History of the Hotel                        Memberships               Newspaper Articles                  Message Board               Photos of the Biltmore    
 
 

Welcome to the Belleview Biltmore Updates.  I, Diane Hein, send these out on a regular basis, either once a month or every other month depending on events. This keeps Biltmore supporters, the news media, preservation organizations and others updated on what is going in regards to preserving this glorious Victorian hotel now that it is saved!  If you would like to be on our mailing list click:   Email Me Diane Hein, President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists. Allow 24 to 48 hours to be put on the Belleview Biltmore Mailing List.  

Please note that the demolition of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel has been stopped AND THE BILTMORE IS SAVED!

Dear Save the Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others:

THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE IS GOING GREEN!
Many exciting events have happened at the Biltmore in the past few months including a news conference with Florida Governor Charlie Crist in November 2007!  It was held at the Biltmore and also included new owner Legg Mason Real Estate's managing director Joseph Penner and John Hildreth from National Trust.  Speaking from the stairs of the hotel's original porch entrance, Mr. Penner announced plans for seeking the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the 110 year old Biltmore.  Governor Crist applauded these new green building plans:  “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.”  "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.” 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."

The above quote is from the Belleair Bee from the article "Crist gives thumbs up to Biltmore Plans" by Chary Southmayd Wednesday, November 21, 2007:
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/112107_bee-01.txt   For full article.



In above photo, Governor Charlie Crist, left, chats with Joe Penner, managing director of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors

BILTMORE TIE TACK/LAPEL PIN:
Our nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists presented Governor Crist with a sterling silver Biltmore tie tack/lapel pin as a thank you gift for his coming to the Biltmore in November.  You may also order this tie tack/lapel pin in sterling silver or gold at  http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm#Tie%20Tack/Pin It may also be used as a lady's pin.  This is the actual size of the lapel pin.

OTHER RECENT NEWS ARTICLES:

Wooden icon breathes new green life

By Rita Farlow St. Petersburg Times  November 20, 2007 

For full article click:

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/1385742161.html?dids=1385742161:1385742161&FMT=FT&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Nov+20%2C+2007&author=RITA+FARLOW&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&edition=&startpage=1&desc=WOODEN+ICON+BREATHES+NEW+GREEN+LIFE

"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."  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.
 

"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."

Hoteliers Offer Another Reason to Support the Biltmore
By Renee Burrell
http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20071129/biltmore.html  
Clearwater Gazette, November 29, 2007
"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."



In above photo from left to right, John Hildreth of National Trust, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Legg Mason managing director Joseph Penner

FORMAL APPLICATION APPLIED FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT PLANS:In December, Legg Mason Real Estate filed a formal application for the new renovation plans for the historic Belleview Biltmore Hotel site so we are very pleased to see this next step.  I was asked for a comment for this article so thank you to reporter Carrie Henderson. To read an excellent synopsis of the last three years to save the Biltmore and the exciting new redevelopment plans read: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
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

PINELLAS COUNTY PRESERVATION TASK FORCE MEETING:

Pinellas County Commissioner Karen Seel, chair.
Preservation Task Force sees Biltmore plans
By HARLAN WEIKLE

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

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

"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.

2007 BILTMORE GINGERBREAD HOUSE AWARD!
Chef Etienne and Chef Hueppi of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel created a holiday gingerbread house for the Festival of Trees in Clearwater in November 2007 and won a first place ribbon!   It took 16 man-hours to complete, and it was a popular stop at the show with children posing in front of it for their parents to photograph them.   And of course the fragrant ginger aroma brought many people over to this edible house! The chefs have won a first place award twice in the past four years.  



For a larger photo of the gingerbread house click: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/Belleview%20Biltmore%20Hotel%20Gingerbread%20House%20Festival%20of%20Trees%202007.htm


INTERVIEW WITH JACK HARRIS:
We want to thank radio personality Jack Harris of Tampa Bay radio station WFLA 970 A.M for inviting us to speak with him in November.  Our vice president Ed Jameson was interviewed.

VINTAGE PHOTOS:
We want to thank new Biltmore supporter Jim Pysz for his 1943 photos of his father Chester Pysz, when he was stationed at the Biltmore.  Mr. Pysz (from Michigan) was at the Belleview Biltmore in World War II when the hotel housed military service people where they trained. The hotel was closed to tourism at that time.  All the windows were painted black in order to prevent it from being seen at night. Mr. Pysz served in the United States Air Force and was a radio operator/gunner on a B-26 bomber 320th bomb group - 441 squadron (62 combat missions) 



To view two other photos from 1943 click: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BiltmorePhotos_Broad_Band.htm  and keep scrolling down the page.  They are in black and white.  We are always looking for vintage historic photos of the Biltmore especially of the INTERIOR of the hotel before World War II.  If you have any, please forward them to me, and I can post them to our Biltmore web site.  Unfortunately all the antique furniture was sold when the troops were stationed there, so it would be wonderful to have any old photos of the interior of the hotel before this was done.

2008 BILTMORE CALENDAR:
A one page 8.5 x 11 inch 2008 Biltmore calendar is available at our online store.


CHARM HER WITH A BILTMORE CHARM!
Valentine's Day is only a few weeks away so a Biltmore charm in 14 K gold or sterling silver (nontarnishing) is the perfect gift for your favorite Valentine.  For a Valentine for him, we have a sterling or gold tie tack/lapel pin as indicated in the photo at the top of this page.   Either gift is a beautiful way to keep the glow of the Biltmore out in public!



This is the actual size of the gold and silver charm.



The charm may also be used as a keychain!  

Or give your special Valentine a membership to help us continue promoting the Biltmore.

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm  The actual size of the certificate which includes the member's name is 8.5 by 11 inches.

CLOSING THOUGHTS:
The Biltmore is moving forward into a wonderful new era of renovations in 2009 that will eventually restore her to her glory reminiscent of the 1940's and yet she is also going green. So this will be a wonderful time for the hotel to combine the old with the new.   Schedule your next meeting, wedding, conference or vacation at the Belleview Biltmore to ensure her walk continues at a steady pace into an exciting new future.  http://www.BelleviewBiltmore.com

Sincerely,


Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists
http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com     
Dedicated to saving all four wings of the hotel since 2004 

Biltmore Hotel Update Thursday, November 1, 2007
 

 

Dear Biltmore Supporters, New Media and Others,

 

BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL RENOVATION PLANS
The new renovation plans by new Belleview Biltmore hotel owner Legg Mason Real Estate Investors'  was presented to Belleair town officials and the public on Wednesday, September 19, 2007.  LMREI CEO Joseph Penner and architect R. J. Heisenbottle did the presentation. The plans are outstanding and will restore the White Queen of the Gulf!  There are many articles below describing the new plans.  I have included some information from each article, but if you want to read the restoration plans in more detail, then just click on the links.  Here are the two beautiful rendered drawings for the new front entrance and and reflecting pool with cabanas by R. J. Heisenbottle Architects.
 

 

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

Belleview Biltmore to shine once more
BY HARLAN WEIKLE  Click link for jpg rendering of the new entryway of the Biltmore

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.  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.”

 

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.

 

http://tbnweekly.com/content_articles/092607_bee-01.txt       Belleair Bee September 26, 2007

Biltmore design captivates audience
By HARLAN WEIKLE  Click link for jpg rendering of the new pool area for the Biltmore

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.  The restoration project, 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.

 

http://tbo.com/video/xml/MGBXR99NS6F.html  VIDEO!  September 19, 2007 Please wait up to 25 seconds before the video downloads.  NBC TV Channel 8 local Tampa Bay news by Peter Bernard.   The representative of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors Joseph Penner, the architect Richard Heisenbottle, as well as our vice president Ed Jameson of Save the Biltmore Preservationists are all interviewed in this VIDEO segment!  So be sure to click on this link!!

 

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/1339558521.html?dids=1339558521:1339558521&FMT=FT&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+21%2C+2007&author=TERRI+BRYCE+REEVES%3BLORRI+HELFAND&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&edition=&startpage=1&desc=GRAND+HOTEL%2C+GRAND+PLAN

 

ST. PETERSBURG TIMES  (our vice president of our nonprofit organization Ed Jameson was also interviewed for this article)  Date: Sep 21, 2007

GRAND HOTEL, GRAND PLAN

Author: TERRI BRYCE REEVES; LORRI HELFAND

"We're preserving a legacy for future generations," said Joe Penner, managing director for Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles. Legg Mason paid nearly $30.3-million for the landmark in June.  Penner predicted the restored hotel will one day be a five-star resort, "one we can all be proud of."

 

The ballrooms, dining room and pub would receive major renovations. The total number of resort rooms would go from about 244 today to about 435. Some rooms, small by today's standards, would be combined.  One key aspect of the project is parking. The "asphalt will go away," he said.  Instead, motorists will enter through a rabbit-hole-like entrance where a valet will drive their cars to one of two underground motor courts. A one-story garage with 74 spaces will go under where tennis courts exist today. The other subsurface spaces will be two levels, with 600 parking spots. Those will be built under the current parking lot.  With the surface parking gone, there will be more green space, trees and walking trails, he said.

 

Heisenbottle described a "grand entrance" with palm and shade trees, fountains and a Victorian-style porte-cochere. The lobby will be a "soaring three stories" and built in traditional Victorian style.  The golf clubhouse will also get a makeover with a new porte- cochere, locker rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, bar and grill room.  Nearby, a 7,000-square-foot banquet room will be built to overlook the lake and fountain.

 

The golf course will see more trees and landscaping, he said. Since it was renovated about three years ago, Heisenbottle said he didn't anticipate any interruption in tee times during construction.

 

Also proposed is a new five-story hotel annex that will contain 160 rooms. It's slated to go in the location of the original dormitory building that was torn down years ago.  "It will be very similar in style to the original hotel," he said.  A 10,000-square-foot ballroom will be built in the location of the current spa.  A new swimming pool, flanked with cabanas, will take the place of the old one on the south side of the property. There will be a new poolside grill and bar. Nearby will be a large event lawn with a wedding gazebo.

 

There will be a new tennis area with two courts built atop the underground garage on the east side of the property. The existing courts will be replaced with an 18,000-square-foot, two-story health spa overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.  The three cottages will be renovated and the new green shingle roof "will be fixed forever," Heisenbottle said.

 

The Cabana Club, the resort's beach club on Sand Key, will be demolished and in its place will be an eight-story hotel with 57 units, a new pool and a dozen or so cabanas. The second floor may contain a seafood restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Plans call for a boat to shuttle guests back and forth across the Intracoastal Waterway.  Heisenbottle's presentation drew plenty of applause.

 

Ed Jameson, vice president of Save the Biltmore Preservationists, applauded the developer's plans, but worried about closing the hotel for up to two years during renovations.  "Hotels and other vacant property can be more vulnerable to damage from fire, gas, water, electrical, hurricanes and vandalism during renovations," he said. He suggested either the town or Legg Mason provide 24-hour, round-the-clock security for the property.

 

(READERS PLEASE NOTE!  The Belleview Biltmore Hotel will be open for some 18 months before any major renovation plans begin!!  It will NOT close until May 2009. So rest assured you may STILL make reservations for vacations, meetings, conferences, weddings for many months! http://www.BelleviewBiltmore.com

 

 

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20070927/biltmore.html  

Click above link for TWO LARGE jpg renderings of the new designs for the Biltmore, pool area and new entrance      Clearwater Gazette September 27, 2007

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

Joseph Penner, 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."   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.

 

TV Bay News 9 Laurie Davison and CBS channel 10/12 also did interviews about Legg Mason's renovation plans and with our vice president Ed Jameson, but did NOT have any online articles to read or view but we thank them for their coverage.

 

 

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=2E0A169631E953A2281162583EC11C00?contentId=4406230&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1  Click link for full story  September 19, 2007

 

FOX 13 TV NEWS  Our vice president Ed Jameson was also interviewed for the TV segment the video clip is not available online.  They did show a jpg photo of the drawing for the renovations on TV  September 19, 2007

 

"We believe that we have designed a project which honors Belleair's past, and which will make the community extremely proud," said Joseph Penner, with Legg Mason, the group that designed the project.

 

http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBXIRMQS6F.html  Click link for full story TAMPA TRIBUNE   September 20, 2007

Belleview Biltmore Buyers Vow $100 Million Facelift
 

The restoration will be environmentally friendly and in keeping with federal preservation standards, said Joseph Penner, managing director of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles, which bought the resort in June for more than $30 million.

 

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

 

And last but not least, thanks to Jack Harris radio host of 970 WFLA for announcing ahead of time the meeting in Belleair for the renovation plans. 

 

CELEBRITY ELLEN DEGENERES
Thanks to Biltmore supporter and Clearwater Gazette reporter Renee Burrell for telling me about this! Celebrity and TV talk show hostess Ellen DeGeneres is sponsoring a contest in which she is on the hunt for America's best hometown! Will it be Belleair's where the famous and now saved Belleview Biltmore Hotel is!?  You can help Ellen choose Yes to Belleair by voting online at http://ellen.aol.com/profile/fl/belleair/claim+to+fame/largest+occupied+wooden+structure/   Just vote "yes" near the photo where it says "I like this profile"  You can help Belleair and its Victorian Belleview Biltmore become famous and bring in tourists long into the future!

 

http://clearwatergazette.com/20071004/cabana.html    Clearwater Gazette October 4, 2007 
Musicians Help Provide Fun Filled Nights at the Cabana Grill
By Renee Burrell

 

If you are up for a night of top-shelf dining and dancing, head over to the Cabana Grill on Sand Key. (Readers, the Cabana Grill is part of the Biltmore Hotel) You may have heard about French Chef Alain's menu there, but did you know about the live music and dancing? A musical duo comprised of vocalist Carol Mitchell, who many remember from the Clearwater Beach Hotel, and talented musician Eric Enfield, who sings and plays keyboards, guitar, and drums, make up "Two for the Show". Mitchell and Enfield play a variety of pop, blues, jazz and R & B standards nightly from 7-11 p.m.

 

HOLIDAYS AT THE BILTMORE
There are many very festive days and nights planned for the upcoming holiday season!  Be sure to click on the links and participate or stay at the Belleview Biltmore for any or all of them!

 

THANKSGIVING AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE:  Thursday, November 22, 2007
For more details and the menu click here: http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/Thanksgiving.html

 

CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE:  Tuesday, December 25, 2007
For more details, special Victorian package and the menu click here:   http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/Christmas.html

 

NEW YEAR'S EVE AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE:  Tuesday, December 31, 2007
For more details, special weekend package and the menu click here:  http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/NewYearsEve.html

 

OUR ONLINE GIFT STORE:
Be sure to order your gold or silver charm of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel at our beautiful and extensive Online Gift Shop:
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm  We also offer Biltmore T-shirts and watercolor prints.  The Christmas and Hanukkah holiday season is only two months away, so shop early for friends and family! 

 

NEW FUND RAISING IDEA!
We are now offering a brand new and exciting option for fund raising to help us promote the Biltmore! YOU can just send us a jpg file of your family, pets, children, club or favorite vacation photo, and WE will put it on a T-shirt, tote bag OR a sugar cookie!  You may also put text on them too like a person's name! You may order one T-shirt or tote bag at a time or as many as you want with your OWN photo!!  We have a minimum order of one dozen sugar cookies with YOUR own family, pet, club or vacation photo. The cookies have edible icing that will show your photo beautifully.  See our online store for more ordering information and sample pictures of how to put your own family photos on T-shirts, tote bags and our edible photo sugar cookies.
 

 

BILTMORE ROOF:

At the Code Enforcement Meeting Tuesday October 30, 2007 it was decided that the Biltmore roof will be removed and replaced when the hotel closes May 2009.
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/103107_bee-01.txt  Belleair Bee

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Belleview Biltmore to close May 2009

By HARLAN WEIKLE 

"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."  Click link above to read full article.

 

NEW BILTMORE SUPPORTERS:
We welcome all new Biltmore supporters to my mailing list and especially Albert Sorrie, all the way from Greenock, Scotland!  Mr. Sorrie has stayed at the Biltmore and wrote us that he and his family had a lovely time.

 

CLOSING COMMENTS

The White Queen of the Gulf has an exciting future ahead for her with these beautiful new renovation plans.  Beautiful dreams do come true when people and persistence work together.

 

Sincerely,

 

Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists
http://www.savethebiltmore.com

 

P.S.
MEMBERSHIPS
Click here and join us right now or give a membership gift, perfect for the holidays.
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm

Biltmore Update, Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Save the Biltmore Update, Friday June 22, 2007


Dear Save the Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others:

VICTORY! THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE RESORT AND SPA IS SAVED FROM DEMOLITION!

The battles are over, the war is won...VICTORY!

What a victory for me, our nonprofit organization, preservationists everywhere, the town of Belleair, Pinellas County, the State of Florida, the community, the country, the world and everyone involved in helping to save the Biltmore! What is so very special is that ALL FOUR WINGS of the hotel will be saved which I have been fighting very hard to save since I launched my Save the Biltmore web in 2004! My goal was very unlike another "preservationist" who in 2005 originally wanted to tear down two historical wings, the north and south to "save" it. So saving ALL FOUR WINGS is a dream come true for me and a real victory!

As reported in my last Save the Biltmore Update, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors is the purchaser. The closing was Wednesday, June 20th.

This is a huge victory for our community and your support is so greatly appreciated. For everyone who supported this cause, you helped save a big part of the history of the Town of Belleair and Pinellas County. I and my nonprofit organization are very grateful for your help, your best wishes and your hard work and support. I know many of you have participated at various levels to help save the Biltmore, sending emails of support and ideas for my Save the Biltmore Message Board, writing Belleair officials, purchasing items from our online store, wearing our Save the Biltmore T-shirt, carrying our tote bags, attending commission meetings, giving speeches, suggesting investors to contact to purchase the hotel and the list goes on! So a very very warm thank you for all the support I have received from you to help win this war and become victorious.

A special thank you to my two current directors on our nonprofit board, Ed Jameson, our organization's vice president and Doug Mann, our secretary treasurer who supported saving all four wings and the reason my nonprofit organization was born! They worked many long hours to help save the Biltmore the past few years. Another special thank you to Barbara Arnold Walters who was with my group for a long time and also helped support and worked toward saving all four wings. Also a special thank you to Linda Helm and Ginny Vass.

I know there were so many of you who contributed time and or emails to the cause so PLEASE know that I appreciate each and everyone. I certainly appreciate all the emails you have sent to me over the past three years. This victory was NOT one person's work to save the Biltmore, it was a great combination of many peoples' efforts to save this wonderful hotel. Many many people were responsible for saving the Biltmore thus far, it was a community effort, and of course I am grateful to the St. Petersburg Times and Lorri Helfand and Aaron Sharockman who on April 12, 2005 mentioned my Save the Biltmore web site at which time dozens of people wrote me the first few days of that posting to help try to save the Biltmore. Where would we and the Biltmore be today had they not mentioned my web site to gather so many people together for what seemed an impossible mission!???

The written news media besides the Times has been following this story closely since 2004, especially the Belleair Bee, the Clearwater Gazette and the Tampa Tribune. Many local television and radio stations and magazines have also carried the long story of the saving of the Biltmore since 2004, They have interviewed us also, so we are thankful for all this media coverage and helping our organization bring the message to the public about the importance of saving this beautiful Victorian hotel. To view this HUGE list of publications click: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreNewspapersAndPublications.htm

Of course a special thank you to Belleair officials who upon the recommendation of Belleair resident and former commissioner Sam Casella hired preservation attorney Nancy Stroud to write a historic preservation ordinance. It has been extremely gratifying to me that Belleair commissioners supported saving the Biltmore and passed this historic preservation ordinance in the fall of 2005.

ABOUT THE SALE AND WHAT WILL BE DONE TO THE HOTEL IN THE FUTURE:
Here are some recent quotes from the local news media about the sale and future of the hotel and Legg Mason's plans for it.

Belleview Biltmore Sale Finalized By CHARY SOUTHMAYD Belleair Bee Friday, June 22, 2007
http://www.tbnweekly.com/pubs/belleair_bee/content_articles/062107_bee-07.txt  for complete article

“The fee simple transfer was completed ... Thank goodness,” said Richard Wilhelm, president and CEO of TRUST Hotels and Resorts, the firm managing the Biltmore, who was closely involved in the process from beginning to end. “I’m delighted Legg Mason has acquired it, and everyone in the community I’ve talked to is looking forward to its future for another hundred years.”

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

“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 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."


Biltmore Dodges Wrecking Ball  The St. Petersburg Times Wednesday, June 21, 2007
"Officials and others close to the deal say Legg Mason plans to restore the 110 year old Biltmore, removing the unpopular pagoda entrance, redoing the pool and adding underground parking. The resort is on the National Register of Historic Places.


Belleview Biltmore Property Sold By c.j. pollick Clearwater Gazette  Thursday, June 21, 2007http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20070621/biltmore.html

As of Wednesday the 20th of June, 2007, the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and related properties (Belleview Biltmore Golf Club and Beach Cabana Club) were sold by Honeywell Pension Fund to Legg-Mason Corp. Purchase price was not disclosed. Martin Smith will remain as General Manager of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel (and Cabana Club) while Chuck Eade remains General Manager of the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club. GF Management Group of Philadelphia will oversee management of the hotel assets.


"Commissioners get Biltmore look-see" by Harlan Weikle Belleair Bee June 21, 2007
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/062107_bee-02.txt  Click the link to read it in completion

Commissioner Karla Rettstatt had a meeting Tuesday with Joseph Penner, LMREI managing director, during which, she said, “I saw preliminary plans for the renovation, however there was no schedule discussed. The owners want to make a presentation of the plans to the public soon.”

Asked after the meeting for details of the plans she had been shown, Rettstatt said that the building would remain intact.

“They are not taking anything down, except the pagoda is gone,” she said, referring to the often criticized discontinuous architectural style of the steel and glass structure erected over the hotel’s entrance by previous owners. Rettstatt said she saw renderings of the pool area, which were beautiful.

She added that it was apparent they intend to restore the hotel, in Belleview Biltmore grand style, replete with signature green roof."

NOTE: Readers it has been reported that in addition to the above, Legg Mason will save the three Victorian cottages, add a convention center and move the spa.


Editorial by CHARY SOUTHMAYD   Editor of the Belleair Bee June 14, 2007
http://www.tbnweekly.com/editorial/viewpoints/content_articles/061207_vpt-01.txt  Click link above for full editorial

"Honor the Grand Dame

"Unique, historic, romantic, endangered.

"The Biltmore exudes romance, with its lush grounds complete with the treasured heart tree on the south lawn near the one-time carriage entrance where countless couples have vowed to love, honor and cherish. Weddings remain big business at the Biltmore. A window view on the main floor allows visitors to watch fabulous wedding cakes being created. You can feel the anticipation of love’s promise in the air.

"Go by and visit, enjoy Sunday brunch, relax and sip a beverage out on the veranda. To save the Biltmore is to honor what is worth keeping. We take pride in her past and hope that when once again fabulous, the community will embrace the Biltmore as an integral part of our future."


NEW WATERCOLOR DESIGN BILTMORE T-SHIRTS AND TOTE BAG AVAILABLE TODAY!
We are offering NEW watercolor design T-shirts, tote bags AND prints by renowned artist Janice James.
This beautifully designed rendition of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, Belleair, Florida was designed by former St. Petersburg artist, Janice James, whose specialty is Florida architecture, from small quaint beach houses to historic landmarks, landscapes, seascapes and private homes done in the traditional manner. Limited edition prints have been made of several landmarks in St. Petersburg and Tampa including not only the Biltmore but the Vinoy and the Don Cesar Hotels in St. Petersburg.. She now is retired in Sun City, Florida with her husband of 55 years. She has three daughters and one granddaughter. Mrs. James has been painting since the age of nine and has studied at the Ringling Art School in Sarasota, Florida and the University of Miami on an art scholarship. She became a commercial artist designing layouts and illustrating fashions for newspaper advertising. She is a Signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society. Her paintings have won recognition, which includes: Best of Show and first prizes in Miami, St. Petersburg and Sarasota. We sincerely thank Mrs. James for letting us use her beautiful watercolor to help us to continue to promote and preserve the Biltmore.

We also have NEW T-shirts and tote bags with the PHOTO of the Biltmore on them. Some people have requested a photo vs artwork, so we are offering both now! The photo used on these T-shirts and tote bags is from the front of my web page http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com  

So order your new T-shirt or tote bag or Mrs. James' beautiful Biltmore watercolor print: 8 by 10 inch $55, or 11 by 14 inch $75, 13 by 19 inch $95 today! To see the new design and print by this renowned watercolorist and order it click here: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm  How lovely her artwork will look hanging in your home, office, studio, library or retail location since the Biltmore is now saved! The T-shirt and tote bags are only $14.95 plus a small shipping charge.

We also have Tony Blue's Biltmore artwork series such as "Gardenias on the Veranda" so be sure to look at his beautiful work also at our online store.


THE FUTURE FOR OUR ORGANIZATION AND THE BILTMORE:
Many people have written me in the past few weeks as to what direction our nonprofit organization will take now that the Biltmore is saved. Our future plans are to PROMOTE the Biltmore to the community, around the country and around the world to bring more awareness, tourism, meetings and conventions to the Biltmore. I will be keeping my http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com  web site up permanently, and our online store is open 24 hours a day! We will use those monies collected from our online store to help promote and preserve the hotel in the future. So you can help us continue this promotion just as you have helped us in the past. Tell everyone the story of the Biltmore and shop at our online store. We have no financial connection with the new ownership group, and we wish them much success of course! Our sole purpose is to insure the perpetual care, promotion and preservation of the structure itself.

In about two weeks I'll be announcing something entirely new that our nonprofit organization will be offering so be sure to keep reading my Biltmore Updates!

CLOSING THOUGHTS:
I have been looking forward to this day after three long, hard years of: sending and receiving thousands of emails from supporters, time looking for investors/hoteliers to buy the Biltmore, hours updating and adding to my Save the Biltmore web site, starting a nonprofit organization and the list goes on and on the tasks my nonprofit organization and I have done to help save the Biltmore! So this week is one of the happiest occasions of my life. My nonprofit organization and I are most excited to launch the next phase of continuing to promote and preserve the Biltmore! History is now saved as well as a beautiful hotel, "The White Queen of the Gulf."

In saving the golden treasures of the past, we bank on enriching the present and the future.

So....

The battles are over
The war is won
The Biltmore is saved
Pop the cork
Pour the champagne and
CELEBRATE!

Sincerely,


Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists
             

Click to see the NEW HEADING of my web page! It's grand!  http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com 

Note:  NEW links on the home page are up now to reflect the saving of the Biltmore.  If you ever want to go back to the original web page from the year 2004 to 2007 before the sale click: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreHotelOriginalPage.htm  This link is accessible from the new home page also.