THE INNOVATION WALK TIMELINE

The first public meeting for the master plan phase was held from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers. The event included a panel presentation and facilitated discussion, providing the public with an overview of the Innovation Walk vision and an opportunity to contribute ideas that will shape the project.

Two stakeholder sessions reviewed the design concept against the project’s guiding principles and gathered feedback from community representatives.

An internal working session convened CRA leadership, Perkins&Will, and Storyland Studios to advance the thematic framework that will organize content across the Walk’s five zones.

Perkins&Will presented a project status update to the Board, including the evolving concept plan direction and upcoming engagement milestones.

The updated Innovation Walk website at TheInnovationWalk.com went live, providing the public with current project information, the master plan vision, and access to the community ideas survey.

The project team hosted a public outreach event at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Education Open House Party, introducing the Innovation Walk vision to residents and visitors through display boards, handouts, and direct conversation.

Master Plan design sessions convene the CRA, CRA project manager, Perkins&Will, and Lee County EDO

RSQ Non-mandatory RSQ Pre-Submittal Meeting

Request for Statement of Qualifications (RSQ) for Innovation Walk Master Plan goes live

The “Blue Light” Innovation team held a pre-application meeting with City of Fort Myers Staff. This meeting provided guidance on project expectations and included representatives from various departments: planning, zoning, community development, building permits and inspections, engineering, utilities, fire and the CRA.

“Blue Light” demo at Edison Awards

Agreements are finalized with the creators of the chosen Phase I installations, paving the way for their development and implementation.

The first three groundbreaking Innovation Walk installations for Phase I are unveiled!

A dedicated jury convenes to evaluate the proposals submitted for the art installations.

The Edison Awards provides an update presentation on the Innovation Walk.

A cultivation event is held aboard a yacht, fostering creativity and sparking new ideas among key figures involved in the project.

The call for proposals (RFP) opens, inviting talented creators to submit their visions for the Innovation Walk’s permanent art installations.

The project is officially announced to the public at the 2024 Edison Awards.

The Innovation Walk website goes live, offering a platform for public information and engagement.

A proposal is submitted by the CRA and Edison Universe Solutions LLC to create a comprehensive launch event for the Innovation Walk, including multimedia production, photography, promotions, and the official website (theinnovationwalk.com).

The vision takes shape! The CRA refines the concept into the ambitious Innovation Walk project. The Board of Commissioners recognizes its significance and allocates $500,000 in funding, demonstrating their commitment to transformative urban development. Additionally, the Edison Awards and Lewis Latimer Fellowship provide an introduction and overview to the Board.

The Edison Awards presents the “Walk of Fame” proposal to the Fort Myers CRA.

The seed of Innovation Walk is planted! The Edison Awards introduces the concept of a “Walk of Fame” to Fort Myers community leaders.