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RECENT AND PERTINENT NEWSPAPER ARTICLES AND MEDIA COVERAGE

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http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/041608_bee-01.txt   Belleair Bee Thursday April 17, 2008  Click link for list of all the variances that will be presented to town council May 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Biltmore owners to present site plan

 

 

 

 

BELLEAIR – The town’s planning and zoning board will review Legg Mason’s Belleview Biltmore site plan on Monday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to comment.

The plans include a complete restoration of the existing hotel, a new 174-room East Wing, two levels of subterranean parking, and a new grand entrance with landscaped grounds. The current plans will require the town to grant several variances.

On May 12, the planning and zoning board will hear a presentation from Legg Mason, as well as comments from the public and then make a recommendation to the Town Commission regarding the site plan. Legg Mason will present the plan for approval to the commission at its Tuesday, May 20 meeting.

In a press release, Joseph Penner, managing director for Legg Mason, said, “The last 12 months have been challenging, but a positive experience working together with the citizens, the staff and the town. The project is large and complex, and has required the input of many specialized consultants who have been part of a large team assembled for this task. Balancing the needs and desires of the town and its residents with the physical limitations of the property and economic considerations has been a daunting job, but I believe we have succeeded.”

The Biltmore was purchased by Legg Mason in June of last year.

The renovation cost is estimated to be in excess of $100 million, with the projected grand reopening set for January 2012, in time for the hotel’s 115th anniversary.

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/07/Northpinellas/Cabana_Club_may_have_.shtml  St. Petersburg Times February 7, 2008

Click link for full article

Cabana Club may have date with wrecking ball

A Victorian-style hotel would take its place on Sand Key.

By JOSE CARDENAS, Times Staff Writer
Published February 7, 2008

The Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa's owner wants to build this hotel on Sand Key where the existing Cabana Club stands.

CLEARWATER - The new owner of the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa has filed plans to tear down the resort's beach club on Sand Key.

Gone would be the existing Cabana Club and its two restaurants.

In its place would be a six-floor, Victorian-style boutique hotel with 38 rooms and a new restaurant.

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/011608_bee-01.txt   Belleair Bee January 16, 2008  Click link for full article

BELLEAIR – Architect Richard Heisenbottle presented plans for the restoration of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel to the county’s Preservation Task Force on Jan. 9.

Two levels of underground parking will be 20 feet below a sod- and shrub-covered expanse of lawn dotted by containerized trees. The entire structure will be covered with a foot of soil and a drainage system. Like “Alice in Wonderland, cars will disappear down a rabbit hole; a bit of, “Disney magic” as Heisenbottle called it.

Another “Disneyesque” aspect of the project will include lots of tunnels, which the architect says is a necessary component of any world class resort. Service tunnels will lead from the new two-story central prep kitchen to smaller kitchens serving the several dining venues envisioned for the project. Out-of-sight, out-of-mind, these tunnels, some of which already exist, will rise by elevator directly into the smaller kitchens.

“Thus ensuring that no guest will ever be confronted by a food cart,” Heisenbottle said.

The ballrooms, too, will receive special treatment. The Tiffany and Candlelight ballrooms will be restored to their original grace and the Starlight Ballroom will have its original window walls revealed; walls, which are now covered by interior secondary walls.

A new architecturally sensitive hotel annex will add additional rooms needed to accommodate conventions, and a new one story spa will rise over underground parking space. Facing the west side of the hotel this structure almost “residential” in character Heisenbottle said, “will not interfere with anyone’s view,” referring to the neighboring condominium buildings bordering the site.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/12/30/Northpinellas/Biltmore_owner_listen.shtml   St. Petersburg Times

Sunday December 30, 2007  Click link for full article

A rendering shows the new spa, one story instead of two, in response to the concerns of some neighbors that views of the Intracoastal would be blocked.

Biltmore owner listens, tweaks, moves forward

The new owner of the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa is moving forward with what it describes as a $100-million makeover of the 111-year-old landmark.

But unlike some previous hotel suitors, this owner reached out to the community for feedback before completing its plans.

"That's what sets this owner head and shoulders above what everyone else has done in the past," said Deputy Mayor Stephen Fowler.

Before doing so, Legg Mason and its architectural firm held about a dozen meetings with local and state officials, neighbors and other members of the community and made tweaks in response to what they heard.

The owner's variance application includes a request to build a structure 60 feet tall. The town's code limits buildings in the district to 32 feet. The current hotel is more than 55 feet tall.

The request also asks for about 650 parking spaces. Plans show the hotel has 172 now. Normally, the code would require the redeveloped property to provide nearly 2,000 spaces to go with the additional hotel rooms, restaurants, the spa and ballrooms.

Heisenbottle said the hotel would not need that many spaces because patrons would use the variety of facilities at different times.

On special occasions, the hotel's golf course parking on Indian Rocks Road could be used for evening valet parking, providing a total of 907 spaces, he said.

Town engineering consultant TBE Group will review the applications. They should go before the Planning and Zoning Board and the Town Commission in March, Maxwell said.

 

http://www.tbnweekly.com/pubs/belleair_bee/content_articles/122607_bee-01.txt  Belleair Bee December 26, 2007

Belleview Biltmore application filed   (click link for full article)

Joseph Penner, the managing director of Legg Mason, said that he is extremely pleased that the formal process for final approval of the redevelopment is now under way.

“We have had literally dozens of meetings with our neighbors and other members of the community, as well as our state and local government officials, and have to the fullest extent possible incorporated their recommendations. This plan is truly a community effort and product,” said Penner in a press release.

He further commented that an extraordinary amount of thought and effort had gone into the plans, and that the project is one of which the community will be proud.

“We look forward to working with the town of Belleair and the local residents to restore a truly magnificent historic treasure,” said Richard J. Heisenbottle, FAIA, the project architect.

 

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20071129/biltmore.html   Clearwater Gazette, Thursday, November 29, 2007

Hoteliers Offer Another Reason to Support the Biltmore

Photo/text by Renee Burrell

(l to r) Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa Vice President and Manager Martin Smith, Belleview Biltmore Golf Club Director of Membership Amy Spencer, and Golf Club General Manager Chuck Eade

Owners Legg Mason Investments (LMI) of Los Angeles announced November 19 at a press conference and reception their plan to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit coalition of building industry leaders headquartered in Washington D.C. Upon certification, the resort can be designated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as a "green lodging".

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/112107_bee-01.txt     Belleair Bee, Wednesday November 21, 2007

Crist gives thumbs up to Biltmore plans

By CHARY SOUTHMAYD

Gov. Charlie Crist, left, chats with Joe Penner, managing director of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, during a visit Monday to the Belleview Biltmore Resort.

Photo by CHARY SOUTHMAYD

From left to right:  Commissioner Steve Fowler, Mayor Gary Katica, Commissioners Stephanie Oddo, Karla Rhettstatt, Tom Shelly

BELLEAIR – The Belleview Biltmore Resort is no longer one of the nation’s 11 most endangered historic sites, and the unique structure made entirely of native Florida pine will have a decidedly “green” future.

Invited to the event by Amy Spencer, director of membership at the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club and a personal friend, Crist praised efforts by the Biltmore’s new owners, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, to seek LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, while also protecting its historic integrity.

“What you’re doing, Joe, is exactly the right thing,” Crist told Joe Penner, LMREI’s managing director, “preserving the Biltmore for future generations to enjoy.”

In his remarks, Penner vowed that once the Biltmore’s $100-million restorative makeover is complete, it will retain its elegance and grandeur.

By implementing water-efficient landscaping, energy-efficient equipment and other environmentally-friendly enhancements to achieve LEED certification, Penner said the Biltmore’s operational costs will go down in the long run.

Penner estimates that LMREI will file its site application plan with the town of Belleair in the next two to three weeks and, once approved, will apply for construction permitting – a process he said could take from 6 to 12 months.

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20071121/crist.html    Clearwater Gazette November 21, 2007

Keynote Speaker Crist Commends Legg Mason for Going Green

Photo/text by Renee Burrell

"The Belleview Biltmore is a fixture in this community and its preservation is crucial to our culture and historical industries," said Governor Crist. (Pictured left to right) John Hildreth, Governor Charlie Crist, and Joseph Penner

BELLEAIR - Governor Charlie Crist applauded green building efforts in Pinellas and Sarasota counties Monday. His first stop was the Belleview Biltmore Resort for a press conference with John Hildreth from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Southern Office and Joseph Penner, the Managing Director of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors and owners of the resort.

"The Belleview Biltmore is a fixture in this community and its preservation is crucial to our culture and historical industries," said Governor Crist. (Pictured left to right) John Hildreth, Governor Charlie Crist, and Joseph Penner

BELLEAIR - Governor Charlie Crist applauded green building efforts in Pinellas and Sarasota counties Monday. His first stop was the Belleview Biltmore Resort for a press conference with John Hildreth from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Southern Office and Joseph Penner, the Managing Director of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors and owners of the resort.

Speaking from the stairs of the hotel's original porch entrance, Penner announced plans for seeking the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

According to Penner, the renovations will include water efficient landscaping, utilization of energy efficient equipment and construction methods, incorporate reusable materials, and ventilation upgrades along with other enhancements to help them achieve "green" certification.

The renovations will cause the hotel to be designated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as a "green lodging" destination. Florida's Green Lodging Program began in 2004 and establishes environmental guidelines for hotels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution.  

John Hildreth, National Trust

The National Trust for Historic Preservations Southern Office's Director Hildreth commented during the press conference that the best "green" building is one that is already standing. He also announced that the Belleview Biltmore would be removed from the Trust's Registry of 11 Most Endangered Buildings, where it had previously been listed.

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/112107_bee-02.txt   Belleair Bee Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Belleair basks in glory of special visit

By HARLAN WEIKLE

Two agenda items specifically targeted at the promotion of the partnership between the town and the private investors planning the restoration of the Biltmore – one an amendment to a town ordinance changing the fee structure for development permits and a second proposing a tax exemption for historic properties – both scheduled for final reading at the meeting, were continued until Dec. 4. The reason, according to Town Manager Micah Maxwell, is that sufficient time for public advertising had not been allowed prior to the final reading.

Legg Mason’s Joseph Penner, who attended the meeting to hear the details of the two ordinances, acknowledged the delay and underscored his appreciation for the town’s efforts in lowering the permit fees potentially saving LMREI nearly $1.65 million in fees.

“I hope the ordinance will pass December 4th as it is written,” Penner said.

Of the second proposed ordinance Penner said, “Regarding the town’s decision not to include commercial property in the forthcoming law, I don’t really understand it but I would like to say that the tax credit package at the federal level, which we depend on as an integral part of the financing of our property is a complex process. We’ve hired a group out of Washington who specialize in that sort of thing to consult and advise us on the best way to enact those tax credit policies that we will be doing on the property.”

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/111407_bee-03.txt   Wednesday November 14, 2007

Town commission reduces some building permit fees

By HARLAN WEIKLE

Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007

On Nov. 7, town officials made the unusual move of adjusting down the town’s proposed building permit fees to come in line with other municipalities in the county.

Reading from a list of local municipal building fee structures, Town Manager Micah Maxwell enumerated the range of fees, which would apply to similar projects the size of the Biltmore: Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Oldsmar and Belleair Beach would charge $300,000 to $350,000 in permitting and building inspection fees, Pinellas Park just over $200,000 and Largo and St. Petersburg $1.5 million and $2.9 million respectively.

The decision by the Town Commission was to bench their previous plan to hike fees from a simple 1 percent to 2 percent of total project valuation, and replace it with what Maxwell called a “sliding scale.”

For the first $1 million of project value, the permit and inspection fees would be set at a flat 2 percent or $20,000. Then for each $1,000 of value the town would collect $3.30, which for the Biltmore owners results in an estimated fee of approximately $350,000 rather than the nearly $2 million they had been facing.

The new sliding fee structure, “would fit in with the rest of these $100 million projects,” Maxwell said, “Pretty much the middle of the other projects.”

In discussions with town officials and the representatives of LMREI, the formula developed eases the burden of the cost of permitting very large value projects such as the Biltmore, yet keeps in place a fee structure. According to town officials, that will cover the cost requirements of permitting and inspecting, including, in the case of the Biltmore, site plans review and the cost of hiring historic preservation experts.

At the same time, the fee structure provides for a simple $25 fee for small projects up to $1,000.

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http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/111407_bee-02.txt    Belleair Bee Wednesday November, 14, 2007

Crist to help launch ‘greening’ of Belleview Biltmore Legg Mason will seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification
 

BELLEAIR – Gov. Charlie Crist will be the keynote speaker at the Belleview Biltmore Resort Monday, Nov. 19, 3:30 p.m., where he will address Legg Mason Real Estate Investors’ preservation efforts for the Biltmore.

Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles, plan to seek LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for the Belleview Biltmore. According to Joseph Penner, managing director of Legg Mason, the intent is to utilize a water efficient landscape design, energy efficient equipment and construction methods, reusable materials, ventilation improvements and other enhancements to achieve “green” certification.

“The achievement of LEED certification is an important step in the life of this magnificent historic property,” said Penner. “The new design includes underground parking and sculptured gardens which will help restore the property to its grandeur, while creating a modern energy efficient destination resort.”
 

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/103107_bee-01.txt

Belleview Biltmore to close May 2009   Belleair Bee Wednesday, October 31, 2007

By HARLAN WEIKLE
Attorney Tom Reynolds representing LMREI, which has owned the Biltmore just four months, was on hand to plead his client’s case to set aside the findings that the property was in non-compliance with several local building codes, the worst being the state of disrepair of the famous gabled green roof.

Sworn witnesses in attendance for Tuesday’s hearing were head architect for the project, Richard Heisenbottle of Coral Gables, Ron Harn of Skanska Construction, Martin Smith, managing director and vice president of the Belleview Biltmore, and town building official Fred Hawes.

Querying Hawes regarding the current condition of the roof, town attorney David Ottinger elicited the building inspector’s conclusion that following two inspections, one this past summer and a second on Tuesday, “The roof is not in compliance.”

Hawes referenced missing shingles, torn and missing non-certified fabric covering and exposed wood.

The board had previously granted the owners 120 days or until the end of November to bring the roof up to code or face fines of $250 a day until the order was satisfied.

After some brief confusion regarding the target completion date, the board voted unanimously to amend their previous compliance order and grant Legg Mason until Nov. 1, 2009 to bring the roof up to code with the proviso that the construction management team returns Nov. 1, 2008 with a progress report.
 

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/092007_bee-01.txt    Belleair Bee September 20, 2007

Article published on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007

BY HARLAN WEIKLE

A concept design depicts what will be the new entryway of the Belleview Biltmore Resort.

BELLEAIR – Promising a new roof first and $100 million later a five-star hotel, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors’ Joseph Penner Sept. 19 presented his firm’s plans for restoration of the historic Belleview Biltmore Resort.

A standing room only crowd at Town Hall started gathering early for what was to be their first look at Coral Gables architect Richard Heisenbottle’s vision for the restoration of the fabled hotel.

Following Penner’s introduction, Heisenbottle told the audience, “We do a lot of restoration projects and we do them at the highest level. If it’s a tough project, a difficult project then that’s the kind of project we choose. You’re looking at one of them now.”

The architect presented a series of slides illustrating the team’s proposed changes to the resort, some minor and others more significant, which, according to the architect will return the hotel to its former 1940’s elegance.

A new 10,000 square foot ballroom, larger rooms – some with cathedral ceilings – tucked below the famous gabled green roof and the addition of retail shops including a bakery, ice cream shop and high-end jeweler are just a few of the many details Heisenbottle highlighted. The audience, clearly responding favorably, fell captive to the imagery of landscaped event lawns and a new “grand drive” along a palm tree lined boulevard leading to the new entrance of what he said would be once again a “destination hotel.”

“Some demolition will have to take place first, however,” Penner said.

The much maligned pagoda entrance erected by previous Japanese owners will be first to go, he said to cheers from the crowd.

At the Beach Club property on Sand Key, a swimming pool and two restaurants will go to provide for a new “57-unit boutique hotel” with cabanas on the beach, which Heisenbottle assured will still be run by the Biltmore.

The existing resort spa will be demolished and a new spa with a parking garage below will replace it, where the tennis courts are now situated.

Responding to a question from the audience, Penner said that their best estimate of the schedule for the project was that in about 18 months the hotel would be closed while construction proceeded. The project managers are looking for completion two years later.

Swedish construction giant Skanska with local offices in Tampa has been chosen to manage the project, which Penner said will be an environmentally sensitive undertaking bringing a large economic benefit to the community.

“We really need to know soon that you’re behind us,” he told the audience.

In recent budget discussions the Town Commission has, among other revenue added proposals, considered raising the town’s development permit fees from 1 percent to 2 percent of the cost of a project. The ordinance, which was due for its second and final reading Wednesday evening, was continued to a future date. Town Manager Micah Maxwell confirmed that LMREI and city officials were in the process of discussing alternative proposals such as a possible fee cap or some type of sliding scale.

If the ordinance is approved as it stands, LMREI’s cost in fees to Belleair would rise from $1 million to $2 million. LMREI’s lawyers have petitioned the town to reconsider. Currently Belleair’s development fees are among the lowest in the county.

Following the meeting, Penner said they had met with the administration to review those fees.  “The city has been great,” he said. “We just want it to be fair all around.”

 

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/091207_bee-03.txt  Belleair Bee September 12, 2007


Biltmore renovation plans to be unveiled  
By HARLAN WEIKLE


BELLEAIR – Weighty budget concerns aside and millage rates notwithstanding, what many Belleair town folk want to know is when they will get a peek at plans for the renovation of the Belleview Biltmore Resort.

During a special budget meeting Sept. 5, Mayor Gary Katica, acknowledging that he had received many calls from citizens wanting to know when the plans for the resort would be made public, put it directly to Tom Reynolds, lawyer for LMREI, new owners of the property, saying, “You have said that the owners were going to make a public presentation by the end of the month, our meeting is on the 19th. It’s very important that this gets out in front of the public.”

Commissioner Karla Rettstatt put it even more forcefully.

“You guys are asking us for some sort of exception or changes to our budget, but you’re not giving us the opportunity to educate the public, which elected us,” Rettstatt said, referring to Reynolds’ admonition to the commission to reconsider its decision to increase the permit and inspection fees the town charges for construction from the current level of $25 to $50 and 1 to 2 percent respectively.

Reynolds said the change would greatly impact the Biltmore project’s estimated $100 million restoration.

Reynolds responded by affirming that they would make a public presentation on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

 

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/082207_bee-01.txt    Click link for full article Belleair Bee August 22, 2007

Biltmore owner raises land use stakes  

By HARLAN WEIKLE

Laura Dedenbach of the Easley Group, acting in her capacity as consultant to the Town Commission was on hand Tuesday night to address aspects of the 2008 comprehensive plan ordinance when her role suddenly became as much that of an arbiter as consultant.

Also on hand to address specific language in the proposed ordinance were representatives of Legg Mason Real Estate Investment, the new owners of the Belleview Biltmore. In attendance were architect Richard Heisenbottle of Coral Gables; attorneys George Rahdert and Tom Reynolds of the St. Petersburg firm Rahdert, Steele, Bole and Reynolds; and Cynthia Tarapani of Florida Design Consultants in New Port Richey.

The five were there to build a case for altering select language in the ordinance characterizing the proprietary use of land within the provisions for open space under the town’s comprehensive plan.

The second exception, “minimum acreage” subject to alteration under historic protection provisions of the law, generated more of a stir. The Biltmore would like to have the minimum revised upward to 2 acres; the reason suggested by Reynolds, anything less than 2 acres imposed too strict a limit for any future minor changes that might become necessary.

Dedenbach suggested that the 2-acre change, although potentially less in keeping with the original intent of the ordinance, might at least warrant further study, adding, “We have to be very careful before we make a commitment like that. We need time to consider.”

It was however the third proposal by Biltmore representatives that generated the most attention and dominated discussion. Unveiling a report drafted by Tarapani, the petitioners aimed their sights directly at the heart of Belleair’s sovereign open space. As if to emphasize the issue Tarapani drew on comparisons of the ratio of open space to population garnered from other jurisdictions.

Citing the numbers, Belleair currently mandates that using both public and privately held open space combined, the township maintains a standard of 95 acres of open space for every 1,000 population. By comparison, Tarapani’s report lists Clearwater’s ratio as 4 acres per 1,000; Pinellas County, 9 acres but proposing 14; and Pasco, 11 acres per 1,000.

The notable difference is that Belleair, being both part and parcel of substantial privately held open space, rolls the private acreage into the community’s number.
 

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20070823/belleair.html   Clearwater Gazette August 23, 2007

Town Council Moves to Protect Green Space, Promises to Work With Hotel Owners

By Renee Burrell

The town council met Tuesday evening for a special public hearing and scheduled public meeting. An amendment the council is seeking to The Town of Belleair 2008 Comprehensive Plan was voted on and underwent its first reading.
The council heard from a member of a local planning agency, The Easley Group, who recommended that the council submit the proposed amendment to the Department of Community Affairs (DOC) for approval.

The current draft, Ordinance #445 has provisions that aim to preserve the town's green space, whether that space is owned publicly or privately. Deputy Mayor Stephen Fowler said, "We are looking for any tools that we can use to arm ourselves in protecting our open space."

Present at the meeting were attorneys and representatives of the Belleview Biltmore Resort. They relayed their concerns about the ordinance and asked for changes in language because, "The proposed amendments to the Recreation and Open Space Element would appear to impose undue restrictions upon the development (and redevelopment) of private property."

Hotel representatives submitted their proposals to the council.

Though the council voted to submit the amendment to the DOC, Mayor Gary Kattica and the council agreed to work together on changes that will help the hotel in achieving its goals for renovation.

The council assured hotel reps that there will be ample time to change language and make changes to the amendment before adoption, a process that takes about five months.

 

http://www.creativetampabay.com/newsletter   Creative Tampa Bay August 6, 2007

 

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/03/Northpinellas/Biltmore_deal_cost_cl.shtml    St. Petersburg Times July 3, 2007

The night the sale of the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa closed, a reporter e-mailed Joseph Penner to ask how much his investment firm paid for the historic property.

Too much, Penner replied coyly.

Turns out, Los Angeles-based Legg Mason Real Estate Investors paid nearly $30.3-million -- nearly double the resort's selling price in 1997 -- according to public records recorded Friday at the Pinellas County Clerk of Court.

Locals, though, aren't necessarily talking about the numbers. They're just happy that the 110-year-old landmark was sold to someone who wants to keep the old doors open, not tear them off.

Penner, a Legg Mason managing director, declined Monday to comment on the transaction, saying "there's nothing to tell you right now."

"When we have a concrete plan, we'll invite everyone out to look at it," Penner said. "And my hope is that we put something together that everyone likes."

Vincent Sanfilippo, chief investment officer for Urdang Capital Management, which helped the resort's former owner, Belleview Biltmore Resort LTD, sell the property, declined to comment on the sale.

In a statement, Sanfilippo said "we wish Legg Mason much success in their efforts to renovate the property to enhance and preserve it for generations to come."

Belleair Mayor Gary Katica said the new owners will be back in town in late August or early September to talk further about proposed renovations.

He said they plan to upgrade the rooms and the pool and build a convention center.

"It's a touch of Americana," said Katica, who recently traveled overseas. "You can go to Europe and see something that's a thousand years old and in the United States a building gets a little old and it's gone. This has stood the test of time and has that certain beauty that reaches down at the people."

Built by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant, the 244-room hotel, which also features a 13,000-square-foot Tiffany ballroom, opened in 1897.

The hotel has changed ownership a number of times in the past 20 years.

In 1990, Mido Development, a Japanese ownership group, bought it for $27-million.

Atlanta hotelier Salim Jetha in 1997 paid $16-million for it. Urdang became a general partner in the resort in 2003.

While it operated as a hotel and had been renovated over the years, preservationists got worried in 2004 when DeBartolo Development announced plans to raze the hotel and build condominiums. That deal fell apart in 2005, setting the stage for Legg Mason's acquisition.

 

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/062807_bee-02.txt  Belleair Bee June 28, 2007

New management firm takes over at Belleview Biltmore  
By CHARY SOUTHMAYD


Photo by NANCY AYERS
All smiles over the Belleview Biltmore sale to Legg Mason Real Estate Investors are, from left, Connie Mudano, former Belleair mayor who began Belleview Biltmore preservation efforts in the 1970s; Barry Ullman, who did extensive research on the Belleview Biltmore at the University of Florida; Greg Harvey and Cay Ludden.


BELLEAIR – The ink on the deal had just long enough to dry as preservationists celebrated the sale of the Belleview Biltmore Resort to Legg Mason Real Estate Investors on June 20, when change was in the wind.

A new management company is now in place – GF Management, headquartered in Philadelphia.

Trust Hotels and Resorts had been managing the Biltmore, but no longer.

Martin Smith remains managing director of the Biltmore under the new regime. He has been with the hotel since February 2004.

No longer part of the Biltmore management team is Richard Wilhelm of Trust Hotels, whose name has been closely associated with the historic hotel in recent years.

“Richard does not have a role anymore,” said Smith. “He will be missed.”

Michel Mauborgne will continue to manage the Biltmore’s Beach Club, and Chuck Eade remains in charge at the Biltmore Golf Club, said Smith.

Some staff members have been let go, but Smith maintains that has nothing to do with the change in management, but rather seasonal slowdowns.

“We did the same thing last summer, when business goes down,” said Smith, who cited fewer than 10 positions eliminated to accommodate the slower tourist season. “This is business as normal.”

In an e-mail message to the Bee on Monday, Rob Richute, the Biltmore’s former marketing manager who was among those laid off, writes, “Employees are dropping like flies and current and old management is telling everyone they have nothing to worry about. They constantly told me my job is not in danger.”

GF Management’s Web site describes the firm as “Leaders in Hospitality Management – Acquisitions, Evaluations ...

Whether acting as an owner or manager for an owner, GF Management follows the same disciplined approach to the property evaluation.

• Undertakes extensive research and analysis.

• Introduces aggressive operations management.

• Implements a marketing-driven business plan.

• Staff with dynamic sales personnel.”

The company’s portfolio lists properties in 18 states, including well known chains Holiday Inn, Hilton, Days Inn, Clarion, Super 8 and Doubletree, among others. Also in its portfolio, GF lists asset management for the US Grant Hotel in San Diego. That hotel, which underwent a $52 million renovation, has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.

Smith previously worked for GF Management at the Charlotte Hilton in 1996, so he is familiar with how the company does business.

“We will now begin to operate (the Biltmore) in GF style,” he said. “This is a good thing for the hotel. Now that all the rumors are done we have stability ... it’s much better for business.”

Smith has reassuring words for anyone clinging to doubt whether the historic Belleview Biltmore will be restored, as Legg Mason has indicated.

“I have no doubt at all that it will be restored,” said Smith. “This is the chance of a lifetime.”
 

 

 

Note readers:  Bay News 9 interviewed Ed  Jameson, our vice president of our nonprofit organization, Save the Biltmore Preservationists for their TV news segment June 24, 2007. Here is their online article.

 

Saving the Belleview Biltmore     Bay News 9 TV  Sunday, June 24, 2007

 

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/6/24/264013.html?title=Saving+the+Belleview+Biltmore  

 

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A symbol of Tampa Bay will continue to stand, looking over the water as it has for more than a century.

It's been a fight for the past few years for preservationists. And now that the Belleview Biltmore Resort is under new ownership, they're boasting with relief.

It's a victory for those who fought a hard fight to save a piece of history.

"It's been a place where people could come with their side cars from the railroad," preservationist Edward Jameson said. "It was just a resort of the ages in the 1890s."

The Belleview Biltmore resort was threatened with demolition until this past week, when a new real estate investment group bought the property.

Jameson has been a great part of the effort to save the Biltmore.

  "We've heard that they would be replacing that pagoda. And they would also be adding maybe a convention center and doing some other changes for the hotel," Jameson said. "It all sounds very positive."

The fight that began in 2004 is finally over, and preservationists hope to restore the Biltmore to what it was in its hey day.

"It's the root of Pinellas County history," Jameson said. "It's where the movers and shakers of the 19th century came."

The Belleview Biltmore sits at the water's edge in Belleair. The resort, which includes a golf course and spa, was built in 1897.
 

Carol Minn, reporter for Bay News 9 did the interview

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Belleview Biltmore sale finalized   Belleair Bee  June 22, 2007

http://www.tbnweekly.com/pubs/belleair_bee/content_articles/062107_bee-07.txt

By CHARY SOUTHMAYD
 

File photo by CHARY SOUTHMAYD The Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa has been purchased by Legg Mason Real Estate Investors.

BELLEAIR – The historic Belleview Biltmore Resort is now officially under new ownership.

Principals of the buyer, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, and the seller, Belleview Biltmore Resort Ltd., wrapped up the exhaustive process of completing the massive amount of paperwork involved in the transaction late in the day on June 20.

The purchase price was not announced.

“We have engaged numerous consultants and historic preservation experts in order to develop a restoration and rehabilitation plan for the property,” said Joseph Penner, managing director of LMREI, in a June 4 press release.

“This is a very large project, so we want it to be well thought out,” Penner later added during a phone interview from his California office.

Threatened in recent years by demolition, LMREI’s purchase of the hotel has thus far served to reassure historic preservationists who mounted a spirited campaign to save the Grand Dame from the wrecking ball.

“We have fought long and hard to save all four wings (of the hotel) since I launched my Web site in 2004, so having succeeded in that goal is very gratifying,” said Diane Hein, founder of http://www.tbnweekly.com/scripts/jumplink.php?url=www.SaveTheBiltmore.com. “The reality of its being saved is certainly a joyous occasion for all, and I thank the community for their support during for the past few years.”

The Biltmore remains open for what management hopes will be a busy summer season.

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Photo courtesy of SAVETHEBILTMORE.COM The Belleview Biltmore charm is available at http://www.savethebiltmore.com/

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/070606_bee-03.txt  For full article  July 6, 1006

Capturing the charm of the Belleview Biltmore
By WAYNE AYERS

BELLEAIR – Located in an area that many say is losing its charm to over development, the Belleview Biltmore has stood as an ageless symbol of beauty, style and casual elegance.

With developers eyeing the classic hotel for possible demolition, one tiny, classically elegant piece of jewelry may play a role in its salvation.

The piece is a charm, a decorative pendant which has enjoyed periods of popularity in the form of a charm bracelet. Charms were collected to capture memories of treasured life experiences … places visited, associations, relationships. It is said that Queen Victoria wore charm bracelets.

Prices set for the hand crafted charms are $75.00 for sterling; $100 for gold over sterling vermeil; and $400 for 14kt gold. Charms may be viewed and ordered at our online store.  Since all charms are custom made to order, a time period of 4 to 6 weeks must be allowed for creation and delivery. 

         Biltmore charm         Biltmore Key Chain

       Available at our online store.

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Photo from Clearwater Gazette, Bernie Powell and wife Mary Ann.  Mr. Powell was owner of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel from 1946 to 1990!
 
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/120105_bee-03.txt

Photo courtesy of http://www.savethebiltmore.com/

Tony Blue displays three of his eight Biltmore mixed media art series including, from left, “Gardenias on the Veranda,” “Victorian Charm” and “The White Queen of the Gulf.” 
 

Artist’s work to benefit Belleview Biltmore preservation effort

Photo courtesy of http://www.savethebiltmore.com/
Tony Blue displays three of his eight Biltmore mixed media art series including, from left, “Gardenias on the Veranda,” “Victorian Charm” and “The White Queen of the Gulf.”

BELLEAIR – Local artist Tony Blue has created a series of eight beautiful, mixed media art pieces showcasing the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. He will donate 20 percent of sales proceeds to the nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists.

Blue is offering the art as limited edition (150 maximum) giclée prints on canvas. They come stretched, signed by the artist and numbered, mixed media and ready to frame. Photos of the remaining five of the series may be found at http://www.savethebiltmore.com/  and any or all of them may be purchased at the online store.

Save the Biltmore  bookmarks, year-at-a glance calendars, greeting cards fine art photography, are also being sold online to help raise money for the hotel’s preservation.

ART OF TONY BLUE
Click here to see the new posting of the beautiful Belleview Biltmore Hotel series by local artist  Tony Blue.  Total of eight.

"The White Queen of the Gulf"       "Gardenias on the Veranda" For all eight series click:  Tony Blue  

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/110305_bee-04.txt    Belleair Bee (for full article)  November 3, 2005

Photo courtesy of  www.SAVETHEBILTMORE.com Supporters of the Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa are delighted with passage of the town’s new historic preservation ordinance.

Photo courtesy of  www.SAVETHEBILTMORE.com   Features of the original lobby of the Belleview Biltmore are protected under provisions of the town’s historic preservation ordinance.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/894155301.html?MAC=5f27f30b60a30785cdd9969931a8a638&did=894155301&FMT=FT&FMTS=FT&date=Sep+9,+2005&author=LORRI+HELFAND&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&printformat=&desc=Effort+to+save+the+Biltmore+energized

"Regardless of the ordinance, Stroud and Belleair leaders claim the town's comprehensive plan, adopted in 1999, already protects the Belleview Biltmore, which is referenced about a dozen times. "
 

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050620/NEWS/506200373

Attorneys with expertise in preservation and municipal zoning laws are now advising town officials that they are on solid legal ground if they want to fight the demolition.

Tearing down the hotel, they said, is contrary to the town's long-range comprehensive plan and therefore would not be allowed by law.

"The city is not legally entitled to issue permits which violate its own comp plan," said Stephen Helfman, a Miami land use and zoning lawyer hired by the town.
 
 

 http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/888283171.html?MAC=cb2e63688cf96f480abb533c49232237&did=888283171&FMT=FT&FMTS=FT&date=Aug+27%2C+2005&author=LORRI+HELFAND&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&printformat=&desc=Belleair+to+weigh+historic+preservation+rules
 

"She concurred with town leaders, who said existing town rules require an extensive review of the proposed demolition by officials and the public and that the town's comprehensive plan might not allow the hotel's destruction.

The existing rules protect the Biltmore, Stroud said, but she added that it would be better protected with an ordinance that has the details and procedures for preservation outlined."