Marina Rebuild Timeline
Link to PDF version here, copied below.
PLCA Marina Rebuild History/Timeline Prepared by Ellen Dennis February 26, 2026 Presented at April 23,2026 PLCA Board Meeting
September 2022 –March 2023
September 28, 2022 – Hurricane Ian strikes
October 6, 2022 - March 16, 2023 – PLCA Board holds 20 meetings
March 23, 2023 – new Board seated
April 2023
Q. Grady Minor (QGM) meets with City of Bonita Springs (COBS) on marina zoning requirements
Board considers concept of good, better, best options for the marina rebuild
June 2023
Board discusses three potential marina rebuild options:
Option 1: Base option to replace existing facilities
Option 2: Add a 1000 sf covered observation deck
Option 3: Add a third floor for activities
Four architects interviewed with goal of developing site plan to take to COBS
Architects recommend getting a civil engineer on board first
July – October 2023
July – Board approves contract with Stantec to analyze marina property
August 1, 2023 - Board votes to terminate FirstService Residential contract. Staff begins work to return to self managed community
October 1, 2023 – PLCA again self-managed
October 20, 2023 – Beach re-opens (387 days after Ian)
November 2023
Stantec issues Boathouse Embarkation Feasibility study, using QGM work and contemplating 1,500 sf building with a finished floor elevation at approximately 16.33’ NAVD
January – March 2024
February 1, 2024 – Grace Lennon submits resignation; search for new GM begins
February - ORCO retained as owner’s representative for dock repairs, utilities and temporary fire connection
March 7, 2024 – Jim Hoppensteadt starts as COO/GM March – ORCO & PLCA staff meet with Bonita Springs Utilities on water / sewer calculations for new marina building
March 21, 2024 – new Board seated
April 2024
April – Ellen Dennis and Robert Haynes appointed marina rebuild liaisons to work with staff. Meeting with ORCO and architect Parker / Mudgett / Smith (PMS) to discuss objectives / options / obstacles.
Next steps will involve land use attorney, surveyor, and meeting with COBS. Architect needs parameters before starting work
May -June 2024
May – ORCO engaged for multiple projects, including marina building rebuild. Land use counsel and surveyor retained. Marina building and parking garage on wing lots concept introduced. Small facility still required near water which would be mobile.
June - ORCO provides cost estimates for various options; parking garage options are expensive
July - December 2024
July – Marina site survey completed. Options explored for mobile-only solution
August – Preliminary cost for connector driveway over $1mm. Further investigation on mobile solution / site utilization.
November – Pre-application meeting with COBS on mobile site plan. COBS and regulatory agencies take very restrictive view of site. Rebuild limited to square footage of old building. Driveway improvements and with water/sewer will be required. Mobile solution becomes increasingly attractive.
January – March 2025
February – Site plans and utility estimates for mobile option with quick disconnect trailers completed
March – Preapplication meeting with COBS on mobile concepts. COBS hard no to a permanent mobile solution. Back to rebuilding +/- 619 sf building with a finished floor elevation at approximately 16.33’ NAVD.
March 27, 2025 – New board seated
April - December 2025
April – With all parameters determined, architect PMS agrees to re-engage with objective of working with ORCO and PLCA to see what COBS could support.
May – Motion to approve proposal from PMS for conceptual design presented and withdrawn due to lack of support September – Motion to approve a proposal from PMS for conceptual design approved
January 2026
PMS provides preliminary floor plan and site location for a +/- 619 sf building with a finished floor elevation at approximately 16.33’ NAVD
Conversation between COO/GM and COBS development director on other matters leads to conversation about mobile option. Development director indicates he will listen to ideas