There are many newspaper articles so it will take a minute or two to download them all.

Developers seek Belleair approval on Biltmore renovations.

In the next few weeks, the small town of Belleair will find out what one of its biggest destination points could look like.

The Belleview Biltmore, bought last year by a California-based developer, needs a lot of work. But after saving the historic landmark from the wrecking ball, builders hope they can get a little help from town leaders to move things along.

And so far, it appears they've got support from at least two of the town's top officials.

"I sure hope things work out," said Mayor Gary Katica, who said he couldn't discuss the plan in detail because the Town Commission's quasi judicial hearings limit what he can say publicly.

"The planners have gone through and looked at the plan and it seems pretty reasonable to our planning department, so we're hopeful," City Manager Micah Maxwell said.

After paying $30.3-million in June for the site, Los Angeles-based Legg Mason Real Estate Investors said they are prepared to turn it into a four- or five-star resort.

To do that, they will need Belleair planners and commissioners to agree to a few things that the town's building code doesn't typically allow.

First, they need to build a little higher. Then they want to eliminate some parking spaces. Finally, they'd like to add a few additional key accessories that aren't part of the actual hotel.

The Belleair Planning and Zoning Board on Monday will make recommendations to the plan, which then goes to the Town Commission the following week. Both meetings are expected to draw big crowds because of the building's significance. Although there are opponents — some say the buildings will be too high — it appears a majority of the town's 4,100 residents support it, the mayor said.

Height: The developer wants to build a 60-foot-tall east wing hotel annex that will include 176 rooms. The code allows for 32 feet, but Legg Mason officials say they need five stories. Plus, they say, it would be roughly the same size as the Biltmore. They also need an extra 7 feet in height for the 20,000-square-foot spa they want to build on the west side of the hotel where the tennis courts are now. Finally, the builder wants about 9 feet extra for a pool-side cafe, which they say is needed to match the architecture of the Biltmore.

Parking: Legg Mason also wants to reduce the parking space length from the town code mandate of 20 feet to 18 feet. Additionally, they want a break from the minimum 2,075 parking spaces that such a project needs, according to the code. They're looking to build roughly 650 spaces, most of them underground. Developers argue that more spaces aren't needed because people won't use all the facilities at one time. If they do, then the resort's nearby golf course parking lot could be used for valet parking in the evening, boosting the total spaces to 907. Land where parking is currently located will be landscaped to create a "park-like area to make the place feel special," said Cyndi Tarapani, vice president for Planning Florida Design Consultants, which is working with Legg Mason.

Miscellaneous: The town has a rule that any "accessory" has to be in the main hotel. However, the developer doesn't want to attach the spa and pool-side cafe to the Biltmore. The hotel currently has a cafe next to the pool, but the developer wants to replace it.

Some of the builder's other plans for the $100-million project include creating a 13,000-square-foot ballroom and adding more banquet, meeting room and convention space. The spa plans to include 13 treatment rooms, a fitness center, salon and aerobics room.

The main 820,000-square-foot hotel will be painted white, have a green roof and feature a Victorian-style spread with 274 rooms. The 22-acre site will feature a two-floor underground parking garage and landscaping and walking trails will replace the parking lots.

The developer also plans to demolish the pagoda entrance and build an entrance consistent with the architecture of the rest of the resort.

In all, the plans are in stark contrast to several years ago when then-potential buyer DeBartolo Development planned to raze the hotel to build 180 condos.

Significance: In 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the Biltmore one of America's 11 most endangered historic places.

What's going on: Los Angeles-based Legg Mason Real Estate Investors plan to rehab the old building, once a stopping place for celebrities and famous athletes.

Some key features: A new lobby, entrance, ballroom wedding gazebo. A new pool will be flanked by cabanas, and tennis lovers will get new courts.

BELLEAIR - The Town of Belleair Planning and Zoning Board will review the site plans and requests for variances submitted by the Belleview Biltmore Resort's current property owners, Legg Mason, on Monday May 12. The Belleair Town Council's regularly scheduled meeting will be held Tuesday, May 20.

The Planning and Zoning Board is a quasi-judicial body and members will make recommendations to the Town Council concerning variance requests needed to assist in renovating the hotel into a historical tourist destination with all of the luxury and conveniences expected of a five star resort.

Representatives from Legg Mason will give the Board a presentation at the meeting. Joseph Penner, Legg Mason Managing Director said, "We are thankful for all the positive support we have received within the community and we urge all of you who are interested to attend and speak out at the Town meetings in May."

Unlike previous owners, Legg Mason intends to invest millions of dollars into the 111- year- old hotel national registered as a Historic Place, with a historically sensitive and environmentally minded renovation plus usher the often called "White Queen of the Gulf" into the future with construction of a new "East Wing," two levels of subterranean parking, and a new, more grand and fitting entrance with lushly landscaped grounds. A few of the improvements to the resort call for needed variance approval:

The Resort's Golf Club will also be improved and current architectural plans call for the Town Council to approve three variances:

According to Penner, "…the last twelve months have been a positive experience working together with; the citizens, the homeowners/condominium associations, the Belleair Country Club, the staff and the Town Council. The Association and the Country Club have provided great insight and ideas during the numerous meetings we've had the last several months. We continue to appreciate their efforts toward this project."

Belleair Country Club President James McArthur said he appreciates the perseverance and cooperative effort of Legg Mason and their team. "They continue to work with the community and the Club's leadership to resolve any outstanding issues."

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/041608_bee-01.txt Belleair Bee Thursday April 17, 2008

Biltmore owners to present site plan.

Artist rendering courtesy of LEGG MASON
A rendering depicts Legg Mason’s proposal for the new 174-room East Wing of the Belleview Biltmore Resort.

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, which include:

• A height variance for the East Wing, which will be approximately 15-feet greater in height than the old “dormitory” building, but will be shorter in length and have a smaller footprint than the old building.

• A reduction in the size of the parking spaces from 9-feet wide, 20-feet long to 9-feet wide, 18-feet long.

• A reduction in the overall parking calculated by the town code from 2,075 spaces to 643 spaces. The parking proposed by Legg Mason is in excess of the suggested number of spaces determined by the parking consultant’s study. Legg Mason maintains that it is consistent with municipal codes of cities that have other commercial developments.

• A variance to allow the new Spa and Poolside Grill to be outside the main hotel building.

• A height variance for the Poolside Grill building from 32 feet to 40.3 feet.

• A height variance for the spa building from 32 feet to 39.08 feet. While the spa building is only one story, Legg Mason said the slope of the land and the method chosen by the town to calculate the average height necessitates this variance.

In addition, there are three variances requested for the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club, two of which relate to the number of parking spaces and their size. The third relates to the request by Legg Mason to put buffer zone landscaping within the public right of way.

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

Cabana Club may have date with wrecking ball

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.

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

Legg Mason Real Estate Investors bought the Cabana Club in June along with the Belleview Biltmore across Clearwater Harbor in Belleair.

The Los Angeles company filed redevelopment plans for the Cabana Club on Friday with the city of Clearwater. It had already filed plans with the town of Belleair to renovate the main resort.

Clearwater officials could approve the plans as early as April 15. Representatives of Legg Mason said the combined construction cost for both projects could be $150-million. Work could start as early as 2009.

The company, which paid nearly $30.3-million for the historic landmark, hopes guests of the eventually restored Biltmore will have the option to boat across the water and stay at the Cabana Club hotel on the Gulf of Mexico.

"The cabana project is an enhancement to the overall historic preservation that begins in Belleair," said George Rahdert, the St. Petersburg attorney who represents the company. Rahdert also represents the St. Petersburg Times.

The 110-year-old Biltmore is one of Pinellas County's most significant historic structures.

Among other things, Legg Mason aims to make ample restorations to the lobby, the spa, parking lot, ball and dining rooms. The number of rooms would go from 244 to 435.

Across the water, other work at the Cabana Club would include tearing down two restaurants and replacing them with one. The hotel would have cabanas on the western side of the hotel.

Some Sand Key residents have historically opposed additional development on their island. Though not all neighbors have signed off on the Cabana Club plans, some say the project is acceptable.

"Quite frankly, the new plans have taken into account an awful lot of the issues that we had in mind that initially would not be to our pleasing," said George Mitrovich, president of the Cabana Club Condominium Association.

Though the condo association members' homes are next to the Cabana Club, Mitrovich said the proposed new building will not block the property owners' views of the water.

James Warner, a Realtor and Sand Key resident, said the low density of 38 units should satisfy some critics.

"The issue is going to be view alteration," he said. People "were very vocal the last time. They don't want that building there."

Project architect Richard Heisenbottle said Legg Mason is asking for a variance that would allow six floors.

But even with the variance, he pointed out, the hotel would be shorter than the buildings nearby.

Still, it's not possible to completely address the concerns of people to the east of the hotel whose views would be blocked, Heisenbottle said.

But he added that Legg Mason has made modifications to the plans. They included putting additional space between the hotel and the buildings to the north and south to allow for better views in between.

Others have complained of potential noise when the guests from the Biltmore arrive at the Cabana Club by boat.

To address that, Heisenbottle said, Legg Mason is exploring switching to a different boat slip farther away.

"We are committed to try to work with the neighbors as much as we can and to mitigate the impact of our project," he said.

- Transportation between the new hotel and the main Belleview Biltmore resort by both van and boat

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/011608_bee-01.txt Belleair Bee January 16, 2008

Preservation Task Force sees Biltmore plans.
By HARLAN WEIKLE

[Image]

Rendering courtesy of RICHARD HEISENBOTTLE
Plans for the Magnolia Cottage and two other cottages on the Biltmore property are envisioned as luxury bed and breakfast additions to the resort.

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

Heisenbottle, who is spearheading the design project, had previously made a similar public presentation to the gathering of Belleair residents and town officials. During last Thursday’s meeting, some new details of the proposed restoration were revealed.

Using a slide presentation, Heisenbottle detailed the major components of the restoration project, which is estimated to cost $100 million. Notably, some of the most dramatic changes to the historic resort will be the ones that aren’t seen: service tunnels, loading docks and underground parking for nearly 700 cars, which will open space surrounding the resort to new use such as event lawns for receptions, outdoor weddings or simple romantic strolls through Victorian gardens.

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.

Likewise, the exterior service areas, which now wrap unceremoniously around the perimeter of the hotel, are to be replaced by a single, modern service area replete with loading docks and mechanical facilities, all of which will be hidden behind 6-to-8 foot landscaped garden walls.

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.

Lastly, the architect revealed their intentions to restore the three cottages on the property – the Magnolia, Palm and Sunset. The three cottages are envisioned as small, luxury bed and breakfast additions to the resort. These three cottages, which are not part of the historic registration, will be restored with all the same attention to detail and historical reference as the main resort. In fact, Heisenbottle said the Biltmore’s new owners would consider applying for the historic registration of these cottages as the project developed.

Today's Letters: Focus on bigger picture, not parking spaces
By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Go slowly on Biltmore okays editorial, Jan. 9

It is with great pleasure that I accepted the proposal of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors to become the architect of this grand project. The Belleview Biltmore has been, and will continue to be, a property of national prominence and historical value, and Legg Mason has demonstrated the correct vision for the restoration of the property.

We have spent an enormous amount of time listening to the input of many experts, local citizens and the town leaders. It has been a large undertaking, and I believe that we have succeeded in our goal to balance the property's historical aspects, secure its market potential and functionality, and carefully protect the context of its neighborhood and residents. The future for the hotel and its surroundings is very positive.

Our proposed entrance enhancements will greatly benefit all property owners, including the Belleair Country Club. This includes having adequate and convenient guest parking. Unfortunately, the Belleair zoning code requiring 2,000 spaces is excessive and would make the project unfeasible. If this project were to be constructed in Clearwater, St. Petersburg or Tampa, parking requirements would range from 442 to 490 parking spaces.

We did engage parking consultants Timothy Haahs & Associates to assess the project's true parking demand based upon industry standards for similar resort hotels. Taking into account such factors as hotel occupancy, captive market and peak hours, they told us we have a peak demand of 553 cars and recommended a garage with a self-parking capacity of 560. (Currently there are 172 parking spaces on site)

We have chosen to exceed this recommendation and have proposed a garage with capacity for 652 cars. There will also be a valet parking capacity of 768 cars, plus overflow parking for more than 251 cars available at the golf club.

We have been extremely pleased with all the positive feedback we have received from the community, and we realize that a project of this scope and size will certainly be scrutinized by all. We are dedicated to the functionality of the property, as well as to the context of the neighborhood surrounding it. I believe that Legg Mason Real Estate Investors Inc. has assembled the best team possible, and I urge all to continue to focus on the bigger picture of saving and restoring this national treasure.

Richard J. Heisenbottle, Coral Gables

http://www.tampabaysun.com/TBS_Jan_10_08-LOW-RES.pdf
Tampa Bay Sun Newspaper January 10, 2008

Redevelopment Plan Filed for the Belleview Biltmore

By Carrie Henderson

After three long years of fighting to save the historic Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa, formal plans for its redevelopment were filed with the town of Belleair.

Originally built in 1896/97 by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant, the 820,000-square-foot hotel is the largest occupied wood frame structure in the state, and is constructed of native Florida pine wood. The property consists of 160 acres, including swimming pools, a beach club, restaurant, and an 18-hole golf course.

Located at 25 Belleview Boulevard, this "grand dame" overlooks the Clearwater Harbor. Throughout history it has welcomed presidents, royalty, movie stars and sports icons.

Fondly known as "The White Queen of the Gulf," the 111-year-old landmark was first threatened to be demolished back in November 2004 by its owner. A developer wanted to purchase the land after the hotel was destroyed. A week later a web site was launched, http://www.savethebiltmore.com, and a community outcry ensued.

A small group of residents and community supporters started to work towards saving the hotel through emails, letters and petitions. In 2005 the National Trust listed the hotel as one of the "11 Most Endangered Historic Places."

In the spring of 2005, the town decided to hire a preservation attorney after it had been determined that the Comprehensive Plan of Belleair had been written to help save and preserve the hotel. The attorney wrote a preservation ordinance, and it was completed in September 2005.

After pressure from Save the Biltmore Preservationists, a nonprofit organization, there was an amendment passed to save the public interior as well as the exterior, which is standard for most preservation ordinances. The interior areas contain wood molding, wainscoting, original Tiffany glass, heart of pine wood and more.

Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, a Los-Angeles-based subsidiary of Legg Mason asset management firm, announced in March 2007 plans to buy and restore the hotel site with hopes of transforming it into a five-star resort.

Joseph Penner, the managing director of Legg Mason, said he is hopeful that the city process is smooth and swift so they can move forward with the redevelopment plans.

"We have 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," said Penner in a press release.

Diane Hein, President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists, said the nonprofit group applauds the new renovation plans.

"We are very excited that the new owners will be renovating the entire hotel to restore it to its former glory, reminiscent up to the 1940s era," she said.

Renovation and restoration plans to return the Biltmore to its former glory days include:

A new landscaped grand entrance to the main hotel
A fully restored 256-room main hotel structure with 5 ballrooms, meeting rooms, restaurants and retail shops
A new, but architecturally consistent, 174-room annex hotel adjacent to the main hotel structure
Three restored Victorian cottages
A new one-story spa facility with underground parking
Elegantly landscaped grounds and the elimination of surface parking through the construction of underground parking
Removal of the existing "pagoda" structure at the current front entrance to the main hotel
A refurbished clubhouse, improved landscaping and parking at the Pelican Golf Club

Renditions by architect R. J. Heisenbottle

Fire department ready to protect citizens, Biltmore

By HARLAN WEIKLE

BELLEAIR – Few people will ever experience it. Even fewer will ever lose their businesses or homes to this frightening phenomenon, but the specter of fire is a visceral fear that affects all equally.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 1997 and 2006, an average of 3,760 Americans lost their lives and another 20,010 were injured annually as the result of fire.

Tuesday night, newly appointed Largo fire Chief Michael Wallace came to Belleair with some statistics of his own and the town, home to the Belleview Biltmore, which is Florida’s largest wooden structure, was listening.

Wallace grew up in Largo and has now returned to head the fire department. He directs among other units, the operations of Engine 43 which responds to fire emergencies, EMS and advanced life support – all part of a tightly woven and unique system of manpower and equipment called perpetual automatic aid.

The system, Wallace explained, allows any fireman on the street the ability to call for assistance without regard to municipal boundaries or political jurisdiction.

“In a matter of minutes I can call in as much manpower as needed simply by using the radio; and that represents a lot of firefighting capability,” Wallace said.

There are 17 departments in the county, with 68 stations from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs manned in three shifts by some 900 professional firefighters. The stations are strategically situated, separated by not more than a mile-and-a-half, which accounts for a response time that averages four minutes from first alarm to insertion, explained Wallace.

“Our goal is to arrive before the dispatcher is finished recording the call,” he said.

Addressing the pending closure and restoration of the historic Belleview Biltmore, Wallace said the department recently completed a close inspection of the structure and is satisfied that the owners have met the safety requirements called for by the National Fire Codes.

“In fact they have been very proactive in achieving this condition,” he said.

When demolition and restoration begins, the resort will be closed, said Wallace, at which time another set of code requirements for vacant structures will be in effect. Smoke detectors, variable heat sensors, the sprinkler system and remote alarm monitoring will then take over as the first line of fire defense for the landmark structure.

If a fire occurs, the chief explained, they can bring in as much firefighting power to the site as required, including a fully charged water line that surrounds the structure. In addition, he said, they have the ability to tap into the integrated water supply from nearby Morton Plant Hospital.

“No one has ever died in a fire in a sprinkler-equipped building,” Wallace said. “The best piece of advice we can give homeowners is that a sprinkler in the kitchen and one in every bedroom saves lives.”

It can cost as little as $200 per sprinkler to retrofit a home, he added.

Candidate qualifying

Two seats on the Town Commission are up for election this March. Commissioners Karla Rettstatt and Tom Shelly have both qualified to seek re-election to their respective seats. There are no declared candidates opposing either. The period for qualifying ends Friday, Jan. 11.

Today's Letters: Condo residents foresee problems

Re: Biltmore owner listens, tweaks, moves forward, story, Dec. 30

This article regarding the renovation of the Belleview Biltmore hotel included a rendering of the spa, which the developer plans to build on the site presently occupied by the hotel's tennis courts. Although there is much in the developer's plans for the hotel's renovation that meets the residents' approval, there is great concern regarding the spa.

The rendering shows a view from Belleview Boulevard of a one-story building with a dormer roof. The view the surrounding condominium buildings have is of an 80-car garage with the spa on top. Belleview Boulevard is on a ridge, and the ground to the west of the boulevard slopes sharply down to the water.

The rendering gives a false impression, in that it does not show measurements, elevations of the surrounding terrain, or indicate the other existing buildings at the site. The old hotel is immediately across Belleview Boulevard from the spa. South Garden VIII, an eight-story condominium with 62 units, is less than 100 feet south of the garage/spa just on the other side of a service road. The units on the north side of building VIII will be looking into the garage, the side of the spa or down on the roof of a large building, rather than on the present tennis courts surrounded by trees and flowering bushes.

Of particular concern is the developer's plan to locate the entrance and exit to the garage onto the service road. The headlights of cars exiting the garage at night will shine directly into the units across the service road, and the exhaust fumes and noise will be equally objectionable.

The service road is a major exit from VIII's garage and an emergency exit for South Garden VI. It is also used by trucks, moving vans, city trash vehicles, etc. The road terminates at a marina and the hotel's docks.

There is a sharp drop in elevation from the corner of Belleview Boulevard to the proposed entrance-exit of the garage less than 100 feet away. This presents a real danger to cars exiting the garage from cars coming down the hill.

The developer plans to put a restaurant in the hotel immediately across the boulevard from the spa, using the 80-car garage for patron parking. One can envision a line of cars extending down the hill from Belleview Boulevard to the garage entrance. Building VIII has owners' cars parked on the south side of the service road, and this will leave just one car width to handle traffic on the service road.

These concerns of our residents, together with a petition and photographs, have been presented to Belleair commissioners and copies given to the hotel. It is the hope of the residents that the developer will make the changes in the plans that we feel are needed.

Ralph J. Hoey, president, South Garden VIII

Re: Biltmore owner listens, tweaks, moves forward, story, Dec. 30

Guardhouse plan needs a tweak

The present location of the Biltmore guardhouse accomplishes little in providing full security to the private residents of the complex, since the public must access the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and the Belleair Country Club via the same entry point. Providing appropriate security measures for Biltmore Estates is impossible with the public and private access flowing through this singular control point.

If the Biltmore Estates are to enjoy the full security they seek, the guardhouse must be located on Belleview Boulevard at a point before the first condominium (Bayshore II) and beyond the entrance road to the hotel and country club. Such a location would render the Estates a totally private and fully secure site, while allowing unencumbered access to the public areas of the complex.

With the additional traffic that can be anticipated after the hotel renovations, there is no reason to have a security checkpoint in the current location when most of the visitors are accessing the public facilities. There are a few private homes along Belleview Boulevard that would be outside the secured area, but truth be known, they have never had full security. No resident of the Estates enjoys full security and won't until the guard shack is relocated to the aforementioned location.

In your article, you mention that project architect Richard J. Heisenbottle plans to move the guard shack slightly west to allow up to five cars to line up without obstructing access to nearby homes. With all due respect to Mr. Heisenbottle, a busy day at the resort often results in cars lined up all the way across the bridge and beyond. The guard shack has always been a bottleneck to public access in the current location and it wouldn't be if relocated.

To provide security for parking at the resort and country club would simply require the installation of a guard shack at some point on the entrance road to those facilities.

M. Van Natten, Largo

Belleview_Biltmore_ne.shtml

Belleview Biltmore needs thorough study

A Times Editorial
Published January 8, 2008

Belleair town officials and neighbors of the historic Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa have been delighted so far by the openness and flexibility of the hotel's apparent savior, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors.

Their delight should not prevent officials from putting Legg Mason through the wringer, if necessary, to make sure there are no regrets after this $100-million project is completed.

Town officials owe that kind of scrutiny to the community.

Consider, for example, the developer's parking plans.

Belleair's code normally would require almost 2,000 parking spaces for the renovated and expanded Belleview Biltmore property. However, Legg Mason wants to build only about 650. Their theory is that 2,000 spaces aren't needed because people will not use all the facilities - the hotel, the spa, the ballroom, restaurants, etc. - at one time. On special occasions when the 650 spaces aren't enough, the nearby golf course parking lot could be used for valet parking in the evening, the project architect said, boosting the total spaces to 907.

That is still less than half the parking the code requires, and that is no small variance. If Belleair's parking code is based on accepted standards of usage for facilities that will be on the Belleview Biltmore grounds, the town could create enormous problems for the surrounding community by allowing such a reduction in parking.

Local residents also are raising concerns about the placement of the hotel guard station, the height of the new spa building, and the positioning of parking garage entrances and exits.

Legg Mason has promised to retain the Belleview Biltmore's historic ambience and preserve its position on the National Register of Historic Places. The developer has met repeatedly with residents, town officials and others who care about the future of this Pinellas County landmark, and has modified the plans to satisfy concerns raised in those meetings.

Legg Mason and its architect have promised to be sensitive and to communicate openly throughout the several years it will take to complete the project after plans finally are approved.

No doubt, they are eager to get the ball rolling. However, Belleair town officials need to spend a lot of time studying every aspect of the project, particularly the requests for variances from town codes, to make sure they understand all the potential impacts and have heard the community's concerns.

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

BELLEAIR - 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.

Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, which paid $30.3-million for the hotel in June, this month filed site plan and variance applications with the town of Belleair to redevelop the hotel site.

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.

"We tried to respond to all of the suggestions that have been made by the community," project architect Richard J. Heisenbottle said.

In Belleair, a mostly upscale enclave of 4,200 people, residents value both history and green space. About a quarter of the town, which spans 2 square miles, consists of open space.

Increased traffic was one of the key concerns of residents, said Town Manager Micah Maxwell.

In response, Legg Mason proposes a left-turn lane in front of the hotel to prevent traffic backups from delaying nearby residents. And the hotel guardhouse would be moved slightly west to allow up to five cars to line up without obstructing access to nearby homes, Heisenbottle said.

Other neighbors were concerned that a new spa on the west side of the building, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, would obstruct their view, Heisenbottle said.

So Legg Mason scrapped its plans for a two-story spa and now proposes a one-story, 18,900-square-foot structure.

The owner also has discussed covering the building with a fabric-like screen during much of the construction, Fowler said, so the project wouldn't be an eyesore to nearby residents.

Joe Penner, managing director for Legg Mason of Los Angeles, has estimated renovation costs at more than $100-million. The hotel could be closed for up to two years during construction, which is slated to begin mid 2009 and end in 2011.

Legg Mason also plans to seek LEED certification for the resort. The acronym stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a designation from the U.S. Green Building Council for projects that meet environmentally responsible standards.

Town leaders also have been sensitive to the owner's concerns as it redevelops the property.

Last month, town commissioners voted to adjust building fees without passing on big hikes to large projects like the Biltmore. Instead of paying $2-million in permit fees, the Biltmore's owner will likely pay closer to $350,000, Maxwell said.

Because the project involves major redevelopment, Legg Mason must comply with current codes.

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.

In September, Penner and Heisenbottle presented plans to residents and preservationists at the Town Hall, drawing cheers and applause at times.

It was a stark contrast to two years earlier. Residents and preservationists booed and hissed when DeBartolo Development shared its plan to raze most of the hotel to build 180 condos and a village like Disney's Celebration on the hotel's golf course.

Viewing the presentation back then "was like watching your kid in a grammar school play screw up," Katica said.

For years, the fate of the Belleview Biltmore, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, had been in doubt. Twice since 2004 the hotel was threatened with demolition.

In 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the Biltmore one of America's 11 most endangered historic places.

Legg Mason's efforts and its investment have given Katica faith that the hotel will be saved this time.

"They're spending a lot of money on these plans," Katica said. "I guess I'm believing it's for real."

-Demolish pagoda entrance and build new entrance consistent with the architecture of the rest of the resort.

-Landscape grounds and replace parking lots with underground parking garages that have about 650 spaces.

-Restore hotel's main 256-room building as well as five ballrooms and meeting rooms.

-Build new five-story, 174-room hotel annex on the east side of the property.

-Restore three Victorian cottages, two to provide 12 additional hotel rooms and the third to serve as site for meetings and conferences.

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

Belleview Biltmore application filed

Rendering courtesy of lmrei

An architect’s rendering depicts the planned look of the redeveloped Belleview Biltmore Resort.

BELLEAIR – Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, Inc. filed a formal application with the town of Belleair for the redevelopment of the historic Belleview Biltmore Hotel site.

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.

The following proposed improvements to the Belleview Biltmore Hotel site are included in the plans submitted to Belleair:

• A new landscaped grand entrance to the main hotel

• A fully restored 256 room main hotel structure with five ballrooms, meeting rooms, restaurants and retail shops

• A new, but architecturally consistent, 174-room annex hotel adjacent to the main hotel structure

• Three restored Victorian cottages

• A new 1-story spa facility with underground parking

• Elegantly landscaped grounds and the elimination of surface parking through the construction of underground parking garages

• Removal of the existing pagoda structure at the current front entrance to the main hotel

• A refurbished clubhouse and improved landscaping and parking at the Pelican Golf Club.

The project will be LEED certified.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/12/02/Northpinellas/Many_shades_of_green_.shtml St. Petersburg Times December 2, 2007

Many shades of green abound in North Pinellas
By Times Staff Writer

The "green" movement is showing up in north Pinellas County in a big way. Take, for example, the recent announcement that the developers restoring the 110-year-old Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa to its former grandeur intend to spend the extra time and money to make it a "green" building.

At a news conference Nov. 19 featuring Gov. Charlie Crist, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles said that the firm will seek a special designation, called LEED certification, awarded for projects that meet a rigorous set of environmental standards. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"This resort will be reborn as a modern, energy-efficient, LEED-certified, green building," said Joe Penner, managing director for Legg Mason.

Legg Mason bought the historic Belleview Biltmore property in June for more than $30-million and expects to invest more than $100-million in the renovations. Legg Mason has said the enormous wood structure, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, will be renovated in a way that preserves its historic roots - no easy task for a building that size. The announcement that Legg Mason also intends to satisfy an exacting list of environmental standards to get green certification is just another indication of the firm's ambitious, spare-no-expense approach to the project.

Pinellas County government is already winning awards for its green efforts, and Dunedin also has ambitions when it comes to going green. The city has built a certified green building, the new Dunedin Community Center, and now has hired a "sustainability coordinator" to help the city change its approaches on everything from recycling to how it powers city vehicles. Thanks to the efforts of sustainability coordinator Valerie Lane, Dunedin employees are asked to turn off lights and unplug electronic equipment and consider riding their bikes to work. She's also seeking certification as a green city government through a laborious documentation process and is planning to work with local schools.

Largo city government has not plunged into the green movement with as much fervor as Dunedin, but the city's recycling coordinator recently visited the statewide Efest at a green master-planned community in Sarasota, where a number of speakers educated attendees on the trend toward green living. Another city employee attended a conference in Baltimore that focused on protecting and increasing the tree cover in neighborhoods.

Daily, our understanding of the destructive impact of the human footprint on the Earth increases. All individuals, businesses and governments should be finding ways to "go green."

Your voice counts

Belleview Biltmore halls are decked out for the holidays Belleair Bee December 5, 2007

BELLEAIR – More than 100 volunteers turned out for the Deck the Halls party at the Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa on Nov. 18.

The volunteers hung thousands of ornaments, hundreds of feet of garland and ribbons, decorated seven large trees and were well on their way to building 32 10-foot wooden soldiers.

Over the past two weeks, Colleen Rogers hand painted the soldiers faces while other volunteers returned to help with finishing touches throughout the hotel.

Hotel staff added 12 trees in the main hallway, one for each decade of the hotel’s 110 years of operation. The 12th is for the decade ahead and the one many believe will be the most historic ever.

The community is encouraged to visit the Belleview over the holidays to view the decorations and join in the holiday festivities.

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

Out of towners see the Belleview Biltmore Resort as a quaint get away. Locals see it as a beloved landmark and community friendly venue, akin to a country club, but without the dues and rules. Now conservation minded travelers and area residents will have another reason to support the hotel. Aside from offering prestigious lodging and dining, spa services, sports and nightlife, the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa will be joining countless others in the hospitality industry riding "The Green Wave".

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".

The LEED Green Building Rating System is the accepted national standard that promotes building design and construction practices that reduce negative environmental impacts.

LEED can be granted for attaining different levels--Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The level of certification depends upon the number of credits a building or renovation project garners in five green design categories including, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

According to Joseph Penner, LMI Director, the intent is for the resort to utilize water efficient landscape designs, energy efficient equipment and construction methods, reusable materials, ventilation improvements and various other enhancements.

"The achievement of LEED certification is an important step in the life of this magnificent historic property. 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."

BELLEAIR – Following Monday’s visit to the Belleview Biltmore by Gov. Charlie Crist, the atmosphere at Tuesday night’s Town Commission meeting was ebullient, filled with mutual praise for as well as thanks to all parties involved in the lengthy struggle to secure the sale, restoration and now the planned “greening” of the Biltmore.

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.”

Penner told the commission that the first year or so, the commercial potential of the tax savings would not be there.

“I don’t think it’s even physically possible to get the construction permits between now and the end of ’08,” he said.

Mayor Gary Katica acknowledged Penner and the other partners of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors for the reception attended by Crist Monday.

“I want to personally thank you and everybody at Legg Mason for a fabulous day yesterday; it was a classic event and I’m sure I speak for my fellow commissioners and the citizens of Belleair when I say thank you so much,” Katica said.

Penner, who was to return to California for the holiday replied, “We appreciate all the support you guys have given us. We’ll be back soon.”

In an interesting concurrence of theme, the commission also passed a resolution endorsing the Florida Green Building Coalition and its “Green City” initiative, which is aimed at improving the long term quality of the environment by exercising alternative solutions for energy efficiency among participating Florida municipalities. The resolution passed 4-0; Commissioner Stephanie Oddo was absent.

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.

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.

Gov. Charlie Crist Monday shared in the celebration with Biltmore supporters, historic preservationists and a gathering of elected officials on the scenic back porch, which was the original entrance of the hotel Henry B. Plant built in 1896.

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.”

Noting that Florida is vulnerable to the effects of dramatic climate change, the governor emphasized the importance of protecting the state’s natural beauty, which plays a crucial role in its most valuable economic asset – the tourism industry.

“My focus is on Florida,” Crist said. “The Belleview Biltmore is a fixture in this community and its preservation is crucial to our cultural legacy. It’s our duty to take care of national historic sites.”

Asked if he had ever stayed at the Biltmore, Crist replied, “You mean overnight? No, but I’ve been here on many occasions.”

Looking typically tanned and dapper in a blue business suit, the governor warmly greeted several Belleair citizens, members of the town commission and county representatives in attendance with handshakes and hugs.

With the Biltmore lingering under threat of demolition for the past few years, John Hildreth of the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that the Biltmore will be removed from the trust’s Most Endangered Places list, where it was placed in 2005, and will serve as what he called “a national model” for others.

“We celebrate the change in status of the Belleview Biltmore,” said Hildreth. “The Biltmore is now in the hands of people who want to do the right thing … though it took a circuitous route to get to this point.”

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.

In a best-case scenario, outside site work could begin in the first quarter of 2009, Penner said, with the hotel closing in early summer 2009 and reopening for business two years later in 2011.

Asked to answer lingering skeptics who doubt the Biltmore truly will be restored for future generations to cherish, Penner said, “We are trying to do something good for the community. We buy properties that are troubled and fix them. Maybe the day the hotel opens, people will believe it.”

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.

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.

Crist commended Legg Mason Investments for plans to meet green standards and also for their preservation efforts of the historic landmark. "Today is an important day for one of Florida's most historic sites…The Belleview Biltmore is a fixture in this community and its preservation is crucial to our culture and historical industries. I commend Legg Mason's concern for the environment and commitment to restoring the resort in a way that will help preserve Florida's beautiful natural environment."

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.

Crist embraced the Green Lodging Program in July at Florida's Summit for Global Climate Change when he signed Executive Order 07-126 that requires state agencies to conduct meetings and conferences at hotels participating in the program whenever possible.

Crist warmly greeted attendees gathered at the hotel for the conference before leaving to tour a green Sarasota County office complex and receive an award from Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Barbetta for his leadership in addressing global climate change through reduced carbon emissions, increased energy conservation and use of renewal energy.

Despite the work of determined preservation groups, the 110-year-old hotel was in danger of being demolished until Legg Mason purchased it, and committed to renovating, not razing it. Aside from being one of Florida's only remaining Victorian hotels, the Belleview Biltmore also has the distinction of being the largest, continually occupied wooden structure in the world still in use for its original purpose and has played hostess to several American Presidents, royalty, and celebrities.

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.

Later in the evening the public attended a presentation of the plans in the Hotel's Tiffany Ballroom.

CRIST LAUDS PROJECT AT BELLEVIEW BILTMORE

The new owners of the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa are taking steps to make the renovation of the 110-year-old landmark environmentally friendly.

At a news conference Monday, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles announced its plans to seek "LEED" certification for the resort.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The designation is supplied by the U.S. Green Building Council for buildings that meet a lengthy set of environmentally responsible standards.

Legg Mason paid nearly $30.3-million for the landmark in June. Renovations will take about 21/2 years. The cost is likely to exceed $100-million, said Joe Penner, the managing director.

Gov. Charlie Crist was at the news conference at the hotel's original entrance to thank the key players for their desire to preserving the structure while protecting the environment.

"I grew up in Pinellas County," Crist said. "This is home. And, you know, when you grow up in a place as pretty as this, you want to try to make sure it's protected, that you take care of it, that you do the right thing in the process."

WOODEN ICON BREATHES NEW GREEN LIFE

The governor endorses the energy efficiency project of the new owners of the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa.

The new owners of the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa are taking steps to make the renovation of the 110-year-old landmark environmentally friendly.

At a news conference Monday, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles announced their plans to seek "LEED" certification for the resort.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The designation is supplied by the U.S. Green Building Council for buildings that meet a lengthy set of environmentally responsible standards.

"We're here today to set the stage for the future, and I can tell you it's a grand vision. This resort will be reborn as a modern energy-efficient, LEED-certified, green building while retaining all of its historical significance and its grandeur," said Joe Penner, managing director for Legg Mason.

Legg Mason paid nearly $30.3-million for the landmark in June. Renovations will take about 21/2 years. The cost is likely to exceed $100-million, Penner said.

Gov. Charlie Crist was at the press conference at the hotel's original entrance to thank the key players for their commitment to preserving the structure while protecting the environment.

"I grew up in Pinellas County," Crist said. "This is home. And, you know, when you grow up in a place as pretty as this, you want to try to make sure it's protected, that you take care of it, that you do the right thing in the process."

Crist noted the importance of sharing the historic landmark with future generations, as well as the economic impact places such as the Biltmore have on Florida's tourism industry.

Penner outlined some of the ways his team - including Heisenbottle Architects of Coral Gables - will seek certification.

The existing electrical, heating and cooling systems will be replaced with updated, energy-efficient versions.

Salvageable materials will be reused. And current asphalt parking lots will be replaced with an underground garage to create more green space.

Building "green" makes sense, Penner said. Although construction and materials can be more expensive up front, decreased operating costs mean savings in the long run.

"At the end of the day, you do recoup that savings over time, and, in reality, it's the right thing. For a property of this caliber, this type of feeling, to create something that will be a modern green building for the future," Penner said.

"Will it cost more? Yes," he said. "Is it worth it in the long run? Absolutely. We want something we can really look back on and be proud of."

John Hildreth, director of the southern office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, lauded preservation efforts that focus on environmental sustainability.

"We believe that the greenest building is the one that already exists," Hildreth said. "We believe, as well, that traditional preservation practices are compatible with environmentally sound building principals."

In 2005, the Biltmore was placed on the organization's list of 11 most endangered historic places.

Hildreth said he hopes to return someday to see the resort atop a different list: the National Trust's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, which honors unique communities committed to preservation.

Rita Farlow can be reached at farlow@sptimes.com or (727) 445- 4162.

Fast facts

The Belleview Biltmore owners

Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles:

- Provides "creative and flexible" commercial real estate financing.

- Part of publicly traded Legg Mason Inc., the world's fifth largest asset manager, with assets of more than $800-billion

The "green" movement is showing up in North Pinellas County in a big way.

Take, for example, this week's major announcement that the developers restoring the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa to its former grandeur intend to spend the extra time and money to make it a "green" building.

At a news conference Monday featuring Gov. Charlie Crist, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles said that the firm will seek a special designation, called LEED certification, awarded for projects that meet a rigorous set of environmental standards. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"This resort will be reborn as a modern, energy-efficient, LEED- certified, green building," said Joe Penner, managing director for Legg Mason.

Legg Mason bought the historic Belleview Biltmore property in June for more than $30-million and expects to invest more than $100- million in the renovations. Legg Mason has said the enormous wood structure, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, will be renovated in a way that preserves its historic roots - no easy task for a building that size. The announcement that Legg Mason also intends to satisfy an exacting list of environmental standards to get green certification is just another indication of the firm's ambitious, spare-no-expense approach to the project.

Dunedin also has ambitions when it comes to going green. The city already has built a certified green building, the new Dunedin Community Center, and now has hired a "sustainability coordinator" to help the city change its approaches on everything from recycling to how it powers city vehicles.

As sustainability coordinator, Valerie Lane will have influence in big and small ways. For example, thanks to her efforts, city employees are asked to turn off lights and unplug electronic equipment and consider riding their bikes to work. She's also seeking certification as a green city government through a laborious documentation process and planning to work with local schools. For more information about Dunedin's efforts, check the city Web site at www.dunedingov.com and click on Sustainability Program on the left side of the screen.

The announcements from Legg Mason and Dunedin are just the leading edge. Daily, our understanding of the destructive impact of the human footprint on the earth increases. All individuals, businesses and governments should be finding ways to "go green."

Gov. Charlie Crist continues to promote environmentally friendly building throughout Florida, making stops Monday in Pinellas and Sarasota counties to recognize efforts there. Crist visited the 110-year-old Belleview Biltmore Hotel, which will be renovated by Legg Mason Real Estate Investors according to standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

"The Belleview Biltmore is a fixture in this community and its preservation is crucial to our culture and historical industries," Crist said, according to a release. "I commend Legg Mason's concern for the environment and commitment to restoring the resort in a way that will help preserve Florida's beautiful natural environment." Officials with Legg Mason said their goal is to get a designation as a "green lodging" destination by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, a program launched in 2004 that provides environmental guidelines for hotels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution.

As part of the announcement, John Hildreth with the National Trust for Historic Preservation said that the Belleview Biltmore would be removed from the organization's Registry of Most Endangered Buildings. The Belleview Biltmore is one of the largest, continually occupied wood structures in the country, and over the past 100 years has hosted heads of state, movie stars and even British royalty.

Crist also toured the Twin Lakes Green Building, Sarasota County's first LEED-certified building. It is a retrofitted older building made to be more energy efficient and renovated with sustainable materials.

The building is home to the University of Florida-Sarasota County Extension offices and has been awarded a gold-level LEED certification. The new construction manages storm water runoff to limit erosion, utilizes recycled and local materials, and institutes measures for conserving water - including rainwater collection - low-valve fixtures and native plants.

BELLEAIR – The cost of the restoration of the Belleview Biltmore, which has been estimated by owners Legg Mason Real Estate Investors to be in the neighborhood of $100 million, makes it one of the largest private building projects in the county and certainly the largest in Belleair.

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.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/1386539561.html?dids=1386539561:1386539561&FMT=FT&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Nov+21%2C+2007&author=&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&edition=&startpage=2&desc=GOING+GREEN+GAINS+MOMENTUM+IN+COUNTY

The "green" movement is showing up in North Pinellas County in a big way.

Take, for example, this week's major announcement that the developers restoring the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa to its former grandeur intend to spend the extra time and money to make it a "green" building.

At a news conference Monday featuring Gov. Charlie Crist, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles said that the firm will seek a special designation, called LEED certification, awarded for projects that meet a rigorous set of environmental standards. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"This resort will be reborn as a modern, energy-efficient, LEED- certified, green building," said Joe Penner, managing director for Legg Mason.

Legg Mason bought the historic Belleview Biltmore property in June for more than $30-million and expects to invest more than $100- million in the renovations. Legg Mason has said the enormous wood structure, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, will be renovated in a way that preserves its historic roots - no easy task for a building that size. The announcement that Legg Mason also intends to satisfy an exacting list of environmental standards to get green certification is just another indication of the firm's ambitious, spare-no-expense approach to the project.

Dunedin also has ambitions when it comes to going green. The city already has built a certified green building, the new Dunedin Community Center, and now has hired a "sustainability coordinator" to help the city change its approaches on everything from recycling to how it powers city vehicles.

As sustainability coordinator, Valerie Lane will have influence in big and small ways. For example, thanks to her efforts, city employees are asked to turn off lights and unplug electronic equipment and consider riding their bikes to work. She's also seeking certification as a green city government through a laborious documentation process and planning to work with local schools. For more information about Dunedin's efforts, check the city Web site at www.dunedingov.com and click on Sustainability Program on the left side of the screen.

The announcements from Legg Mason and Dunedin are just the leading edge. Daily, our understanding of the destructive impact of the human footprint on the earth increases. All individuals, businesses and governments should be finding ways to "go green."

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.

Legg Mason’s goal is to return the magnificent wooden structure to its former glory and achieve a four- to-five star hotel rating. Plans include restoring the hotel and surrounding historic homes in accordance with Department of Interior – U. S. Park Service preservation standards, removal of the pagoda-like front entrance, removal of the aluminum siding, adding an underground parking facility, a new spa, the creation of a park surrounding the hotel and a façade easement to protect the hotel forever.

The public is invited to view the plans at a 6 p.m. reception on Nov. 19 in the Tiffany Ballroom.

“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.”

Legg Mason paid nearly $30.3-million for the landmark in June.

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

Belleair Commission Views Plans For Restoring Historic Treasure
by Anne McKay Garris

For three long years, the people of Belleair have struggled with what's to become of the 110-year-old Belleview Biltmore Hotel, a historic structure which has always been the focal point of the Town of Belleair. Several plans to replace the building which was, at one time, the world's largest wooden building under one roof, have been vigorously opposed by both Belleair residents and others in surrounding cities.

Finally, last Tuesday night, there was a proposal which earned eager bursts of applause from the more than 150 citizens assembled in the Commission Chambers at Belleair City Hall. The first cheers were for the removal of the vastly unpopular pagoda style entrance placed on the Victorian style hotel several years ago. Legg Mason Real Estate Investors are the new owners of the Biltmore property. Joseph Pender, managing director of Legg Mason, shared his company's vision of creating a true historic renovation.

"We envision," he said, "that this will be a resort and convention center which can compete nationally."

But it will be much more. While restoring the facade and ambiance of the historic hotel, the company plans to make it an environmentally friendly property. They will not only place all of the parking underground, they will operate the hotel in keeping with the best environmental practices using energy efficient methods approved by the environmental organization, Leaves.

Richard Heisenbottle, a Coral Gables architect whose firm specializes in historical restoration, is the architect for the project. He described some of the major changes contemplated.

"We choose difficult projects," he said. "They are so much fun."

According to Heisenbottle, plans contemplate removing the existing spa and replacing it with a 10,000 square foot ballroom space, big enough for events and conventions. The pool area will be changed from just a pool, to an "event pool" just below the current outdoor restaurant. There will also be other event oriented areas including tennis courts, and a wedding gazebo.

The four Victorian style "cottages" on the campus will be restored and used for meeting spaces or rentals, "Maybe a wedding party would like to rent one of them for the week-end," said Heisenbottle. Also retained and restored will be the popular Tiffany Room and the downstairs pub. A five star dining room will be added.

The golf course and club house, located down Indian Rocks Road from the Hotel Campus, are included in the plans for improvement as is the Belleview Biltmore property located on Sand Key. A new hotel and cabanas will replace the restaurant and swimming pool now located on the Sand Key property and the company hopes to reinstate the historic tradition of providing a launch to take hotel visitors directly across Clearwater Bay to the beach. An oldtimer in the audience pointed out that the launch tradition was so old that the "launch" originally was powered by sail.

Representatives from several historic preservation organizations and local museums spoke to congratulate Belleair on the considerable effort which had brought them to this point. Others referred to work, still to be done, on tax credits and comprehensive plans. No one spoke to oppose the plan.

Clearwater architect, Stephan Fowler, a member of the Belleair Town Commission for ten years, expressed his delight with the project.

"As an architect, I am absolutely delighted that they are getting rid of that new front," he said, "and the most exciting part of the plan, for me, is they are saving the cottages. They are a charming representation of the Victorian times and they were the sacrificial lambs on all previous plans."

Asked what he thought were the chances of the plan actually coming to fruition, Fowler said, "Town officials and my fellow commissioners show every indication of wanting to make this happen. I believe it will be a major destination resort, of regional, if not national reputation."

Thanks to Kay Norred of our local Pinellas County TV station for interviewing us at the Biltmore entrance in regards to the new renovation plans. Click here http://www.pinellascounty.org/inside_pinellas.htm and then click on
Inside Pinellas streaming video. The Biltmore segment is about five minutes into the show. October 2007

The south side of the Biltmore will feature a new swimming pool and cabanas.

Biltmore design captivates audience

By HARLAN WEIKLE

Article published on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007

The south side of the Biltmore will feature a new swimming pool and cabanas.

BELLEAIR – To anyone attending the presentation of the Belleview Biltmore restoration plans by Legg Mason Real Estate Investors on Sept. 19, it was evident that this was a plan the town could love.

Armed with richly illustrated renderings and detailed plan views, some of which project architect Richard Heisenbottle admitted were still works in progress just the evening before, the team headed by LMREI CEO Joseph Penner, treated a standing room only crowd to their first look at the group’s vision for the historic resort.

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.”

Virginia Donahue, who lives just two doors from the Biltmore Golf Club said, “This was a very professional presentation. It’s going to be beautiful, it was the best town meeting I’ve ever been to.”

Donahue who occasionally played piano during Sunday brunch at the club was excited that it was among the featured elements of the resort, which were to be restored.

“I talked to Chuck Eade, the manager of the golf club and he told me, ‘I’ll be sure to get the piano back,’” Donahue said.

The restoration project, which will require closing the resort in mid 2009 and should be complete in 2011, will cost an estimated $100 million according to Penner, who told the audience the plan is to restore the Biltmore to its former glory reminiscent of the 1940s era.

Among the many new features touted by the architect: a 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. A new spa will rise over underground parking where the current tennis courts are situated.

Heisenbottle displayed a rendering of a new grand entrance boulevard lined with Queen Palm, which will lead motorists to a roundabout and beyond to the hotel’s new main entrance; the current pagoda of glass with its vaulted roof line will be replaced with a new entrance more in keeping with the Biltmore’s traditional green roof style.

“There will be event lawns everywhere,” said Heisenbottle, “for weddings and picnics or just for couples to stroll in.”

The crowd applauded wildly when the architect confirmed that the resort’s green space was a special interest for the designer team.

Mayor Gary Katica said of the meeting, “Just listening to the response of the people and their intermittent applause and the cheers was the highlight of the evening. The only downside if any is that the hotel will be closed while construction takes place.”

Katica said the closure was understandable.

“A project of this magnitude can’t be accomplished overnight,” he said.

Biltmore plans in sync with the resort's fans

The unveiling of a developer's concepts for a restored Belleview Biltmore Resort has fans of that historic structure celebrating. And why not? Pinellas County came close to losing the 110-year-old hotel - to either condo developers or wood rot - and now, if promised plans are delivered, it has a real future as a resort that retains its historic value while also providing the needs of modern vacationers.

At a public meeting last week, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles, the new owners of the hotel, showed off artist's renderings and listed the work that is planned for the property.

Those renderings showed the primary hotel structure looking much as it does today, minus the offensive pagoda entrance constructed by a wrongheaded former owner. That was no doubt comforting to those who worried that some developer might ruin the Belleview Biltmore, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

However, it was clear from Legg Mason's presentation that there will be many changes to the property to make it a viable resort product. For example, the old spa and hotel kitchen will be demolished, underground parking garages will be built, a new pool will be put in behind the hotel, a new 10,000-square-foot ballroom will be constructed where the old spa is now, a new two-story spa will overlook the Intracoastal Waterway, hotel rooms will be combined to create larger rooms, a new banquet facility will be constructed, the golf clubhouse will be renovated, and the entire property, including the golf course, will get new landscaping and walkways.

Most significantly, a 160-room hotel annex will be built to boost the total number of rooms on the property from the current 244 to more than 400.

And out on the hotel's Sand Key beach property, the trouble-plagued Cabana Club will be torn down - no one will miss it - and replaced with an eight-story hotel that may have a seafood restaurant overlooking the gulf.

Legg Mason representatives said the total cost of the Belleview Biltmore project will be $100-million and probably will take as much as four years to complete. The goal, those representatives said, is not just to save the Belleview Biltmore, but one day to have it qualify as a five-star resort.

If the California company pulls that off, it will win the gratitude of all those in Pinellas who have mourned the loss of the county's historic buildings in the past several decades and have feared for the future of the Belleview Biltmore.

As the plans progress, locals will want reassurance that all of the new construction Legg Mason plans, particularly the hotel annex, will be true to the hotel's period architecture and that the entire project will be designed to limit traffic impacts and preserve green space. They will want to see the plans, and they will want to participate in public discussions of those plans. Even after all approvals for the project have been granted, Legg Mason should plan to provide the public with regular updates on the construction.

Because if the company doesn't already know this, it soon will: Legg Mason may be the legal owner of the Belleview Biltmore, but Pinellas residents feel the place belongs to them.

September 21, 2007

GRAND HOTEL, GRAND PLAN
[STATE Edition]

St. Petersburg Times - St. Petersburg, Fla.
Author: TERRI BRYCE REEVES; LORRI HELFAND

People in Belleair cheer a new proposal to restore Belleview Biltmore Resort.

Anne Garris gazed at the proposed restoration of the Belleview Biltmore Resort and declared, "Why, it looks just like it used to."

Gone would be the Japanese pagoda lobby, the musty old spa and the soul-deadening parking lot. Coming would be classic Victorian styling, larger rooms and more green space.

The resulting retro look reminded Garris of her days exploring the palatial wooden structure in its heyday in the 1940s.

"It was so beautiful - and huge," she said. "I'm so glad they're keeping it and not tearing it down."

She was one of