Island entities considering idea of Rauschenberg land purchase
With the Rauschenberg property on Captiva available for sale as of a few weeks ago, island entities have been discussing its possible acquisition, with some taking the first step to research the feasibility.
On Aug. 27, the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation announced its intent to sell the land.
“Following a multi-year study and after careful consideration, the foundation’s Board of Directors has reached the decision to sell its property in Captiva, home to the Rauschenberg Residency,” it said.
“In recent years, the foundation has dedicated significant resources to address increasingly challenging environmental conditions, including recurring storm damage, broader climate risks and rising maintenance costs,” the foundation continued. “A sustainability assessment confirmed that safeguarding the property would require substantial additional investment and site modifications, without ensuring the property’s long-term resilience or reducing the likelihood of future costs.”
It reported that as stewards of Rauschenberg’s legacy, the foundation has a responsibility to allocate its resources in ways that sustain a wide range of mission-driven programs, both now and in the future.
“We recognize it may be difficult to reconcile this responsibility with the deep significance Captiva holds for so many, including the local community,” the foundation said. “At the same time, redirecting funds currently allocated to Captiva’s upkeep, together with proceeds from its sale, will allow us to invest more intentionally in programs that support artists and institutions in communities where they live and work.”
As part of the transition, the board will conclude the island Rauschenberg Residency in August.
“Until then, the program will remain active and operational, welcoming artists through its final year and completing all planned residencies,” it said. “The foundation will also continue to operate its Archives Research Residency program at its New York headquarters. Additionally, we will work to maintain the integrity of the Fish House, the Captiva property’s historic 1942 waterfront home.”
The foundation noted that with more than 500 residency alumni, the program at the Captiva site has played a vital role in shaping its identity and impact.
“We are truly grateful to all who have contributed to the Residency over the years. It has been a place where ideas were shared, friendships formed and new work imagined,” it said. “The spirit of Captiva will remain a lasting part of the foundation’s story.”
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to carrying forward the spirit of creativity and community that Captiva nurtured, and will continue to build on Rauschenberg’s ethos of experimentation and reinvention through new forms of artistic support,” the foundation added.
Approximately 22 acres when combined, the Rauschenberg property is zoned for: Single-Family Residence 1 (RS-1) for about 10.52 acres; C1 (Neighborhood Commercial) for about 1.75 acres; and TFC-2 (Two-Family Conservation) for about 9.81 acres. Density is limited to three units per acre.
At the Captiva Community Panel’s meeting on Sept. 9, President David Mintz shared that there is an effort on the island to put together a team to see if the community can purchase the property. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has been contacted, and the idea would be to preserve the land as a refuge or public space, including maintaining the helicopter pad used by the fire district.
He reported that he was told possibly $40 million to $50 million to buy it.
Mintz continued that he was told South Seas and two other developers are interested. He pointed out that the property is currently zoned for three units per acre, but noted that the county can rezone it.
“As we all know,” Mintz said, referring to the recent rezoning of the resort.
He added that he was told Rauschenberg’s ashes are buried on the property.
“So it behooves us to make sure that a hotel is not built on top of them,” Mintz said.
At the Captiva Island Fire Control District’s meeting on Sept. 11, the board approved a resolution authorizing fact finding and due diligence for the potential purchase of the land, which could be used for the expansion or improvement of public safety and emergency services, specifically for the potential establishment of a medical helicopter landing zone, training facility, equipment storage facility, district substation to house public safety personnel, and boat dock.
At the Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s meeting on Sept. 18, its board also approved a resolution authorizing a feasibility study and due diligence for the potential acquisition of the property, which could be used to further its mission of erosion prevention, natural resource protection and community resilience by providing a strategic site for conservation, shoreline protection, public access and environmental enhancement.
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