Cape Coral’s first shopping center up for sale
Big John’s Plaza, which served a new community’s ‘pioneer families,’ a city landmark
The very first shopping plaza in Cape Coral’s history is up for sale.
Big John’s Plaza, which provided early Cape residents with their very own grocery store in the then-fledgling town has hit the market, being sold by owner Elmer Tabor.
An iconic location in the city’s history, Big John’s Plaza welcomed residents in 1960 and has been a hub for business ever since, now home to 20 different tenants.
Tabor, a member of one of the city’s pioneer families, said it was simply time to sell the property that’s been in his family since he bought it 36 years ago.
Now 74, Tabor said he wants to “really retire” after wanting to put the plaza on the market four years ago before Hurricane Ian had other plans.
“It had so much damage and I had to rebuild,” he said. “Last year, I enjoyed the first year of my retirement, so when I came back this winter, I thought, ‘OK, now it the time.'”
According to the Century 21 listing and agent Jack Martin, the 2.02-acre plot has an asking price of $12,495,000.
This long-established shopping center has witnessed the city’s transformation and has evolved alongside it, maintaining its relevance and appeal.
In 2019, Big John’s Plaza underwent a complete renovation, being called a “comprehensive overhaul aimed at modernizing the plaza while preserving its unique character.”
The renovation included structural improvements, aesthetic upgrades, and functional enhancements. The most significant upgrade was perhaps the new roof installed in 2023. This state-of-the-art roofing system not only improved the plaza’s appearance but also enhanced its durability and energy efficiency.
“It’s got its own legacy,” Tabor said. “It’s been basically the center of town and the center of interest since it was built in 1960. You know, Big John’s the shopping center and the owners of it has continued to support the Cape and the(Cape Coral Art Festival) continued to grow out of it and the Holiday Festival of Lights, and the tree lighting ceremony.
“So it really has been kind of an icon for Cape Coral all of its years and still will be.”
Tabor and other Cape Coral pioneers are hoping the new owners, whomever they may be, keep the integrity of the plaza and don’t start from scratch.
“I think that’s what we all want, quite frankly,” Tabor said. “And as I have talked to buyers and offers that I’ve gotten on the shopping center, and you never can handpick somebody that’s going to be buying your shopping center, but you’re hoping that there will be one that continues the legacy on. My heart wants me to say, ‘Let’s try and find that Mr. Special buyer,’ but we really don’t know at the end of the day.”
Cape pioneer, real estate agent, and former Cape Coral City Council member Gloria Tate remembers her sister Donna being the first baby born in Cape Coral, pictured sitting at a store called Sun and Surf that was in the plaza.
“It’s where you shopped,” Tate recalled. “There was a grocery store so that we didn’t have to go to North Fort Myers by way of Del Prado (Boulevard) and a dirt road on Pine Island (Road). We finally had our own grocery store. So it was very exciting for the family. It really was the nucleus of our city, and it’s still part of our history today.
“I’m hoping that the next owner does not tear it down and does not redo it and keeps the integrity of the shopping center and the history of that shopping center alive.”
Tabor and Martin have confirmed there has been a large amount of interest in the plaza.
“There’s been a huge amount of interest,” Tabor said. “There really has been. You know, it’s not a case that it needs to be bulldozed and (have) a new facility built there, but all those are possibilities down the road.
“It’s a super well-maintained the shopping center. Even though it’s a 1960 shopping center, it sure as heck doesn’t look it. Physically, it’s a fantastic shape, especially after the hurricane. It’s not a detriment or derelict by any means.”
Tabor said there are various tenants who have been occupying space at the plaza for decades, including some that have been there 40 years.
“I call my tenants my family, because we all get along great. It’s a great atmosphere,” Tabor said. “We’re hoping everything continues on the way it is. It’s not going to be the Tabor family that’s owning and operating up, but that doesn’t mean it can’t continue doing what it’s done for the community and over the years.”
As for the large Big John statue that has stood tall in the plaza nearly forever, Tabor made it clear that statue, which is currently being renovated, belongs to him.
“He’s going to go and stand tall in the city parking lot as long as the city’s going to allow it,” Tabor said. “If some day, they don’t allow it anymore, we’re going to find a home for Big John. It’s part of Cape Coral’s history.”
The statue is currently at Brand 1 Ink being re-structured, upgraded, and refurbished, with special plans in the works for its return.