Renderings Courtesy of DPZ CoDesigns
The city of Bonita Springs is curently reviewing design plans from DPZ CoDesigns for the Banyan Tree Square property in Downtown Bonita Springs along Old 41.
History
The historic tree, situated on Old 41 Road between Childers and Reynolds Streets, is the second oldest banyan tree in Southwest Florida, falling behind the tree at the Edison Ford Winter Estates.
The Bonita Springs banyan tree was planted in 1921 by Cordell Smith, a well-liked settler in the town of Survey (now officially the City of Bonita Springs). At the time, the tree was just beginning to grow at the corner of Bonita Beach Road and Tamiami Trail. Cordell uprooted the tree and carried it on his back for 2.5 miles to its current home in Downtown Bonita Springs.
In the 1950s, a building called the Pavilion was built next to the banyan tree which held numerous social events. Once the Pavilion gained popularity, “meet me at the banyan tree” became a widely-used phrase around town.
The Pavilion was eventually torn down and replaced with a more permanent structure, which was also torn down.
Bonita Springs Banyan Tree Square Redevelopment Plans
More recently, while walking through Downtown Bonita one night, the president of the Bonita Springs Historical Society, Derek Botana, noticed how dark the banyan tree square was. So, Botana hatched a plan to brighten it up. After presenting preliminary ideas to City Council, they voted 4-3 in favor of allowing Botana to pursue a design idea for the space.
In addition to Botana’s design, the city hired Miami-based firm, DPZ CoDesign, to create three more designs utilizing the square as a public park. The firm has drafted three different design options for the historic site.
Banyan Tree Square Design #1
The first design involves replacing the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) substation with a playground and spray-ground for kids, and adding more green space. There would be a plaza in the middle of the square with a floor mural, and the memorial on the northwest corner of the property would remain intact and in the same place.
Banyan Tree Square Design #2
The second design adds a playground and spray-grounds but retains the LCSO substation as a community space and adds 20 more parking spaces across from the library.
Banyan Tree Square Design #3
The third option would have the biggest price tag. This design removes the LCSO substation and adds twin community halls and a courtyard complex for events, with a spray ground in the middle. There would also be a botanical/butterfly garden that could host educational activities.
The Future of the Banyan Tree Square Property
The city has yet to select a design for this property. However, one thing that they are sure of is that Downtown Bonita Springs needs more parking! The city decided to kickstart this project by adding the 20 parking spaces suggested in design #2.
This project is getting closer and closer to breaking ground on a beautiful new community park for our Downtown! To stay up to date on this project and others across SWFL, subscribe to our newsletter!
Which design is your favorite? Comment Below!
I’d like any option that includes some consideration for the disabled or mobility challenged in our community – a quality trait missing in Bonita Springs.
Option 3
All the designs look nice but option 3 is my favorite because it will bring more variety of people to the area to view the historic tree. One thing is for sure though, there better be SERIOUS TREE PROTECTION at least below the dripline around that tree during construction! It’s only natural to want to stage your equipment and materials under such a massive shade tree… be smart Bonita and take care of that treasure!
Completely agree about protecting that amazing tree! I feel like it’s in a quiet spot now where it’s thriving with not a lot of attention on it, but I do love the butterfly garden option too.
Option #1 is my favorite. I prefer the layout & size of the floor mural and splash pad.
Option 1 or 2 leaves more greenspace which we are losing at lightspeed.
Is there an option where they keep the “cop shop”?
Option #2 keeps retains the building but plans to turn it into a community building!
Marc, Option 2 keeps the ‘cop shop’ (AKA Sheriff’s substation).
I love the idea xo of a splash pad and floor mural! Option 1 gets my vote.
Layout #2 is best as it has parking and the cop shop is still there, we need that downtown
Keep in mind having green space .
I like 1 or 2.
Options 1 or 2 seem to have more green space. So glad for added downtown parking.
Option 1 kids need space to play!
I like 2
I like Option 1, because of the amount of green space.
Shouldn’t the design have a more traditional Floridian style to accent the beauthy and age of this magnificent tree? More of an old world style and elegance in design to test the age of time! Cindy H
Design 2 makes the most sense and saves the most cents. You get parking much needed, a building remains which could still house an office for community policing adding walking, bicycling, etc. to keep the area safe. The rest of the building could be used for what is most needed. Is a youth center needed? It’s very important to consider a half court outside since teens are always overlooked- it’s always water and playgrounds.
Option 3 brings more people to the area and is the most diverse plan.