Florida architects prepare for hurricane season and future storms: "Invest now or pay later"

Around the country, home construction and architecture is changing to keep up with hurricanes and other severe storms.

This year, the Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be a busy one, with up to 25 named storms forecast and up to seven turning into major hurricanes. 

Hurricane Ian pummeled Southwest Florida in September 2022. The category 4 storm killed 150 people and caused $112 billion in damage, but amid the devastation, Fort Myers' Luminary Hotel lost just one letter in the sign bearing its name. Architect Jonathan Rae said the building's "purposely straightforward" design helped keep it standing.