Chamber holds ribbon-cuttings for two condos
The robust rebound of businesses in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian continued with two SanCap Chamber of Commerce condominium complex ribbon-cuttings on Sanibel: Loggerhead Cay on Feb. 5 and Sandpiper Beach on Feb. 6.
“As our traditional season comes into full swing, we are seeing more and more business members reopening their doors to welcome our seasonal guests,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “This week we were thrilled to welcome two more condo communities.”
The bulk of Loggerhead Cay’s 168 units have been restored after Ian required gutting all the first-floor units, the office and nine units on the second floor. Currently, 75 rental units are available with more opening up weekly. Roofs on all five buildings and the clubhouse have been replaced.
“The pool, shuffleboard courts, sitting area, grills and shell washing stations are all open,” board President Phil Pilibosian said. “Our tennis and pickleball courts are being completely replaced and upgraded to a five-layer cushion surface that is less stressful on the knees, plus designated pickle ball courts. They all will be ready for use in March.”
First opened in fall 1974, Loggerhead Cay celebrates its 50th anniversary this year as a family-oriented condo and vacation rental destination. Following Ian, owner occupancy began on Dec. 16, and rentals were available by Dec. 30.
“We support the community by sharing our lessons learned with other complexes like ours, which helped them avoid some of the pitfalls we experienced,” Pilibosian said. “The community, in turn, has participated in our ongoing fundraising bricks campaign to help pay for landscaping costs.”
An island fixture since 1978, Sandpiper Beach will officially open to owners and renters on March 2. Out of its 27 condominiums, 22 rent to guests with a seven-day rental minimum. The secluded beachfront community has private access to the beach.
“We have 13 acres of lush vegetation, both new and existing, that nestles up to Gulfside City Park,” Heidi Johnson, vice president of reconstruction for the Sandpiper Beach Condo Association board of directors, said. “The community offers a heated pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and shuffleboard. All areas will be available with the exception of direct access to the beach. Our boardwalk permit is hung up at DEP (Department of Environmental Protection). All criteria have been met; we are just waiting on approval. After permitting, the boardwalk will be completed in approximately 30 days.”
The condo complex suffered roof damage to two buildings and first-floor beach-storage closets, plus minor flooding to second-floor units. The board has built stronger with new hurricane- resistant roofing, doors and windows, plus fully replanted landscape, new signag, and gathering spots such as a new grilling station.
Loggerhead Cay is at 979 E. Gulf Drive, Sanibel.
Sandpiper Beach is at 1919 Olde Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel.