Andrea Galabinski The corner of current Weaver’s Corner Shopping Center complex

A New York City developer has sealed the deal to buy a North Fort Myers key property, hoping to kick-start redevelopment in the area.

Investor Jan Zelenak has purchased the Weaver’s Corner property, which includes a Winn-Dxie, post office and other stores.

“The sale has been in the making since December,” said William R. Cary II of Red Diamond Realty Group. “He now has control of the property. I hope this can also kick-start Lee County to redevelop Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers.”

Zelenak is the owner of Blava Inc., and plans to relocate to Southwest Florida to work on the project.”

“This new owner is going to actively go in to rehab the property,” said Cary. “He is going to put a new face on the property.”

Landscaping, lighting and overall appearance are the goals.

“We’re planning on updating the plaza by increasing the visibility,” said Zelenak. “New signage and other changes will show this plaza is alive.”

Zelenak said he is excited about coming into this community.

“I chose North Fort Myers because I looked at many places including Orlando, studying the different plazas,” he said. “I saw this one stronger financially, having the potential to grow. I also like the management over here.”

“This purchase signals new investment money coming into Southwest Florida from an investor who sees a real opportunity for development and is not simply buying a project at the bottom of the market,” said Fort Myers real estate attorney Kevin F. Jursinski, who represented Jan Zelenak and Blava Incorporated in the transaction as their legal counsel.

Cheryl A. Maymon was the broker who represented the owners, the Milloway family, which has has owned it since 1977.

Weaver’s Corner Shopping Center is located at 1830 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers.