NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — The iconic Shell Factory in North Fort Myers has officially changed hands, with plans to redevelop into storage, warehousing and light industry according to the real estate agency.
WATCH: Neighbors react to the sale of iconic Southwest Florida spot:
The property sold for $3.95 million, said Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida.
The Shell Factory first opened in 1938, and became a popular tourist attraction, animal park, flea market, and family fun center all in one place along U.S. 41.
It closed in September 2024, a decision owners previously attributed to the high cost of maintaining the aging property.
“I think losing something like that is just kind of sad for the community," Amber Incorvia told FOX 4 on Friday night.
Joe Nolan told FOX 4 he repeatedly visited the Shell Factory over the last decade. Nolan reminisced on the quirky roadside attraction, which included a Zoo, zip line, and plenty of 'Old Florida' charm.
“Beautiful Zoo back there," Nolan said. "Beautiful lake full of turtles, very serene and peaceful. You see artifacts from all over the world.”
Several neighbors told FOX 4 they were disappointed in the developer's plan for the property. Husam Momari is a co-owner of The Chill Spot convenience store across the street.
Momari said he hoped to see retail space or homes on the property. He pointed out there are already multiple storage facilities in the area.
“You’re very close to the center of the city," Momari said. "You can use more shops, more homes.”
"But it is what it is,” Momari said.
Commercial real estate brokers Gary Tasman, Lane Boy and Shawn Stoneburner represented Shell Factory LLC in the sale.
Tasman described the unidentified buyer as an owner-user, and told Fox 4 there are plans to redevelop the property into commercial mixed use space, including outdoor storage, warehousing and light industry, though nothing is official yet.
The owner is based on the east coast of Florida, Tasman said, and owns other property in North Fort Myers. The buyer appreciates the history of the land, Tasman said, and may re-purpose some of the buildings.
Hurricane damage and updated building codes made it financially impossible to reopen the Shell Factory, Tasman said.
“We all have that nostalgia side to us and we like to see things like that happen," Tasman said. "But at the end of the day, it’s the economics and the quality of life and the needs of the market that drive the sale.”
Following the Shell Factory’s closure, FOX 4 reported on displaced vendors who had to relocate their shops and booths to places like the Paradise Vintage Market and the North Fort Myers Elks Lodge to keep their small businesses afloat.
WHERE ARE THE CLOSED SHELL FACTORY VENDORS?:
