing needs, and make it easier for residents and visitors to access local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter said he recalled standing in the area of The Cove at 47th back in 2017 before the StreetScape project, and said development in the area is credited to various city council members who had a vision.
“Today is a great day,” Gunter said. “We’ve never had a parking structure in the downtown area. As we all known, downtown and in the CRA area, public parking is something that we needed immensely.
“This ensures residents and visitors can enjoy all that we have to offer. I remember over the years coming down here, especially during special events, driving around (and you) can’t find a parking spot, and you leave. The more parking spaces we have available, I think the more this area will be utilized.”
Gunter said the garage marks another step forward in the investment in Cape Coral’s future, and the future of the CRA, ramping up for continued growth in the area.
The parking garage, while also serves The Cove at 47th residents, will allow for one free hour for members of the public. The second hour costs $2 to park, with each subsequent hour being $1 (max of $20). Parking for special events will be $15.
District 1 Councilmember, Bill Steinke, who is also the chair of the CRA and whose district includes the South Cape, called the garage a “shining example” of when the CRA, the city, and private enterprise comes together to meet the needs of residents and visitors of Cape Coral.
Steinke also mentioned the transformation of the historic downtown area, namely the parcel between Southeast 47th Terrace and Cape Coral Parkway where The Cove at 47th is located.
“You’d see some dilapidated buildings out on Cape Coral Parkway and nothing but a vacant field here that was in relative disrepair, and here we are three years later with a gorgeous structure that’s going to bring more businesses and more vibrance to this CRA area,” Steinke said. “The additional parking that’s here serves us in so many different ways.”
Steinke noted that more development is on the way, which will include more parking, such as the Bimini Basin project and Bimini East.
“Proud moment for me, the city, the CRA, and hopefully, a proud moment for all the citizens of Cape Coral,” he said.
Flaherty & Collins Properties, which developed The Cove at 47th, had representatives at the ribbon cutting including Property Manager Cameron Pennington, and Regional Property Manager Melissa Barrett.
“I think it’s super important for the city, and I think it’s a good stepping stone not only for us here at The Cove at 47th, but also the city as well,” Pennington said. “I think it’s going to be very beneficial for the public as well.”
Barrett said Flaherty & Collins Properties is excited to be a part of downtown Cape Coral, especially in this time or growth.
“This is the first project we’ve built in Florida, to be a part of Cape Coral, it was one of those areas where we fit with the city,” Barrett said. “Knowing we were going to help bring more people to downtown Cape Coral, we’re just blessed.”
The CRA, city, and developers all agreed, especially with the retail aspect of The Cove at 47th, that having parking for the public in the parking structure would be beneficial to all parties involved.
“It also helps all the other businesses around here,” Barrett said.
The Cove at 47th is still leasing units. More information can be found by visiting coveat47th.com.
The Cove at 47th at parking garage is located at 870 Southeast 47th Terrace.