Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts (SCBR) officially launched the White Pelican Villas project yesterday with a groundbreaking ceremony emphasizing the company’s commitment to resilient, environmentally responsible development.
Stevens Construction, Inc. began construction in December 2024 for the $14 million, five-acre project located at 3325 West Gulf Dr., on the site of the former Beachview Cottages destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Designed by Southview Studios LLC, with interior design by Wegman Design Group, White Pelican Villas will feature 22 oceanfront and oceanview units: 10 guest suites at 350 square feet each, equipped with a refrigerator and small kitchen (no range); 11 one-bedroom suites at 600 square feet each, also with a refrigerator and small kitchen (no range); and one deluxe suite measuring 2,100 square feet, featuring four bedrooms, four baths, and a full kitchen. White Pelican Villas will include a pool, tiki structure, event lawn, fire pits and a boardwalk to the beach.
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resort (SCBR) officials celebrated the groundbreaking for White Pelican Villas, a five-acre project consisting of 22 oceanfront and oceanview villas on the site of the former Beachview Cottages, destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
“Recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton has remained our top priority, as we simultaneously reimagine the former Beachview Cottages with this new project,” said Tony Lapi, Chairman of the Board, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts. “With construction now well underway, we’re taking this moment to officially mark the start of new villas representing our commitment to the future. This ceremonial groundbreaking is a celebration of progress and the next chapter for our resort and the community we serve.”
White Pelican Villas represents a strategic reinvestment in Sanibel’s hospitality infrastructure. Designed in keeping with sustainable coastal development, the villas will integrate environmental preservation techniques with luxury hospitality.
“This project is about reimagining our approach to coastal resort accommodations,” Lapi added. “Where the Beachview Cottages once stood, we’re creating new villas reflecting our vision for responsible, resilient tourism. White Pelican Villas will generate numerous local jobs, and is projected to attract high-end tourism that will inject millions annually into our local economy.”
“We are proud to partner with Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts and bring White Pelican Villas to the Sanibel community!” said Mark Stevens, president of Stevens Construction, Inc. “Our team collaborated with Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts and the design team for seven months prior to construction starting and identified $600,000 in cost-savings suggestions. These strategic recommendations were key to keeping the project on budget and moving forward into construction. The new resort will offer beautiful Gulf views and private beach access, all while being designed and built to withstand future storms.”
Key project highlights include:
- Elevated Construction: The finished floor elevation is set at 20 feet, surpassing the base flood elevation of nine feet.
- Wildlife-Friendly Lighting: All glazing is designed to meet light reflectance levels in accordance with turtle code requirements. Exterior lighting features amber, turtle-friendly fixtures approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to comply with FWC and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) standards.
- Sustainable Systems: The project incorporates geothermal heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, along with geothermal pool heating, to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The project is scheduled for completion in early 2026. For more information, visit WhitePelicanVillas.com.
About Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts is a premier hospitality group known for offering exceptional vacation experiences across Southwest Florida’s most beautiful island destinations. The company manages the award-winning ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, along with Sanibel Captiva Island Vacations and a variety of popular dining establishments located within the resort. Committed to providing guests with unmatched service, luxury and relaxation, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the region. For more information, visit sanibelcaptivabeachresorts.com or call (239) 472-5161.
