The Island Store, Captiva Island’s historic general store has reopened. We recently had the chance to visit the remodeled and refreshed landmark. The store is one of – if not the most – iconic buildings on Captiva Island. You’ll find the pale yellow building on island postcards and paintings inside the island’s art galleries.
Located at the corner of Captiva Drive and Andy Rosse Lane, the store marks the beginning of Captiva Island’s village. For us, the building is a sign we’ve arrived in paradise.
Related: Captiva Online Grocery Delivery
History Of The Island Store Captiva
The structure now known as The Island Store first appeared on the Lee County tax rolls in 1915, according to the Captiva Island Historical Society. Over the years, store uses have included a boarding school dormitory, boarding house, offices, and of course, a general store. For years, the building also served as the island’s polling location on Election Day.
The structure once stood two stories tall, when it was used to house students. Conservationist J.N. “Ding” Darling removed the second level when he owned the store. Darling was one of the many store owners over the years. Today, the property is owned by RLR Investments Company. In 2018, Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel took over the lease to the store.
The Island Store Captiva Island: Remodel to Rebuild
From 2019 until October 2020, The Island Store was closed. During our 2020 trip, this felt like a punch to the gut. The store was boarded up with piles of lumber stacked outside. Staying one house off of Captiva Drive, our short walk to the general store turned into a slightly longer walk to the Captiva Provisions Company store.
What initially seemed like a typical remodel became more of a rebuild. Deterioration of the building meant a massive rebuilding of the historic structure.
Exterior Unchanged
From the street, it looks as if (almost) nothing has changed. Despite being brought down to the studs, the store looks as it has for generations. The pale yellow siding, white trim and even the iconic Island Store sign are all there.
One new addition to the front of the store is actually in the store’s parking lot. Like the Bailey’s General Store, the Island Store has a vending machine out front that dispenses ice-cold jugs of water and bags of ice.
A new paver parking lot has also been installed.
Interior Updates
The outside may remain unchanged, however, the store’s interior has changed completely. The “L” shape is still there, but that’s about all that’s unchanged. The beautiful interior evokes the Sanibel Bailey’s location: black framed cases, white walls and light wood-like floors.
When you enter, you’ll find a mini liquor store to your right. On your left, where the check-out counter used to be, you’ll find the deli counter, which wasn’t up and running during our visit. Beyond the deli are cooler cases, which offer items found in convenience stores everywhere.
The checkout counter has relocated to the wall along Captiva Drive. Opposite the counter is the dry goods: prepackaged food and all the basic needs to get you through your stay.
The white walls and high windows really brighten up the place. With all the natural light, you’ll no longer feel like you’re walking out of a dark theatre when you leave the store.
Welcomed Updates To Welcome You Back
This remodel seems to be the best of both worlds. The iconic exterior of the building remains, with updates to the interior that brighten up the store and improve the overall experience. Rebuilding The Island Store with modern materials will keep this Captiva institution around for future generations of vacation goers.
What: The Island Store Captiva Island (Website)
Where: 11500 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Daily
