After a long and challenging planning journey, one of Sanibel’s most eagerly awaited rebuilding projects is finally moving forward. The City Council, in its July meeting, granted approval for the development permit of Bailey’s Center, which includes the historic Bailey’s General Store. This approval marks the culmination of years of meticulous planning and preparation, aimed at rebuilding responsibly and ensuring a resilient future for this beloved local landmark.
The Bailey family is committed to reconstructing Bailey’s Center with the community’s needs at the forefront, recognizing the significant role the store and its surrounding businesses play in the daily lives of residents and visitors alike.
The timing of this approval is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 125th anniversary of Bailey’s General Store in 2024. To fully appreciate the plans for its future, one must look back at the store’s rich history.
A Storied Past: Bailey’s Through the Years
Bailey’s General Store first opened its doors in 1899 on Matthews’ Wharf in San Carlos Bay. At the time, it was the sole provider of goods and a critical hub for shipping and receiving on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva, serving residents and visitors as they arrived by ferry.
Over the years, Bailey’s has undergone several transformations. The original building was destroyed by a hurricane in the early 20th century, leaving only a safe that washed ashore in San Carlos Bay. Frank P. Bailey, the store’s founder, rebuilt the business—then known as the Sanibel Packing Company—on land next to the wharf, demonstrating the resilience that has become a hallmark of the Bailey family’s operations.
The second version of Bailey’s was later relocated to the corner of Tarpon Bay Road and Periwinkle Way, further inland, to improve its storm resilience. This third iteration of the store now resides at the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum, where it stands as a testament to the island’s rich history.
For those interested in Sanibel’s history, the newly renovated exhibits at the Sanibel Historical Village, including the post-Hurricane Ian updates, are a must-visit. The Bailey family’s legacy of resilient rebuilding continues as they prepare for the next 125 years.
What’s Next: The Future of Bailey’s Center
Visitors to the future Bailey’s Center can expect some significant changes. Perhaps the most noticeable will be the elevated building structures. After Hurricane Ian’s devastating flooding, the Bailey family’s top priority is to ensure that they can continue serving the community, even in the face of future storms.
The main buildings will be raised, with only the historic service station remaining at ground level. The layout of the center will shift, with the main building moving to the southeastern corner to make room for enhanced parking and improved functionality for guests.
A new porte-cochère will protect shoppers from the elements, allowing them to load their groceries in the rain without getting soaked. Access to the businesses will be via elevator or stairs, and electric vehicle charging stations will be reintroduced to the center.
In addition to Bailey’s General Store, the center will feature tenant spaces for restaurants, retail shops, and other services tailored to the needs of the island community. Dane Johnson, a fourth-generation owner-operator, expressed his excitement about the project: “We’re thrilled to finally get started and be another step closer to serving our community and doing what we do best.”
Temporary Location: A Bit of Bailey’s at Rabbit Road Center
While the rebuild is underway, the Bailey family has decided to offer a selection of their beloved products at a temporary location, A Bit of Bailey’s, in the Rabbit Road Center. The Planning Commission granted the necessary conditional use permit in August, and renovations are underway to convert the space into a grocery store.
A Bit of Bailey’s is expected to open in late 2024 or early 2025, offering many of the same products currently available at The Island Store on Captiva, which is also operated by the Bailey family. Although space is limited, the temporary store will feature an expanded selection of fresh offerings, including guacamole, salsa, deli salads, and more. Customers can also look forward to the return of popular items like hot meals, small-scale catering, and the famous Bailey’s coffee bar.
The Community’s Support and Looking Ahead
The temporary closure of Bailey’s General Store has had a profound impact on the Sanibel community, underscoring the store’s importance. To honor this legacy, WGCU is producing a documentary that will highlight the island’s recovery through the lens of Bailey’s. The documentary will premiere on October 21 at Big Arts, and more information is available on their website.
As the Bailey family embarks on this ambitious rebuilding project, they extend their gratitude to the many consultants, engineers, and partners who have contributed to its success thus far. These include Benchmark General Contractors, GMA Architects & Planners, JR Evans Engineering, Delisi Land Use Planning & Water Policy, Coastal Vista Landscape Architects, and UNFI.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Will the new Bailey’s Center be elevated? Yes, the buildings will be elevated to prevent future flooding and to ensure a swift return to business after storms.
- Will the outparcel restaurant space be rebuilt? Yes, although the previous tenant will not return, the space will be rebuilt for future use.
- When will Bailey’s General Store reopen? The rebuild is expected to take approximately two years, with reopening anticipated as soon as construction is complete.
Note: Richard Johnson, one of Bailey’s owner-operators, also serves as the Mayor of Sanibel. It’s important to clarify that he abstained from participating in the development permit approval process to uphold the ethical standards of city governance.
Bailey’s General Store has been a cornerstone of the Sanibel community for over a century, and the plans for its future ensure that it will continue to be a cherished institution for generations to come.
