A Village Icon Returns: Captiva Island Inn Rebuild Andy Rosse Lane Welcomes Guests

Four years after Hurricane Ian caused catastrophic storm surge across Captiva’s historic village district, one of the island’s most recognizable hospitality staples is back. The Captiva Island Inn rebuild Andy Rosse Lane has reached its first major milestone, officially opening its initial five guest suites on September 18, 2026.

Owner Sandy Stilwell Youngquist has invested approximately $6 million to reconstruct the property at 11508 Andy Rosse Lane following the total loss of the original 10 ground-level cottages in September 2022. The reopening is timed to coincide with the annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, which features two adjacent Stilwell Youngquist-owned establishments—Keylime Bistro and RC Otter’s Island Eats—as signature festival venues.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we view the revival of Andy Rosse Lane as vital to Captiva’s real estate and tourism foundation. Rebuilding historic commercial centers with storm-resilient engineering preserves the relaxed, pedestrian-friendly island character that defines Captiva’s long-term property appeal.

“It’s been a long four years. It’s been something of bringing her inn back to life following the difficult decision to take down the preexisting wood-frame cottages. I have tears coming down my eyes. We’ve been through it all. And with the anniversary, it’s perfect timing to reopen.”

— Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, Owner of Captiva Island Inn

Design & Engineering: Modern Luxury Meets Cottage Charm

Replacing original 60- to 70-year-old wood-frame cottages within Captiva’s specialized zoning framework required creative architectural solutions. General contractor Stevens Construction built the new structures elevated 10 feet above ground level on concrete foundation pilings to satisfy current flood codes.

National architecture firm MHK Architecture, led by national director Mark McLean, designed two primary buildings—an L-shaped structure on the north and a U-shaped structure on the south—that maintain the visual aesthetic of separate historic cottages.

                 CAPTIVA ISLAND INN REBUILD SPECIFICATIONS
  
  [ TOTAL INVESTMENT ] ──► ~$6 Million private reconstruction investment
  [ ELEVATION HEIGHT ] ──► Built 10 feet above grade on pilings for flood surge defense
  [ NORTH BUILDING ]   ──► Jasmine Suites (5 elevated suites; L-shaped configuration)
  [ SOUTH BUILDING ]   ──► Hibiscus Suites (5 elevated suites; U-shaped configuration)
  [ INTERIOR UPGRADES] ──► Vaulted high ceilings, larger full kitchens & luxury baths
  [ EXTERIOR PALETTE ] ──► Historic pastels: pink, yellow, light purple, green & blue

“Due to the existing zoning, it was tough to replace what was there. We did it with one continuous building and changed the colors, just to give it that cottagey feel. We vaulted all the ceilings and worked on giving those small units a much bigger feel. If you’re across the street or coming up from the south end at the Green Flash, it doesn’t necessarily loom over you as one unit.”

— Mark McLean, National Director for MHK Architecture

Suites Breakdown, Pricing & Phased Openings

Rather than individual cottage names, the accommodations are organized into two boutique enclaves. Open green courtyards fronting each building are intentionally preserved to accommodate modernized below-ground infrastructure.

                    RECONSTRUCTION PHASE TIMELINE
  
  [ PHASE 1: COMPLETED ] ──► Jasmine Suites (5 north units open Sept. 18, 2026)
  [ PHASE 2: FINAL WORK] ──► Hibiscus Suites (5 south units complete late Nov. 2026)
  [ FULL CAPACITY ]      ──► 10 total luxury guest units fully operational for season

Andy Rosse Lane Village Momentum

Stilwell Youngquist remains a central figure in Captiva’s hospitality corridor. Her portfolio includes Andy Rosse Lane destinations such as Keylime Bistro, RC Otter’s Island Eats, Latte Da Coffee Shop & Ice Cream, Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar, and Cantina Captiva.

Reopening the inn ahead of high season restores crucial short-term room capacity to the Village, driving evening foot traffic to surrounding dining, art galleries, and the Gulf beaches at the end of the lane.

“Two of the five new rooms are already booked. Out of all the bad, something good has come out of it. And I’m really thrilled.”

— Sandy Stilwell Youngquist