A familiar Sanibel Island property is undergoing a major transformation. The former Beachview Cottages site at 3325 W. Gulf Drive, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022, is being rebuilt into a more resilient, modern coastal resort: White Pelican Villas.
The project, spearheaded by Tony Lapi of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, represents a shift in design and function, with construction managed by Stevens Construction and architectural plans by Southview Studios LLC. The new resort is projected to be completed by February 2026, with a total investment of $14 million.
From Beachview to White Pelican
Originally purchased in 1979 by Rochester Realty Corp. for $1.4 million, the site operated as Beachview Cottages for decades, known for its Old Florida charm and proximity to the beach. Though the property weathered Hurricane Charley in 2004, it could not withstand the devastating storm surge and winds of Hurricane Ian, which scattered the cottages across the street and into neighboring structures.
Following the storm, Lapi made the decision not to replicate the previous 22 cottage-style units, but instead to build farther from the beach with a stronger, elevated design. The resort’s rebranding reflects this shift—there will be no cottages, but rather villas designed with long-term durability and sustainability in mind.
Building for the Future
Architect Joleen Darragh of Southview Studios faced challenges balancing flood elevation codes, height restrictions, and modern aesthetics. The solution involved elevating ceiling heights by using attic space, ultimately allowing for 9-foot ceilings throughout the buildings.
Instead of individual cottages, the design now consists of three interconnected buildings, arranged in an L-shape with shared walkways. This approach satisfies structural and permitting requirements while maintaining a visually appealing “Old Florida” architectural style.
To support the new structure, approximately 300 steel and concrete pilings, drilled between 14 and 24 feet deep, have been installed beneath the site. These pilings tie into the building foundation and are designed to prevent vertical or lateral movement in severe weather conditions—an improvement over pre-hurricane construction codes.
Environmentally Friendly Features
Sustainability has been a key focus of the project. White Pelican Villas will feature:
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Geothermal heating and cooling, including pool heating
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Turtle-friendly lighting to protect coastal wildlife
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Elevated living spaces, with floors positioned 20 feet above ground level
The resort will consist of 22 villas:
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10 units at 350 square feet
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11 units at 600 square feet
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One deluxe 2,100-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bath unit with a full kitchen
Progress and Outlook
According to Mark Stevens, president of Stevens Construction, building in coastal zones presents unique logistical challenges, including traffic congestion on the Sanibel Causeway and tight construction timelines due to permitting and environmental windows. Still, with foundation work complete, construction is expected to accelerate.
“We are out of the ground,” said Lapi. “We should move faster now.”
As Sanibel continues to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Ian, White Pelican Villas serves as an example of resilient, sustainable development that honors the island’s history while preparing for the future.
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