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 Welcome to the Belleview Biltmore Updates.  I, Diane Hein, send these out 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.  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.  

If your email program will not allow you to read this Update click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm    Save the Biltmore Update/Newsletter --- Saturday, October 13, 2012   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others,   Miami Architect Richard Heisenbottle and his group, (Belleview Biltmore Partners) were unable to come up with the money to close and purchase the Belleview Biltmore Hotel last week.   The current owner of the hotel, KAWA Capital has unfortunately filed a DEMOLITION PERMIT for the hotel with Belleair as a result.   However the good news is that Belleview Biltmore Partners are STILL proceeding to find investors to purchase the hotel by end of this year.    Per the October 9, 2012 Wall Street Journal article this week by Kate Hudson, "Architect Richard Heisenbottle and his two partners, have hired Miami investment bank CGI Merchant Group LLC to raise capital for buying the hotel and restoring it to is former glory. "The group so far has assembled nearly $25 million through a federal investment tax program for historic buildings, and Mr. Heisenbottle anticipates landing a $75.5 million construction loan. He still is canvassing potential investors for as much as $16 million in equity contributions, he said." If anyone reading this article is interested in becoming an investor with Belleview Biltmore Partners so that the Biltmore may be saved, PLEASE CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY!  Diane Hein, President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  Please email this Update to as many people and news media across the country you know to spread the word that the Biltmore is AGAIN in  jeopardy of demolition and Belleview Biltmore Partners needs their help to purchase the hotel by the end of THIS year, 2012!   There are three excellent newspaper articles that go into extreme detail about what is happening about the hotel and also the owner's attempt to avoid fines that have collected since they purchased the hotel, to read them simply click on our media link: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreNewspapersAndPublications.htm  They are from the Belleair Bee by Brian Goff, Tampa Bay Times by Terri Bryce Reeves and the Wall Street Journal by Kris Hudson.   FINAL THOUGHTS We urge everyone to talk to as many people as you can, email this Update to everyone you know to AGAIN bring awareness that the beautiful Belleview Biltmore Hotel is again under threat of demolition and Belleview Partners needs more investors to purchase the hotel.    URGENCY IS TOP PRIORITY!    Sincerely,       Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com   FACEBOOK:  Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Biltmore-Preservationists/180572012028756 You can receive notifications of news I post there within 24 to 48 hours. ©  2012 BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver  Biltmore T-shirt   Biltmore cookies         Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to:   Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30725 U.S. Highway 19 North  #107 Palm Harbor, FL  34684       If your email program will not allow you to read this Update click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm    Save the Biltmore Update/Newsletter -- Sunday, September 9, 2012   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others,    We're happy to announce that the vote for the tax abatement to help Belleview Biltmore Partners was positive again with a 3/2 YES vote!   This was the second and final reading for approval to an ordinance in Belleair that would allow a tax abatement for historical buildings (like the Biltmore).  Belleair already had the abatement for historic residential properties. The vote was again the same, Mayor Katica NO, Commissioner Kevin Piccarreto NO, Vice Mayor Steve Fowler YES, Commissioners Tom Shelly YES and Michael Wilkinson YES. Belleview Biltmore Partners can apply for the tax exemption on up to 100 percent of the value of the improvements for up to 10 years AFTER their renovations are completed.  A negotiation process would determine the dollar amount of the exemption and the number of years. We want to thank Belleair elected officials for working so diligently on this tax abatement issue for so many weeks and also to thank all of our Biltmore supporters who either wrote letters to them or attended the last two meetings in support of the tax abatement. The hotel purchase by Belleview Biltmore Partners is this October 1, 2012 when the six-month contract that was signed March 30, 2012 ends. PHOTOS Below is a wonderful photo of the historic Belleview Biltmore Hotel 1976 golf package pamphlet sent to us by supporter Virginia Vass whose father Edmund O'Connor, was golf pro at the Belleview Biltmore.  His photo below is from the late 1920's, 1930's.           Sincerely, Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.savethebiltmore.com     FACEBOOK:  Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Biltmore-Preservationists/180572012028756 You can receive notifications of news that I post there.   ©  2012 BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver  Biltmore T-shirt   Biltmore cookies         Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to:   Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30725 U.S. Highway 19 North  #107 Palm Harbor, FL  34684       If your email program will not allow you to read this Update click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm    Save the Biltmore Update/Newsletter --Wednesday, August 22, 2012   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others,     WONDERFUL NEWS! A quick update, I know many of you are waiting for results!  At last night's Belleair commission meeting, there was a three out of five "YES!" vote on the first reading of the ordinance to change it include historic commercial properties (such as the Biltmore) to have a tax advantage with what is called a tax abatement.  I want to thank everyone who took the time to come out and speak or show your support at last night's meeting!   This is how the vote went:   Mayor Gary Katica   NO Commissioner Kevin Piccarreto  NO Commissioner and Vice Mayor Steve Fowler  YES! Commissioner Tom Shelly  YES! Commissioner Mike Wilkinson  YES!   So a special THANK YOU to Commissioners Fowler, Shelly and Wilkinson for their support of the tax abatement issue on the first reading!   The SECOND reading of the tax abatement Ordinance No. 480 will be on Tuesday, September 4, 2012.  Meeting starts at 5:30 pm at the Belleair town hall at 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. There are still people in people who shockingly want the hotel NOT saved!   One person even mailed out a flyer trying to discourage people from saving the Biltmore! You and our nonprofit must press on to show our support for the hotel for these misplaced naysayers!!    These negative people have continued to grow stronger in Belleair, so we MUST speak up and out over them as I have said many times now!    We STILL need people to attend the upcoming meeting in Belleair in September to make sure there are three YES! votes for the second reading!   Belleair town hall: 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Belleair, Florida. The town commissioners in Belleair have the authority to accept or deny the tax abatement for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. Urge them to vote "YES!" on the tax abatement for the second reading!  The tax abatement will allow Belleview Biltmore Partners to receive tax relief for ten years after the renovations are completed.  This will save them thousands of dollars that can be used to make the hotel financially successful.  Should Belleair officials vote YES! in September for a final vote, the ordinance would become effective 30 days after the final reading and adoption.  Belleview Biltmore Partners six month contract ends the last day of September to purchase the Biltmore so it is imperative they receive this tax abatement! Again  many many thanks to all of you for your continued support!   SAVE THE BILTMORE MEMBERSHIPS Become a member of nonprofit organization today!  We have five levels of membership, Copper, $50, Bronze $100, Silver $250  Gold $500 and Platinum $1,000.  For example, the $50 Copper Membership includes this:      Copper Membership     a. Biltmore T-shirt, choice of one, either the watercolor design by Janice James OR a T-shirt with photo of the hotel     b. Biltmore calendar     c. Biltmore bookmark     d. Certificate, blue or sepia with your name or company name     e. Fold-over holder for certificate   http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm   All of us at Save the Biltmore Preservationists work to save the Biltmore strictly as volunteers taking NO salaries.  The money from our memberships have helped to pay for advertisements, web site support, promotional materials, running our online gift shop etc. to keep the message of the Biltmore loud and strong:    SAVE THE BILTMORE!   Sincerely,     Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.savethebiltmore.com        FACEBOOK:  Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Biltmore-Preservationists/180572012028756   ©  2012 BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver  Biltmore T-shirt   Biltmore cookies         Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to:   Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30725 U.S. Highway 19 North  #107 Palm Harbor, FL  34684   Biltmore Update, Sunday, August 19, 2012 If your email program will not allow you to read this Update click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm    Save the Biltmore Update/Newsletter -- Sunday, August 19, 2012   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others,   IMPORTANT MEETING THIS TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 6:30 P.M. Please come to the Belleair town hall meeting at 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Belleair, Florida to encourage Belleair officials to say "YES!" to the tax abatement so the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and golf course will be saved.  More below on this.   HISTORIC BOARD OF BELLEAIR This week I heard about the disastrous decision of the Historic Board on the tax abatement issue.  At first I was so overwhelmed and very saddened that a historic board was trying to destroy a historic hotel, their hotel!  Then I recalled that back in 2004, they again failed to help the Biltmore.  They had the opportunity back then to work on developing a preservation ordinance for Belleair that would save the Biltmore. Did they do that back then?  NO. Nothing from them.  These past seven years of a long nightmare for both Belleair, the community and us could have all been avoided had they done their jobs! Thank goodness for Sam Casella who found Nancy Stroud. What is the Historic Board's purpose then if it is not to help Belleview Biltmore Partners who will not only save the Biltmore but will also save the golf course from development now that the moratorium has expired.  KAWA will not only destroy the Biltmore but will destroy the golf course and Belleair will have condos or townhomes on each piece of property.  Whether these will be filled or sold below market value, one does not know.  Do Belleair commissioners and Mayor realize this?  Apparently both the Finance Boards and the Historic Boards failed to realize the horrible outcome if this tax abatement is not given the green light.     FURTHER REASONS TO PASS THE HISTORIC TAX EXEMPTION Both State of Florida and Pinellas County law regarding tax exemption for historic structures are very specific as to application and use. There is an entire committee that will oversee the review process.  This same law exists throughout Florida. In fact, it already exists for residential structures in the Town of Belleair.    Why should the law not apply to commercial properties? It does everywhere else.  This tax exemption program is supposed to be an incentive for historic property owners to encourage them to invest in and restore their property. Where is the incentive if you make a property owner go through what Belleview Biltmore Partners is going through now?  There is none. The only incentive is to demolish the historic hotel and sell the property for condo development!!   Where is the waste of time for the city to pass the exemption???  This is supposed to be an incentive, to encourage the property owner to do the right thing, restore a priceless piece of Florida history even if that restoration costs more than that of new construction.   Many in town are missing the most important matter at hand.  Without the incentive - Belleview Biltmore Partners may be unable to secure financing for the project and have to withdraw its purchase offer, leaving the fate of BOTH AND I REPEAT BOTH the Biltmore Hotel and Biltmore Golf Course in jeopardy. Rest assured that the next developer to come along will NOT be restoring the hotel and enhancing the golf course. He will be developing 500 condo units on both properties.   RICHARD HEISENBOTTLE OF BELLEVIEW BILTMORE PARTNERS Here is more information about why Mr. Heisenbottle, architect, has been and will be the BEST choice along with his two Belleview Biltmore Partners, Hector Torres and Charles Kropke for buying and renovating the hotel. From his web site:   Mr. Heisenbottle has more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of architecture and interior design. His background encompasses governmental, education, healthcare, commercial and historic preservation projects both in Miami and New York.  In 1987, he formed his own firm and has been responsible for numerous large-scale developments throughout the tri-county area and the southeastern United States. He is currently a registered architect in 5 states and was accorded the Silver Medal from the AIA in 2003. He was elected to the AIA College of Fellows in February 2005. Today, Mr. Heisenbottle’s firm is well known in South Florida for the historic preservation of some of the area’s oldest and most prestigious buildings including the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, The Colony Theater, the Freedom Tower and the Miami Edison Middle School. He serves as Vice President of the Dade Heritage Trust and has been a member of the City of Miami’s Preservation Board for over 10 years. As an alumnus of the University of Miami, he is continuously active in the School of Architecture and serves as a guest lecturer in historic preservation. Mr. Heisenbottle’s projects have been widely publicized in Architectural Record, the League of Historic American Theaters, Florida Caribbean Architect, and Preservation Today. He has received numerous awards for Excellence in Architecture from the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects and the Miami Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and is the recipient of an Outstanding Preservation Project Award from the Florida Trust.    THE YOUNGER GENERATION AND THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE We need the younger generation to continue to support the Biltmore.  Many children have visited the hotel and if your child, teenager or grandchild has, please have them come to the meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 to speak how they want the Biltmore saved for their generation.  Over the years I have received wonderful letters from adult supporters who spent vacations at the Biltmore as a child, and they still remember fondly the grand lady!  There are already some children planning on speaking Tuesday but we need many more!  Please help us, they can speak for less than a minute or the full three minutes. We encourage teachers to have their students ask their parents to come to the meeting so they can speak. My late husband Ed Jameson and former vice president always felt that we need the younger generation involved in the hotel, so now is their chance! . EDITORIALS SUPPORTING THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE Below are some excellent editorials both by the Tampa Bay Times (our major Pinellas County daily newspaper) and Biltmore supporters that I feel are important to read:   Tampa Bay Times Editorial, April 2012 Even in its sad state of disrepair, Belleair's shuttered Belleview Biltmore Hotel remains one of the grande dames of Florida architecture. While the hotel has faced demolition several times in recent years, Coral Gables architect Richard Heisenbottle has emerged as the property's best hope of avoiding the wrecking ball and being restored. Heisenbottle blends a reputation as an innovative architect with a passion for the historical significance of the Biltmore, and this may be the last viable shot at saving it.   Built by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant in 1897 and spread over 4 ½ stories and 820,000 square feet, the Biltmore is the largest wood frame structure in Florida and recalls an era of old-money elegance. The hotel's guest list includes presidents such as Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, and other figures such as Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Bob Dylan. The Biltmore is on the National Register of Historic Places, but restoring the "White Queen of the Gulf" has proven to be a year's long struggle.   With a crumbling roof and other problems, the Biltmore was closed in 2009 and marked for demolition. Now Heisenbottle and other investors have come forward to sign a purchase agreement with the hotel's latest owner, BB3 Holdings LLC. Heisenbottle has six months to secure financing and design the building's restorations. Good intentions could still collide with balance sheet realities; the project could cost more than $145 million. Local preservationists have fought the good fight. Heisenbottle and his team may be the last best hope. Belleair Bee  July 31, 2012  Letter to the Editor In the committee’s opinion, the full restoration of the hotel, as proposed by the Biltmore partners, and its projected future expansion, represent, in the long run, the best opportunity to maximize revenues to the town through water and electrical fees and, once the abatement expires, huge increases in ad valorem property taxes, far more than any other suggested use. In addition, Pinellas County would begin to benefit immediately from sales and bed taxes generated by the economic engine of an elegant, dynamic restored Belleview Biltmore.   And, of course, what many have always considered to be the soul of the town would be brought back to life, providing fine dining, remarkable venues for meetings and social events, and an historic destination site for conventions, seminars and conferences, stunning architecture and fun for the family.   Some who oppose the Hotel – even though they have not offered an alternative – want you to question the economic viability of the project. Suffice it to say, the partners and their lenders are willing to assume that risk as evidenced by their investment of both time and money, and that the most highly respected consulting firm in the domestic hotel business has thoroughly studied the project and concluded it can be successful. We urge you to keep these things in mind as the issues of tax abatement and restoration of the hotel come before the Town Commission in the coming weeks.   Jim Betts, Belleair, Florida   Belleair Bee August 7, 2012  Letter to the Editor The people who want the resort envision the renewal not only of the structures, but the renewal of local economic activity not seen in our lifetime in this town. In addition, it will restore the unique and distinctive character to our town of Belleair. It is safe to say, that if this idea succeeds, we will have in our midst a commercial enterprise that will rival any similar enterprise in the country, or in the world for that matter. Truly, this is the town’s chance of the town’s lifetime.   In recalling the comments made that night by the folks who don’t want the resort, their strategy seems to be, how can we delay moving forward with this project. The last time this strategy was used was when the previous project people were taken to court with a frivolous lawsuit resulting in the buyers dropping the project.   The loss of revenue to the town as a result of the five-year inactivity should be recalled. Their anti-resort proposal is nothing more than a vague idea, which will require the town to change codes and demolish the structures without any hope of even approaching the revenue that will be generated by a successful enterprise like the resort. Of course, they may then step in and save the day by buying the undeveloped land at fire sale prices. What a thoughtful thing to do for the good of the town! Yes, people like that live among us.   Ken Keating, Belleair, FL   PROSPERITY and PRESTIGE for BELLEAIR  Belleair Bee August 15, 2012  Letter to the Editor The Mayor and Commissioners of Belleair should be thrilled that finally someone, with the expertise, is willing to undertake the restoration of the hotel.  Instead of constantly repeating BIG NUMBERS to the residents of Belleair, why not talk in terms that everyone can relate to.  IF the hotel is restored and IF a 100% tax abatement is granted, it would mean $200 per household in more taxes per year.  I think if people realized what the huge numbers that keep jumping out at them really amount to, most would be willing to give that additional money over a 10 year period.    Naturally, it may not even be a 100% tax abatement that is granted (this would be decided at the time) and therefore it may be even less than $200.  The $200 figure was given by the Commission, based on the current millage.  Also, the Mayor (who seems like he is looking for a good excuse to vote NO), has become all nervous about the golf course being mentioned for development (none of us want that) however the developers have said that if the commission grants the tax relief (which does not get done unless the hotel gets restored) then they will commit to not developing the golf course.  It surely would be a crime to miss this opportunity to bring prosperity and prestige to our town of Belleair.  I hope the Mayor and Commissioners can see their way clear to follow the wishes of the people and vote YES on August 21st.   Karmen & TC Hayes, Belleair   And a witty one from way back in 2004!  Unfortunately the former mayor of Belleair, George Mariani Jr, mentioned below, is one of the most negative forces in Belleair, leading the way with his brother to destroy the hotel. By the way these negative two men were allowed by some twisted Belleair official logic to speak longer than the three minutes allowed by other citizens at the Belleair town meeting on August 7 !!!!.   These two men are NOT a formal group, they are simply average Belleair citizens and yet they were allowed to speak on and on and on and on with unlimited minutes!! Where was the fairness?   Is favoritism an issue because Mayor Katica who in recent years does NOT support saving the hotel and lives next door to the former mayor!? Tampa Bay Times (then the St. Petersburg Times, December, 2004  Letter to the Editor Condos, townhouses no match for site's beautiful architecture Thank goodness for the development firms (my comment:  KAWA Capital is current owner, and if Belleview Biltmore Partners does not buy the Biltmore, KAWA is planning to destroy the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and sell off the golf course) I was concerned about the shortage of upscale condominiums and townhouses in Pinellas County!   Why should we try to preserve a historical and beautiful piece of architecture when we instead can have condos that only the wealthy can afford?  Shame on you, Belleair Mayor George Mariani Jr., for making a statement referring to the Belleview as an "economic burden." I doubt seriously that the area surrounding the hotel and the country club is in economic despair, in need of increasing the property values.   I am sure that the Belleview Biltmore will be destroyed (note: editorial written back in 2004) and new development will replace the historical monument. This not only means that many devoted hotel employees will lose their jobs, but the citizens of Pinellas County will be losing one of the few remaining pieces of history that we have.   By the way, I would be willing to place a Vegas bet that one of the first people to buy one of the luxury condos will be none other than Mayor Mariani. -- Caroline Hart, Clearwater   Here are some good quotes from a Tampa Bay radio station: http://www.wmnf.org/news_stories/belleair-officials-give-investors-an-extra-year-to-save-historic-belleview-biltmore-hotel April 18, 2012 Janelle Irwin   "The Belleview Biltmore could still fall victim to the wrecking ball. Tom Shelley, a Belleair city commissioner, said plans to demolish the hotel are still on the back burner.  “It is somewhat contentious and they’re (KAWA Capital) moving forward with their demolition permit as plan B. If the hotel re-development doesn’t happen, they plan to come to us with a demolition request.”   But as long as that request can be staved off by the Belleview Biltmore partners, Shelley said he looks forward to the finished product. “They envision it as a $146 million remodel with LEED certified – at least gold – with very effective energy efficient appliances, insulation throughout.”   Shelley and his wife were married at the Biltmore, so he has a vested interest in seeing it restored. And he admitted he’d like many more couples to be able to have their weddings in it.   Charles Kropke, one of the three Belleview Biltmore Partner investors, works for a company in Coral Gables that saved another Biltmore Hotel. Now he said that location welcomes Presidents, Senators and other dignitaries on a regular basis.   “People couldn’t figure out how it would ever make any money. It wasn’t located on the beaches. It was an old hotel. It had a lot of challenges. It had had multiple owners. Promise after promise, commission after commission, group after group and still the wrecking ball threatened it. A group of local investors got together. They did a renovation. They failed. Another renovation was up. People were tired. They were saying, ‘I think it’s time’. And a second renovation happened and that renovation held.”   FINAL THOUGHTS Tuesday is an extremely important day for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel!  BE THERE at the Belleair town hall at 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. at 6:30 p.m.  We need people of all ages to speak at this meeting, children, young adults, middle aged and seniors to convince Belleair officials that saving the Biltmore hotel and the golf course by giving this tax abatement will ultimately give Belleair and Pinellas County prestige and prosperity.  Time is of the essence, we are down to the wire!  With Richard Heisenbottle's wealth of successful historic preservation projects, BBP is the best buyer and renovation specialist the Biltmore can have.  Help them, help the Biltmore, help Pinellas County, help Belleair and help save history!   Sincerely, Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.savethebiltmore.com     FACEBOOK:  Join us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Biltmore-Preservationists/180572012028756   ©  2012 BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver  Biltmore T-shirt   Biltmore cookies         Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to: Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30725 U.S. Highway 19 North  #107 Palm Harbor, FL  34684     Biltmore Update, Friday, August 17, 2012   If your email program will not allow you to read this Update click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm    Save the Biltmore Update/Newsletter -- Friday, August 17, 2012   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others,     CIVIC PRIDE MEANS SAVING THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE!   A big thank you to everyone who attended one or more of the Belleair meetings in August, either the Finance Board meeting or the Commission workshop meeting last week.  Also a big thank you to those of you who sent emails to Belleair town officials to show your support for the tax abatement issue that will help Belleview Biltmore Partners after the restoration is complete.   First the shocking news:   Both the Finance Board and of all boards, the Historic Preservation Board voted 4-1 to NOT approve the abatement on Monday and this past Wednesday.  Their reasons being they wanted more financial information from Belleview Biltmore Partners.  RIDICULOUS!  Investors want to keep their names and financial information private until after the sale, what in the world are these boards thinking!  THEY ARE WRONG WRONG WRONG!   These boards are obviously short sighted and fail to have any CIVIC PRIDE in their town, their history or the hotel.  They have a wonderful chance to save all of it, and they blew it.  So it's up to the Mayor and Commissioners to be smarter, wiser, maintain the integrity and CIVIC PRIDE of Belleair now and forever.   Investors need PROOF from town officials that they are willing to help with the saving of the hotel with the tax abatement.  Why would they invest anything or reveal confidential financial information until they feel the town wants to save their own hotel!   Yet these two boards and some of the other town officials want all this PRIVATE financial information beforehand.  This makes no sense, we all know how private people are about money, how many of you go around telling everyone your salary?   What in the world will happen to Belleair if the Biltmore is not saved?  I keep hearing that Belleair will just fade away into oblivion and get absorbed into Clearwater.  Does Belleair really want this to happen?   Of course not, so it's time a "YES!" vote is passed by the commissioners to save this priceless historic icon, their icon!   The commissioners discussed the issue to a packed town hall last Tuesday, and this coming Tuesday, August 21, there will be a first reading of an ordinance that is being written.  I hope of course this will eventually lead to a "YES" vote for the passage of the tax abatement.  By the end of the evening last week, the commissioners agreed to have the issue discussed again at the next meeting on Aug. 21 in the form of an ordinance. Thank goodness!  Some evidence of their CIVIC PRIDE! Possibly, the request for the tax exemption could be defeated if the ordinance is not passed.  Commissioner Steven Fowler noted that time was running out after there was there was discussion that perhaps the item just come back for discussion without a vote. Then there would not be a vote until the next commission meeting in September, and by September 30, BBP is to officially purchase the Biltmore.    It is imperative that the Mayor and Belleair commissioners see the importance of this abatement and the importance of saving their own hotel, both for financial reasons and for historic reasons.  Eventually they will receive more money from taxes to pay for Belleair's infrastructure, more jobs and more prestige for them and their town in saving a historic hotel.  CIVIC PRIDE!   Because of this VERY TIGHT SCHEDULE we encourage everyone who lives locally to attend this EXTREMELY important commission meeting and speak up to pass this ordinance.  For those of you who are may not know what to say, simply go to the meeting and say you love the hotel and wish for the tax abatement to be passed so the Biltmore may be saved.  SHORT AND SWEET!   For those of you who wish to speak the full three allowed minutes, feel free to give more reasons why you feel the hotel should be saved and for anyone with a financial background, give reasons why it makes financial sense for Belleair to save its hotel.  DOLLARS AND CENTS NOW MEANS MORE DOLLARS AND CENTS FOR BELLEAIR LATER!   BELLEAIR TOWN HALL ADDRESS Town Hall: 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Belleair, FL 33756  TIME:  6:30 P.M.  All commission meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. from now on.   TAX ABATEMENTS IN OTHER TOWNS/CITIES I did some research on other towns/cities who passed tax abatements, and found these examples.  These towns/cities realized the importance of giving tax abatements, so please urge Belleair officials to do the same this coming Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.  If you note, the FIRST example sent to me by Biltmore supporter and Belleair resident Laurie Adams, is right here in Clearwater, VERY smart CLEARWATER officials!  Are they smarter than the two Belleair boards who are destroying their historic icon and town?   http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/dolphin-tale-gives-local-tourism-a-half-billion-dollar-boost-study-finds/1246161 "There is a wonderful article in Clearwater section of Tampa Bay Times  LOCAL ECONOMY RIDES HIGH ON 'Dolphin Tale'.  Mr. Kosove, of Alcon Entertainment,  a very successful movie maker, came to FL and made the movie - the main reason he was able to complete that very successful movie . . . TAX CREDITS!   Quote "the $42 million movie would never have been made without $5 million in tax breaks from Florida"    The average age of a dolphin is 20 to 25 years.  Winter the famous dolphin in the movie is now six years of age.   If saved this year, the iconic White Queen of the Gulf, the Belleview Biltmore, can live another 100 years.   Is Winter more important than the Belleview Biltmore? You decide.   Here are some of the results of my internet research this week:   http://www.ktre.com/story/16773600/lufkin-city-council-approves-renovation-of-angelina-hotel Lufkin City Council approves renovation of Angelina Hotel  2012  LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) - Lufkin City Council is giving the go-ahead for the renovation of the historic Angelina Hotel in downtown. Landmark Development applied to the city's tax abatement program for the project. The city is approving a 100-thousand dollar grant to go along with the 500-thousand dollars the development company will spend on façade work. Lufkin city leaders say it's a great way to continue the rejuvenation of downtown Lufkin.   http://www.local12.com/news/local/story/Cincinnati-Enquirer-Building-May-Have-New-Use/nssUw0xui0m2Tz5sT01xoA.cspx Many people know it as the old Cincinnati Enquirer building on Vine Street. The vacant historic building in the heart of the central business district might soon have a new use. The plan is for a boutique hotel. Local 12's Paula Toti says a recently approved tax abatement may pave the way for the project.   A name hasn't been announced for the hotel, but it would be leed certified, energy efficient, with a 7-million dollar tax abatement over 12 years. The city's finance committee has given it the green light.   http://www.nbcwashington.com/the-scene/real-estate/Tax-Abatement-for-Luxury-Hotel-112601944.html When the District of Columbia is facing a budget deficit of $400 million or more, should it sign off on a $46 million tax abatement for a luxury hotel in the hip Adams Morgan neighborhood? The debate has raged on the Columbia Heights listserv for several weeks.  The D.C. Council approved the abatement just before the end of its 2010 session. Ward 1’s Jim Graham, the force behind it, said the abatement “is good news for our neighborhood and the city. It will bring substantial new daytime commerce to Adams Morgan. It will provide $7 million in new tax revenue. It will provide hundreds of construction and hotel jobs to Ward 1 and city residents.” The agreement also preserves the historic First Church of Christ Scientist.   http://adamsmorganhistorichotel.com/index.php/faqs#qa17  re Adams Morgan Historic Hotel In December 2010, the D.C. Council incorporated legislation into its 2011 budget that provides the hotel owner with property tax abatement to enable the hotel to be built and the Church building to be revitalized.  The D.C. Council only voted to pass the property tax abatement following a vote of the Adams Morgan Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 1C), which supported the property tax abatement in a public vote during a special meeting in December 2010.  PKF estimated in 2010 that the Adams Morgan Historic Hotel will directly generate an estimated $5.1 million of occupancy, income and sales taxes to D.C. from the first year of its opening.  The Adams Morgan Historic Hotel will exceed the LEED Silver Certification criteria and will be Washington’s first truly green hotel.   http://www.nedco.org/node/553 The City of Nacogdoches (Texas) offers tax abatements to historic structures located in Downtown Nacogdoches.   The City of Nacogdoches may grant tax abatement on the increment in value added to a particular property by a specific development proposal that meets the economic goals and objectives of the city. The tax abatement applies to both exterior and interior work on a building located within the Downtown Historic Overlay District.   http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2010/12/01/chatham-hotel-project-gets-tax-abatement.html Kansas City’s Planned Industrial Expansion Authority has unanimously approved a 25-year tax abatement plan for a $9.3 million historic renovation of the 1920s-era Chatham Hotel.   http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2009/11/tudor_arms.html CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Work is under way to transform a landmark building at the edge of University Circle into a 154-room 1931 hotel, with a vintage swimming pool, a wood-paneled lobby and a floor of restored ballrooms and event spaces. Overcoming a lending crunch, the Maron family aims to return the former Tudor Arms Hotel to its forgotten glory -- as a Doubletree hotel that could open in spring 2011. The developers, best known for remaking East Fourth Street, bought the building in 2007 from Case Western Reserve University and are tackling a $22 million project there. The city approved a 10-year, 60-percent property tax abatement for the project.   http://articles.kwch.com/keyword/tax-incentives/recent/2 Historic Wichita Broadview Hotel grand opening after renovations October 19, 2011 The Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview in Downtown Wichita reopened Wednesday afternoon after $25 million in renovations. The landmark hotel has been through a number of additions since the first owners broke ground in September 1921. Celebrities like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart were said to have stayed at the hotel.  IRB authority, the City will grant a 100% 5+5-year property tax abatement for the hotel to the maximum extent allowed by law.   And one of the most interesting:   https://secure.forumcomm.com/?publisher_ID=22&article_id=94327&CFID=55225058&CFTOKEN=48446061 June 6: Kandiyohi County approves tax abatement for Lakeland Hotel project in downtown Willmar, Minn. Published 06/06/2012, West Central Tribune  WILLMAR — The Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 15-year tax abatement Tuesday that could help make the redevelopment of Willmar’s downtown historic Lakeland Hotel financially feasible. The county action follows a 4-3 vote Monday night by the Willmar City Council — at the end of a nearly two-hour debate — to approve the same 15-year abatement request. The Lakeland Hotel, which has been determined eligible for listing in the National Register, was nominated to the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places list this year along with the nearby Habicht’s Department Store and a former drug store next to the Barn Theater. Each building contributes to the historic fabric of downtown Willmar, but the Lakeland Hotel is the only local remaining example of a “railroad hotel,” a significant building type in this former railroad hub in central Minnesota."   (Remember readers that Henry B. Plant, railroad magnet built the Belleview Biltmore with a train station right at the hotel, thus helping to establish Pinellas County and of course Belleair, Florida!)       The Belleview Biltmore train coming into the hotel.   Vintage photo.  This train brought tourists from the northern States to Florida and helped establish Pinellas County and Belleair, Florida, where the Biltmore resides. Another earlier Biltmore train leaving the hotel.  Note that guests were dropped off right at the front door entrance of the hotel!   Take a long look at the early Belleview Biltmore, its beautiful architect, HISTORY MUST BE SAVED!     FORMER HISTORIC CENTRAL HOTEL, GALION, OHIO For those of you doubters who cannot visualize the Biltmore being renovated into a majestic hotel, think again!  See a 150 year old historic hotel in Galion, Ohio which had deteriorated beyond belief with a huge hole in its roof to now being restored so residents can live there!  While it was not saved as a hotel, the point is that its strong 150 year old "bones" were saved and made into senior citizen apartments with the historic look preserved.  Just take a look at the photos to see what a massive beautiful restoration that was done!  Hats off to Galion, Ohio!  Tremendous CIVIC PRIDE saved this historic building!   NOTE THE VERY LAST LINE IN THIS PARAGRAPH!  Quote from Galionguy.com:  "Did you ever think this day would come? Linda and Pauline never gave up. Here they share the honor of "cutting the ribbon." They represent so many that did a lot of work to get this day to happen. The local people tried to stress this in the remarks preceeding the the above ceremonal opening of the Central Hotel Apartments. One of Linda's comments was "The Square just wouldn't have been square without the hotel."   And Belleair just wouldn't be the same Belleair without the Biltmore! http://www.galionguy.com/centralhotel/renovat'04/january'04/thehole.htm   shows massive deterioration!            Quote from Galionguy.com:   An early morning picture taken late this summer and THANKFULLY the South West corner of the Square still looks like it has for the last 100 years. Had Jack Shrode not come in and immediatly started shoring up floors and walls this corner of the Square would now be a parking lot. It wouldn't have made it past that first winter's spring thaw. But, we still have it and it remains one of our key community icons.. the Square, the Hotel building, the Galion Theatre and the Big Four Train Station."   Note the CIVIC PRIDE in Galion, Ohio!  Where in the world is the CIVIC PRIDE in Belleair if the Biltmore is not saved! http://www.galionguy.com/centralhotel/   painted white with green shutters  (Biltmore also is painted white and green!)   http://www.galionguy.com/centralhotel/hotel_12-20-02.htm http://www.galionguy.com/centralhotel/hotel_stabilization_$200k.htm    loans and financial information   ONE-MINUTE EMAIL CAMPAIGN: If you have not already done so, please take just ONE MINUTE and send an email to Belleair officials to show your support and that you want the hotel to be saved and the tax abatement be approved.  Even if you have already sent an email send the one below! Time is running out.  Remember that Belleview Biltmore Partners can renovate the hotel, but they need your support NOW!   If the abatement is not approved, the Biltmore may not be saved!  YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THIS!  You can use the form letter below, write your own or send the form email below plus a paragraph or so of your own additional thoughts.  Does not matter, what matters is YOUR ONE MINUTE SUPPORT!   gkatica@townofbelleair.net, mmaxwell@townofbelleair.net, tshelly@townofbelleair.net, sfowler@townofbelleair.net, kpiccarreto@townofbelleair.net, mwilkinson@townofbelleair.net, dcarlen@townofbelleair.net,   Hello Mayor Katica and Belleair Commissioners:     By passing the tax abatement, you will help save your White Queen of the Gulf for your town and also for everyone who loves this hotel and wants it to be restored.  Many other towns and cities have passed such tax abatements previously to save historic buildings/hotels, and by voting "YES!" on this issue, you also can keep Belleair's prestige intact, provide jobs for hundreds of people, and provide extra tax revenue in the long run to provide the infrastructure funds for your town.  There is no guarantee that townhomes will sell at a certain price in Belleair to provide the funds you need.  By becoming a world class resort, the Belleview Biltmore will give you a strong tax base in the long run to provide the financial structure you need for your town.  Keep your CIVIC PRIDE intact in Belleair!  Save your hotel.  A YES VOTE FOR AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION STATUS FOR THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE IS A YES VOTE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF OUR HISTORY!   Sincerely,       WHAT IS AT STAKE? At the end of March, 2012 Belleview Biltmore Partners stalled the inevitable pursuance of the demolition permit by KAWA indicating BBP's intent through the purchase of a six-month exclusive option to purchase the property for restoration.  This is the LAST CHANCE to preserve the only real value the town has to offer.  Without it the entire town's structure may be jeopardized.  It's the peoples' choice.  Belleair citizens need to realize their town is at stake here!    When Belleview Biltmore Partners saves the hotel, they will also save the golf course from development!  And for those of you who remember, back in 2005, hundreds of people stormed the Belleair town hall to protest the development of the Biltmore golf course on Indian Rocks Road when DeBartolo wanted to redevelop it.  Listen up people, this is going to happen unless YOU come out and convince the commissioners that they need to save the hotel, thus saving the golf course and thus saving the town of Belleair.  If we lose Belleair, the Biltmore and its golf course, this will negatively affect the entire residential community including surrounding communities.   FINAL THOUGHTS The end of the six month contract signed by BBP to purchase the Belleview Biltmore Hotel is coming to a close in just one month's time!  The end of September.  It is IMPERATIVE they receive the tax abatement that will allow them tax reductions for ten years after the renovations are complete.  If they fail to obtain this tax abatement, there is no guarantee they will find other investors in such a short time, the purchase will not go through, and the Biltmore will be in serious, serious, serious jeopardy once again. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to save the hotel RIGHT NOW, THIS YEAR!  If not, then the current owners, KAWA Capital, will again try to demolish the hotel with a demolition permit and would sell off the golf course to developers for residential development.  And no matter what you have heard or read, Belleview Biltmore Partners want to not only save the hotel but also save the Biltmore golf course.  So this is a call of UTMOST URGENCY AGAIN! Tell all your friends and neighbors to either write emails to the commissioners or attend the meeting.  CIVIC PRIDE PEOPLE, CIVIC PRIDE!  Be there this coming Tuesday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Belleair town hall to continue to show your enthusiasm, passion and support for this wonderful hotel you and I love so much!    Sincerely,      Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com  ©  2012 BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver  Biltmore T-shirt   Biltmore cookies         Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to: Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30617 U.S. 19 North  #420 Palm Harbor, FL  34684                                     FACEBOOK:  Join us on Facebok at:                                 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Biltmore-Preservationists/180572012028756           Biltmore Update, Sunday, August 5, 2012 This Update was a reminder of the two important meetings in the last Update so basically it is the same Update so it will not be repeated again. Biltmore Update, Monday, July 30, 2012     If your email program will not allow you to read this Update click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm    Save the Biltmore Update/Newsletter -- Monday July 30, 2012   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others,   This month of August is an EXTREMELY IMPORTANT month for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel! I urge all of you to either attend one or both of the meetings in Belleair in August or send an email to the Mayor and commissioners in regards to the final steps towards the saving of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. Belleair officials including the Finance Board are going to be making a decision on the tax abatement issue, which would allow Belleview Biltmore Partners (BBP) tax relief for ten years after their renovations on the hotel are completed. Currently, homeowners in Belleair are the only ones allowed tax relief for up to ten years, but only if they spend money to restore or preserve a historic home.  This tax relief only happens after the preservation project is completed, and it also only affects the increased value of the property.  BBP wishes the same historic tax abatement on the Belleview Biltmore as homeowners once BBP finishes their renovations of of the Biltmore and its surrounding cottages. Because the tax abatement will cost some money to Belleair's revenue, the issue is going to be first discussed by the Finance Board Monday, August 6 at 4 p.m.  I strongly urge YOU to attend this first important meeting in Belleair to show your support to this Board that it is important that the Biltmore be saved!  Convince this Finance Board that the Biltmore MUST BE SAVED!  The historic preservation ordinance was passed in 2005 to SAVE THE BILTMORE, and you and I must press on to keep the ordinance intact and preserve this beautiful historic hotel.  There is NO other Belleview Biltmore Hotel!  The Finance Board will then give their opinion to the commissioners in regards to the tax abatement, so it is so important that you come to this first meeting!  Belleair commissioners and mayor will be meeting the next evening  at 5:30 on August 7 to discuss the tax abatement keeping in mind the recommendations of the Finance Board so PLEASE come to this second meeting also! There are some people in Belleair who unfortunately are pushing to destroy the vision of BBP and the Biltmore by objecting to this tax abatement so it is IMPERATIVE THAT YOU COME TO ONE OR ALL OF THESE MEETINGS!  You must be heard OVER them! The Belleair Town Hall is located at, 901 Ponce de Leon, Belleair, FL, 33756 and/or send letters of support to that address or email them, addresses below. FINANCE BOARD MEETING: Monday, August 6, 2012, 4:00 p.m. TOWN COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 5:30 p.m. TAMPA'S FLORIDAN HOTEL Tampa's historic 1927 Floridan Hotel has been in the local news lately.  It had its grand opening this weekend to a select few and already is sold out for the Republican National Convention in August.  It was on the brink of destruction and abandoned for nearly two decades, crumbling at the seams so to speak with parts of the roof caving in, chickens flying in and nesting there.  Below are some links that show the terrible condition it was in and how the vision of one man, Antonios Markopoulos, believed it could be saved and restored to its original glory.  We know that Belleview Biltmore Partners, Richard Heisenbottle, Hector Torres and Charles Kropke have that same vision for the historic Belleview Biltmore which is in similar condition as the Floridan was and yet CAN BE RESTORED no matter what you see on TV or read in the newspapers!  I am including a number of links just to show you how this hotel was successfully restored just like the Biltmore will be when BBP finishes their renovations. Video: http://www.wtsp.com/video/1757923775001/1/Tampas-elegant-past-lives-on-in-reborn-Floridan-Hotel http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/only-abc-action-news-was-invited-to-see-the-construction-happening-inside-the-old-floridan-hotel http://www2.tbo.com/static/special_reports_news/tbocom-special-report-news-floridan/  video timeline http://www2.tbo.com/news/business/2012/jul/19/1/renovated-floridan-hotel-plans-opening-ceremony-ar-436004/ http://www2.tbo.com/list/floridan-preview/gallery/ Olympia Development decided to save the historic Safety Harbor Spa due to the public outcry about the Biltmore back in 2005, and now the historic Floridan Hotel in Tampa is saved.   We must push forward to save Biltmore history for all generations. Certainly Belleair must NOT be outdone by Safety Harbor or Tampa! I am counting on you as staunch Biltmore supporters to keep pressing on this August for a final push to help BBP and the Biltmore. So many of you have written over the years how you had weddings there, went to parties, vacations, conventions, and you look forward to the hotel being restored in a historic setting and beautiful Belleair.  The six-month contract to buy the Biltmore must be signed by the end of September, so we NEED YOUR HELP NOW! SAVE THE BILTMORE FLYER--URGENT! There is a flyer for you to print and post in areas where people are local enough to attend these important meetings.  Libraries, the Biltmore condos, gas stations, coffee shops, offices, retail stores, car windows, home windows, the mall, etc, any public place would be great places to post a flyer.  It will help bring awareness to the hotel as well as help people attend these important meetings.  Bring it to the meetings and show it or hand it to the Finance Board or the commissioners! http://savethebiltmore.com/SAVETHEBILTMOREFLYERJuly,2012.htm ONE-MINUTE EMAIL CAMPAIGN We encourage everyone both RESIDING IN OR LIVING OUTSIDE OF BELLEAIR to write or email the Finance Board and Belleair officials and urge them to continue to vote "YES!" on the tax abatement! So no matter where you live here in the USA or other countries, write your own email or feel free to use the sample copy below, three short paragraphs. Just ONE MINUTE of your time could go a long way in helping to save the White Queen of the Gulf. Belleair officials:  Mayor Gary Katica, Commissioners Stephen Fowler, Tom Shelly, Kevin Piccarreto and Michael Wilkinson and Town Manager, Micah Maxwell gkatica@townofbelleair.net, sfowler@townofbelleair.net, tshelly@townofbelleair.net, kpiccarreto@townofbelleair.net, mwilkinson@townofbelleair.net, mimaxwell@tampabay.rr.com, DCarlen@TownOfBelleair.net (The Finance Board members can be reached at that last email address to Donna Carlen.)   Dear Belleair Officials: Restoration of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel is unquestionably the highest and best use of the property.  It will create new jobs, provide tax revenue, new business opportunities, increase property values while enriching the lives of Belleair residents and surrounding communities.  Please vote "YES!" on the tax abatement so Belleview Biltmore Partners can obtain valuable tax relief for ten years after the renovations are completed. The historic preservation ordinance in 2005 was passed to SAVE THE BILTMORE.  One of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan of the town of Belleair is "the preservation of the  Belleview Biltmore Resort Hotel."  The Florida Trust preservation organization, www.floridatrust.org, recommends that the Belleview Biltmore Hotel be preserved. The National Trust organization, www.nationaltrust.org, recommends that the Belleview Biltmore Hotel be preserved. Now is the time to keep pushing forward to save this historic icon. We are all counting on you to complete the task that was started in 2005 so the historic Belleview Biltmore can have that second chance at greatness. Sincerely,   FACEBOOK:  Join us, Save the Biltmore Preservationists on Facebook at: at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Biltmore-Preservationists/180572012028756 BELLEVIEW BILTMORE T-SHIRTS Wear this beautiful Biltmore T-shirt in your community, to the meetings, show your support!  It can be purchased at:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm     FINAL THOUGHTS One last chance everyone!   Now is the time to show your dedicated support!  Come to the meetings in August, convince the Finance Board to save the Biltmore, convince the commissioners to vote "YES!" on the tax abatement and send emails NOW!  Wear your Save the Biltmore T-shirt, bring signs or print the flyer to hold at the meetings and have a loud and strong message:  "SAVE THE BILTMORE!"  Call on your neighbors and friends to come with you. The White Queen of the Gulf needs you more than ever! Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.savethebiltmore.com  ©  2012 BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver  Biltmore T-shirt   Biltmore cookies         Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to: Diane S. Hein, President c/o Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30725 U.S. 19 North  #107 Palm Harbor, FL  34684   Now send an email to Belleair officials to vote "YES!" on the tax abatement! Biltmore Update, Saturday, July 14, 2012 If your email program will not allow you to read this Update click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm    Save the Biltmore Update/Newsletter -- Saturday July 14, 2012   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others,   FLORIDA TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION   Earlier this year we submitted the paperwork to Florida Trust for Historic Preservation for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel to be nominated for Florida's Eleven Most Endangered Historic Sites. I am pleased to announce that in May, as part of Florida Trust's Annual Statewide Preservation Conference, they announced that the Belleview Biltmore was chosen to be on this list. From Florida Trust's web site: "Most Endangered Historic Sites program is designed to increase the public’s awareness of the urgent need to save Florida’s neglected or threatened historic resources. We do that to empower local preservationists and preservation groups in their efforts to preserve Florida’s rich history." To view the listing on Florida Trust click: http://www.floridatrust.org/endangered-sites/belleview-biltmore-resort-and-spa  Thank you Florida Trust!     RENOVATION PLANS Click below to view beautiful and exciting Richard Heisenbottle's architectural renovation plans for the Belleview Biltmore. He is part of the three-person team, Belleview Biltmore Partners, (BBP) who have signed the contract in April 2012 to purchase the hotel by the end of September 2012. http://rjha.net/index.php/H-R-Belleview-Biltmore.html There are 12 to look at. Rendition of the future Belleview Biltmore Hotel reflecting pool and East Wing PAST NEWS Since my last update, Belleair Commissioners voted yes to extend the development order for BBP to proceed with their renovation plans. There was a huge crowd of about 120 who attended, and we wish to thank everyone for coming to this most important meeting to show your support for the hotel and also for Richard Heisenbottle, Hector Torres and Charles Kropke of Belleview Biltmore Partners. It was a very exciting night of support!   In April 2012, a Belleair consultant determined that the current Biltmore owners (KAWA Capital) were allowing the Belleview Biltmore to NOT be properly maintained and were allowing the hotel to be undergoing "demolition by neglect." The owners were already being fined $250 a day for failing to fix the hotel's dilapidated roof. Back in April they owed more than $226,000. Coral Gables architect Richard Heisenbottle of BBP who hopes to buy and restore the hotel as noted above, said his team from South Florida was not discouraged. He said, "We knew going into this there was a tremendous amount of restoration work that had to be done." Since then BBP group have dropped two parts of their renovation plans for the Biltmore that were in discussion for months. They withdrew their request for the town of Belleair to establish a Community Redevelopment Area on the 20-acre property. Also, the BBP for now eliminated a new "east wing" they had said they would build next to the old hotel. The number of hotel rooms would then be reduced from 460 to 312 on the redeveloped property. On Thursday, Heisenbottle said BBP will apply for an existing Pinellas County program that provides tax exemptions for 10 years to those who restore historic properties in communities that have qualifying ordinances. Belleair will have to amend its ordinance to allow historic commercial properties to have this tax exemption. If you wish to read all the details on what a CRA is and a TIF (Tax Increment Financing), and the past discussions that are no longer applicable, please read the recent following articles: http://www.tampabay.com/news/growth/belleview-biltmore-development-group-drops-request-for-one-financing-tool/1240041 Belleview Biltmore development group drops request for one financing tool, will try another By Diane Steinle, Times Staff Writer http://tbnweekly.com/pubs/belleair_bee/content_articles/071112_bee-03.txt Biltmore numbers beginning to unfold By Brian Goff, Belleair Bee FACEBOOK Join us, Save the Biltmore Preservationists on Facebook at: at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Biltmore-Preservationists/180572012028756   VINTAGE PHOTO I am delighted to show you this wonderful, vintage sepia photo of seven young ballerinas photographed at the north wing of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. I do not know the date of the photo.  My late husband and former Vice President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists, Ed Jameson, obtained a series of these photos at an estate sale he went to a few years ago. Many people have written me over the years how as children, they spent many a summer vacation at the hotel, and grew up with fond memories of the hotel such as I am sure that these young dancers had when they grew up. Ed always told me we must continue to educate the children about the importance of historic preservation. So we urge teachers and parents all over the world to teach the value of preservation to the children by taking them to historic sites and buildings to encourage their love for vintage architect and society. And for them to read my Biltmore Updates!  The above photo is wonderful to hang in your home, business or office and is available to purchase from our online gift store.  You will receive the photo only with the caption off and the copyright information will be deleted of course.   It is wonderful to hang in your home or business.  It is available in three sizes:  8 x 10 inches for $35, 11 x 14 inches for $55 and 13 x 19 inches for $75.   To purchase the above photo, click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm#VINTAGE_    FINAL THOUGHTS We look forward to Belleview Biltmore Partners closing on the hotel the end of September and purchasing it. Then renovations may begin to restore the hotel for adults, children and future generations. Continue to spread the word that the Belleview Biltmore is still in existence and that it has a bright future by forwarding this Biltmore Update to everyone you know! We can only save and build a great hotel with your support.   Sincerely,   Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com  ©  2012 BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver  Biltmore T-shirt   Biltmore cookies         Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to: Diane S. Hein, President c/o Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30725 U.S. 19 North  #107 Palm Harbor, FL  34684  Biltmore Update, Wednesday, April 11, 2012 Dear Biltmore supporters, news media and others: I am sending this Biltmore Update in plain text format to make sure that everyone receives it.  I sent out a Biltmore Update on Monday, April 2, 2012 announcing the new contract signed to purchase the Belleview Biltmore Hotel within six months by Belleview Biltmore Partners, Richard Heisenbottle, Hector Torres and Charles Kropke.  If you did not receive it, PLEASE PLEASE add email@savethebiltmore.com to your mailing list IMMEDIATELY today so you may receive future editions of my Update. You can click on this link to read it:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm A THANK YOU A thank you to ABC TV, NBC local TV news, the Tampa Bay Times (formerly St. Petersburg Times) for interviewing us after the announcement of the contract being signed.  We always appreciate media coverage for the hotel and us!  And a thank you to Karmen Hayes and her husband TC Hayes for helping us with the TV interviews. FACEBOOK   Join us, Save the Biltmore Preservationists on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Biltmore-Preservationists/180572012028756 RENOVATION PLANS Click here to view beautiful and exciting Richard Heisenbottle's architectual renovation plans for the Belleview Biltmore. http://rjha.net/index.php/H-R-Belleview-Biltmore.html  There are 12 to look at. IMPORTANT MEETING!!   There is a very important meeting next week, Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 at the Belleair town hall in which Belleview Biltmore Partners will be asking Bellear Commissioners to extend the development order for their renovation plans.  They have asked us to get as much community support at this meeting, so we want as many of you to come to this meeting and show your support to this investment group to save the hotel and extend the timeline for their beautiful renovation plans! The Belleair town hall is at 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Belleair, FL SAVE THE BILTMORE FLYER There is a flyer for you to print and post in areas where people are local enough to attend this important meeting.  Libraries, the Biltmore condos, gas stations, coffee shops, offices, retail stores, the mall, etc, any public place would be great places to post a flyer.  It will help bring awareness to the hotel as well as help people attend this important meeting.   http://savethebiltmore.com/SAVETHEBILTMOREFLYERApril,%202012.htm HOW TO HELP US Biltmore supporters write me all the time asking how they can help us.  Now is your chance to continue to help promote the saving of the hotel!  The Biltmore will be purchased within the next six months, but the community can continue to support and promote the hotel to bring in new interested people; so in the future when it does reopen, reservations will be made for vacations, conventions, meetings, weddings, vacations, golf bookings, spa visits, breakfast, lunch and dinner etc.   Belleview Biltmore Partners and our nonprofit are relying on you for your continued promotion of the hotel to make it a real success.  So help them, help us, help the Biltmore by posting this flyer and attending next week's meeting!   FINAL THOUGHTS Mark your calendars for NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 7:30 p.m. for this IMPORTANT Belleair meeting.  PLEASE ATTEND! Bring a friend too! The ball is rolling on saving the hotel, keep your support strong and active, now is the time to show you how much it means to you! Sincerely, Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.savethebiltmore.com http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm   Become a member today! Remember:  PLEASE PLEASE add  email@savethebiltmore.com to your mailing list IMMEDIATELY today so you may receive future editions of my Biltmore Update.       If your email program will not allow you to read this Update click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm    Save the Biltmore Update/Newsletter -- Monday, April 2, 2012   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others,   PLEASE READ THIS BILTMORE UPDATE AND PRESS RELEASE RIGHT AWAY!   There is VERY exciting news regarding the Belleview Biltmore Resort at a SECOND chance at greatness and restoration!   This is the news we have anticipating for months now, and the time is finally here!   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT BAY PROBY +1.305.251-3671 RELEASE DATE: 4/2/12 Belleview Biltmore Resort Getting A Second Chance at Greatness New Partnership Unveils Plans to Restore Gilded Age Hotel BELLEAIR, FL (April 2) - In a major step toward giving the storied Belleview Biltmore Resort a second chance at greatness, Belleview Biltmore Partners, LLC today unveiled its plan to restore the 115-year-old historic landmark to its regal splendor. "Our vision for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and Resort is rooted in the magical experiences of historic Gilded Age hotels," said architect Richard J. Heisenbottle, FAIA, at a morning meeting with the Town of Belleair Ad Hoc Belleview Biltmore Committee, which advises the town on Biltmore-related matters. "Our goal is to give the Belleview Biltmore a second chance at greatness. With its distinctive Victorian architecture and prime Gulf Coast location, an accurate restoration of the entire facility will ensure its preeminence among worldwide luxury resorts." Built in 1897 by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant, the Belleview Biltmore has hosted world leaders, U.S. presidents and hundreds of celebrities through the decades. It was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1979, closed in 2009, and is now one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's most endangered sites. On March 31, Belleview Biltmore Partners, LLC signed a purchase and sale agreement with Kawa Capital, the hotel's current owner, for acquisition of the hotel, golf course, and cabana club properties.  This agreement gives Belleview Biltmore Partners six months to perform due diligence and close on the purchase. "Belleview Biltmore Partners has demonstrated it is the only party with the capability of restoring the hotel," said Daniel Ades, principal of Kawa Capital Management. "As we promised from the first day we acquired the property, we are going out of our way in trying to make the restoration of the hotel possible by providing unprecedented financing and a very extended due diligence period so that the project can materialize." In addition to Heisenbottle, Belleview Biltmore Partners, LLC's principals include real estate developer Hector Torres, CGC, and entrepreneur and tourism professional Charles J. Kropke.  Belleview Biltmore Partners is represented in this transaction by the Miami based Investment Banking Firm, CGI Merchant Group, its CEO Raoul Thomas and Senior Associate Nelson Garcia. "We all share a passion for historic restoration projects and recognize the worldwide significance of saving the Belleview Biltmore," said Kropke. "Our goal is to create one of the nation's finest destination resorts, and one that will be unequalled on the west coast of Florida." Belleview Biltmore Partners plans, presented today to the town committee, envision a complete historic restoration of the hotel in compliance with standards set by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. The redevelopment plan for the property will remain substantially the same as illustrated in three previously approved development orders for prior owners Legg Mason Real Estate Investors. Redevelopment plans include restoration of the historic 260-room hotel, construction of a new 153-room east wing, and restoration of the historic Magnolia, Palm, and Sunset Cottages.  The plan also includes improvements to the Biltmore Golf Club, which has remained open, and development of the beachfront Cabana Club property into a 38-room boutique hotel. All structures on the hotel property that do not contribute to the hotel's historic designation will be removed, including the existing lobby and spa. "This restoration will revive the Biltmore's exceptional architecture and design features of a century ago, providing guests with a unique experience in a luxurious, amenity-rich Florida setting," said Torres. "With our restoration plan, the Belleview Biltmore will offer a unique fusion of the present and the past - truly the best of both worlds."  He estimates the project would take three years to complete and generate approximately 4,500 temporary and permanent jobs.    "We plan on working closely with the Town of Belleair, City of Clearwater, Pinellas County, the Belleair Country Club and area residents to make this dream a reality," said Heisenbottle. "With everyone's assistance, cooperation, and support, we can restore one of the grandest historic hotels in the world to its former glory."     FACEBOOK:  Join us, Save the Biltmore Preservationists on Facebook at: at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Biltmore-Preservationists/180572012028756   VOTE FOR THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE!    The Florida chapter of the American Institute of Architects is sponsoring a contest to determine people’s favorite historic building in Florida. One of the voting categories is for “Write-in Nominees.” We want the Belleview Biltmore to win in this category and we need your help to succeed. You may vote as often as you would like, but you must complete an entry form each time you vote. You may be able to just hit the back button on your computer however to vote again and again. The contest ends on April 6th, so please DO THIS TODAY!  VOTE FOR THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE RESORT!  Click on the link below to go to the voting site, and write in your vote for the Biltmore: http://www.aiafltop100.org/Write-In.cfm This is the information you will need to complete your ballot: Name: Belleview Biltmore Hotel Owner: Kawa Capital Address: 25 Belleview Biltmore Blvd, Belleair, 33756 Built: 1896: opened January, 1897 Message: Write whatever you feel is important regarding the hotel but you may use any or all of of the thoughts below: The "White Queen of the Gulf" opened its doors in 1897 and has survived the test of time since then.  The original architects were Francis J. Kennard and Michael J. Miller. Twice the Belleview Biltmore has been threatened with demolition since 2004, but as of this week, April 2, it will be given a second chance to greatness by an investor partnership, Belleview Biltmore Partners, one of whom is an architect, Richard Heisenbottle, and they wish to restore the hotel to its grandeur. Through community support, efforts of the town of Belleair and the nonprofit organization, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, the hotel is still standing today.  The Belleview Biltmore is known for his iconic Victorian architect, four wings, five stories and was the largest occupied wooden structure in the world.  It closed its doors during World War II to house our troops, the windows painted black and furniture stripped and is a vital part of American history as well as Belleair and Pinellas County history.   TURNOUT FOR THE JANUARY 17, 2012 BELLEAIR MEETING:   I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to have a large turnout for the Belleair meeting in January and a thank you to all the people who came out in support that night to save it. Approximately 175 people showed up, nearly all in favor of saving the hotel so THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  Also a special thank you to Doug Goetzle of Phoenix Network, Orlando, for his article in support of the Biltmore and his reporter, Rachel Lloyd.  Also to thank Fox radio/TV host Jack Harris for his continued support.   FINAL THOUGHTS:  An exciting future again lies ahead for the White Queen of the Gulf!Doug Mann, Jamie Stone and I wish to thank each and everyone of our supporters and Belleair officials who helped continue to strive to Save the Biltmore since 2004, it could not have been done it without you!  Our former vice president and my late husband Ed Jameson and our group fought hard to continue to support saving of this historical icon, and have supported Richard Heisenbottle's efforts since he developed renovation plans back in 2007.   He has been a godsend after Ed died to know someone who shared the passion, love and vision both my late husband and I had for years regarding the Biltmore.  We wish Richard and his team, Belleview Biltmore Partners continued success to fully implement their renovation plans over the coming years and to restore the Belleview Biltmore Resort to its former greatness.  We are looking forwarding to celebrating the grand reopening of the hotel with them!   Sincerely, Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com  ©  2012 BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver  Biltmore T-shirt   Biltmore cookies         Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to:     Diane S. Hein, President c/o Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30725 U.S. 19 North  #107 Palm Harbor, FL  34684      If your email program will not allow you to read this Update click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm    Save the Biltmore Update/Newsletter -- Sunday January 15, 2012   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others, Dear Biltmore Supporter, News Media and Others: This Biltmore Update was originally sent out in plain text to make sure that everyone receives it rather than taking the chance where some web hosting services may reject my Update with jpgs in them. If you did NOT receive my last Biltmore Update of January 6, PLEASE PLEASE BE SURE to add email@savethebiltmore.com to your contact list to receive them in the future. You may find my last Update at http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm. We have a brand NEW ONE- MINUTE EMAIL campaign email to send out below, so ANYONE in the area or outside the area or around the world should send it today! After today I will send out my Update in regular format with jpgs and our logo. No matter what you hear or saw anywhere, the news or your friends, the BELLEVIEW BILTMORE CAN STILL BE SAVED AND RENOVATED! While a demolition permit application has been taken out by KAWA on January 6, 2012, Belleair commissioners still have the right to ENFORCE THEIR OWN HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE which they passed in 2005. They STILL have the right to REJECT the demolition permit. We urge them to do so when the vote comes before them perhaps in April of this year. What was the purpose anyway of passing this law only to have them not enforce it when the hotel changes ownership!!! It's absurd to think that when economic times get a little tough, that they will not enforce THEIR OWN LAW THEY PASSED! They, we and the commmunity worked tirelessly back in 2005 and onward to ensure the saving of the Biltmore way beyond 2012! We realize that Belleair is losing tax dollars with the hotel being closed, however, Belleair officials have the RIGHT to collect the fines that are being levied DAILY on the current hotel owner...why are they NOT doing this until a buyer is found? Months ago KAWA took down the BelleviewBiltmore.com web site's information about the hotel, and their web site now only displays information on the golf course! KAWA could have advertised that the Biltmore was for sale on their own Belleview Biltmore web site, and yet they did not, thus failing to take advantage of selling the hotel AT ALL OPPORTUNITIES. IMPORTANT BELLEAR MEETING IN BELLEAR THIS TUESDAY: Please attend the Belleair town hall meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday January 17 at 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Belleair, Florida and encourage Belleair town officials to DENY the demolition permit. Belleair officials will be discussing the Bltmore and its future at this meeting, so it important that you voice your opinion! There is a time limit of three minutes to speak so voice your opinion THIS WEEK at this VERY important meeting! THANK YOU! A big thank you to the news media, Tampa Bay Times (formerly the St. Petersburg Times) Belleair Bee, WFTS ABC Action TV news, CBS WTSP TV news, Jack Harris at WFLA970 a.m. radio for helping us publicize our campaign to Save the Biltmore. We received many new supporters as a result. We hope the news media continues to help us not only in articles, radio and TV spots, but to show via interviews that the Biltmore is still viable and can be renovated. Just because the roof needs replacing does not mean the entire structure can not be saved! Roofs on buildings and homes are replaced ALL the time without ever demolishing them. Rusting metal railings can be replaced and chipped paint on windows and doors can all be sanded and repainted or replaced. I feel the public needs to know that these repairs and renovations are highly doable no matter what they see on TV other print media!! The current owner and past owner did NOT take care of the hotel but the renovations are still very much possible. Plus Belleair officials have NOT enforced the code to keep the hotel in good condition so this is why many things need to be repaired. The hotel is a FAR FAR cry from "demolition by neglect." When the public sees a few chipped paint pieces, or fraying tarps, they MUST be aware that these are all repairs are possible. We hope the media lets the public know that these repairs can be done by the next hotel owner. THE BILTMORE IS STILL ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE NO MATTER WHAT YOU HEAR OR READ! Whether townhomes can even be successfully sold by KAWA Capital is very unpredictable and could take a decade for them to be sold. Meanwhile the hotel could reopen and bring in the needed tax dollars for Belleair. Also a big thank you to Belleair resident Karmen Hayes for helping me do some of the live interviews since I am not able to do all of them. There are many other supporters helping the cause with distributing flyers, the ONE-MINUTE EMAIL CAMPAIGN, letters to the editor and giving us ideas, and I thank you all very much! MATT CUMMINGS: This is the man who KAWA hired to find investors to buy the Biltmore this year. Why they hired him I have NOT one clue since I have spoken to him on the phone a number of times, and he has been extremely negative about the Biltmore! How he could expect to sell the hotel with such negativity I have no idea. He also could very well stand to make more money in the long run selling townhomes than selling the Biltmore. The Tampa Bay Times did an expose on him and here are clips from Lorri Helfand's article below. Biltmore rep's historic preservation ability questioned By Lorri Helfand, Tampa Bay Times Staff Writer Sunday, November 13, 2011 BELLEAIR — Matthew Cummings said he had hoped to be the "guy on the white horse" who saved the 115-year-old Belleview Biltmore. Whether he had the ability to save the hotel in the first place is debatable. Last week, after he was questioned about his background, Cummings admitted he has no experience with historic preservation projects. The Times also discovered that some information Cummings provided about his career and his education is, at best, misleading, and, at worst, inaccurate. Some of the projects he called "historic renovations" merely involved construction on old buildings or new additions. Initially, Cummings became defensive when asked what historically significant structures he had restored to national preservation standards. "What has that got to do with anything?" said Cummings, 62, who has a small ownership interest in the Biltmore. (3% my comments) "I'm not telling people anything about historic structures; I'm telling them whether a hotel of that size is feasible on that site." Other items about Cummings' claims and background raise questions: • He told residents about two companies he was involved in, but failed to mention that neither was registered with the state Division of Corporations. • He gave misleading information about renovation work he said he managed at art museums at Harvard University, and created a false impression that he went to graduate school there. • He admitted to a long battle with the Internal Revenue Service, which led to liens filed against him totaling more than $76,000 for seven tax years. He said he settled with the IRS and just owes about $20,800 now. Over the past few decades, Cummings has lived mostly in Florida and Massachusetts. The Dunedin resident said he started his career digging ditches for his grandfather's construction company and worked in construction management and consulting jobs. He came to Pinellas County in 1978 and stayed almost a decade. He came back to Florida for a while in the 1990s and has lived off and on in the state since then. Newspapers have mentioned his involvement in a few high-profile projects. In the early 1990s, he served as a consultant for Charlie Daniels Western World, a planned amusement park in Pasco County that never was developed. And in the mid-1990s, he worked as a project manager for a construction company in charge of renovating Lincoln Road, a multi-block pedestrian mall in Miami Beach. His current boss, Raphael Ades, whose office is on Lincoln Road, learned about Cummings because of that project. Last month, Cummings hosted three public presentations at the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club, where he hyped his background and promoted construction of Queen Anne-style townhomes on the Biltmore property. He said he hoped to save a small portion of the old hotel and turn it into a museum. And he passed out fliers for a "company," he said he formed called the Museum Team. He later said the entity isn't registered with the state because it's not really a company, but an offshoot of his consulting business, Klecker Cummings LLC, which isn't registered either. Cummings said he began the registration process Wednesday. He also told residents he managed renovations at two Harvard museums, the Fogg Museum of Art and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Similar claims were made in the flier and on his business website, where one caption read, "Interior and exterior of the Fogg Museum of Art at Harvard University … construction managed by Matt Cummings." He told a reporter he did the projects in the 1980s when he was going to Harvard. After Cummings was told museum officials have no record of renovations at that time, he said the renovations were not structural, but involved "interior renovations." He later said the work might have been done in the 1970s. On his business website, Cummings mentions his educational background, saying he "is a graduate of the Real Estate Development and Analysis program at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design." He was never admitted to the graduate school, but took a six-week, noncredit class, Fundamentals of Real Estate Investment Analysis, through the university's executive education program. Cummings also told residents he did a renovation of Bay Pines VA Hospital in Pinellas. His website shows a picture with a caption saying the hospital was "fully renovated" by him. He told a reporter he did that project around 1978 for Sainer Constructors. When the Times told him that it found information indicating that contract involved only new construction, he said, "Yeah, but it had to look like the old building." ---- ONE-MINUTE EMAIL CAMPAIGN: We encourage everyone both IN AND OUT OF BELLEAIR to write the current owners of the Biltmore and urge them to continue to seek investors or a hotelier who is committed to saving the Belleview Biltmore. Write your own email or feel free to use the sample copy below, THREE SHORT PARAGRAPHS. Just ONE minute of your time could go a long way in helping to save the White Queen of the Gulf. KAWA Capital: Daniel Ades, Raphael Ades and Alexandre Saverin, Simply copy and paste the eaddresses below to your email program and then either write your own email or copy and paste the enclosed email and SEND IMMEDIATELY! We have included Belleair officials email addresses also so they may receive a copy also: Mayor Gary Katica, Commissioners Stephen Fowler, Tom Shelly, Kevin Piccarreto and Michael Wilkinson and Town Manager, Micah Maxwell daniel@kawacapital.com,rapho_ades@yahoo.com,alex@kawacapital.com,  gkatica@townofbelleair.net, sfowler@townofbelleair.net, tshelly@townofbelleair.net, kpiccarreto@townofbelleair.net, mwilkinson@townofbelleair.net, mimaxwel@tampabay.rr.com  KAWA Capital Dear Mr. Ades and Mr. Ades, Both the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation are lending their support for saving the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. It would be a permanent black mark on your company's legacy if you were to demolish one of the most important historic icons in the town of Belleair and Pinellas County to make way for yet another condominium development. Certainly, a huge public outcry will ensue. I urge you to continue to try and find investors who are committed to restoring the hotel to its original glory. Restoration of the hotel is unquestionably the highest and best use of the property. In the long run it will be in the best interest of all. Pinellas County does NOT need another unsold townhouse development. It could take a decade to sell the ones we already have, meanwhile the White Queen of the Gulf would be gone forever, as would your firm's reputation. To have kept the hotel on the market for only one year during the toughest economic times in recent history is no justification for you to demolish it. I encourage you to use your firm's expertise to find creative ways to work with investors who are committed to saving this priceless landmark. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, ------ FACEBOOK: Join us at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Biltmore-Preservationists/180572012028756  SAVE THE BILTMORE FLYER: I want to thank everyone who has written me and said they are putting up flyers around the area, libraries, retail stores, at work, restaurants etc. The more you can do this, or hand to your neighbors and friends, the better. The meeting is this Tuesday, January 17 at 7:30 so time is running short but we still have time to get more people to make comments for the commissioners and mayor this Tuesday. No matter where you live in the area, hang and distribute, we have supporters from all over the area! http://savethebiltmore.com/SAVETHEBILTMOREFLYERJanuary2012.htm FINAL THOUGHTS: Please attend the Belleair town hall meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday January 17 and encourage Belleair town officials to deny the demolition permit and continue to save the Belleview Biltmore. And email KAWA CAPITAL and Belleair officials in our one-minute email campaign. We are counting on you to help us. 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Belleair, FL. Google has a map for directions. Save the White Queen of the Gulf...a damsel in distress needing your help! Sincerely, Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.savethebiltmore.com Again, if you did NOT receive my last Biltmore Update of January 6, PLEASE PLEASE BE SURE to add email@savethebiltmore.com to your contact list to receive them in the future   BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver     Biltmore T-shirt        Biltmore cookies           Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to: Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30617 U.S. 19 North  #420 Palm Harbor, FL  34684

Biltmore Update, January 5, 2012

If your email program will not allow you to read this Update click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm    Save the Biltmore Update/Newsletter -- January 5, 2012   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others, URGENT, URGENT, URGENT!   BELLEAIR TOWN MEETING:  Tuesday January 17, 2011.  7:30 p.m.   Belleair town officials will be discussing the fate of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.  It is EXTREMELY important that you contact all your friends and to attend this meeting to speak out and show your support to SAVE THE BILTMORE!.  KAWA will be submitting a demolition permit shortly, possibly in January, and it is imperative that Belleair officials KNOW at THIS meeting that you continue to want the Biltmore saved.    They need to know you want them to DENY the demolition permit! The Belleair town hall is at 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Belleair, FL Unfortunately KAWA has absolutely no interest in restoring the hotel themselves and is currently trying to sell it since they bought it.   Currently KAWA has plans to build 180 townhomes after demolishing the Biltmore.  There is a long legal process including rescinding the 2005 preservation ordinance that would have to take place for this to happen, BUT the important fact is that Belleair officials need to know citizens STILL want the Biltmore saved. If you know of any investors, developers, hoteliers or real estate companies to contact to purchase the hotel OR if you know of investors who might be willing to help other investors in the renovation process, let me know as soon as possible!  We have spent a lot of time writing to possible investors, but we need YOUR help also again at this time to help save the Biltmore since the current owners unfortunately have NO interest in renovating this magnificent hotel!  Please, please contact any realtor in your area or email them from the web and let them know the Biltmore is in urgent need of a buyer.  Mention our web site www.savethebiltmore.com so they can contact us. Our goal would be to help put together a team of investors to save the hotel in case one buyer does not have sufficient investors for its renovation in these challenging economic times. For those of you in the news media, write an article about the plight of the Biltmore or talk about it on radio or TV and that it needs investors, someone may step forward to purchase or invest in the hotel.  Mention our web site http://www.SaveTheBiltmore for contact info. There are historic hotels which have escaped  the wrecking ball: the Del Coronado in California, the Wes Baden in Indiana, the Royal Hawaiian in Hawaii, Wentworth by the Sea in New Hampshire, the Biltmore Hotel in Miami and the Don Cesar, the Casa Monica, the Vinoy and the Lakeside Inn, the last five hotels all saved in Florida. If you know more that were saved, please write me at www.SaveTheBiltmore.com.  They were saved through a combination of preservation organizations or someone bought them with preservation in mind.  They are true inspirational stories for potential preservation buyers!   ONE MINUTE EMAIL CAMPAIGN:   For those of you who are unable to attend this VERY important meeting, I urge you to write Belleair officials an email encouraging them to deny the demolition permit and to continue to save the Biltmore as a hotel.  Feel free to write your own thoughts or you may copy this email below and send it to them.  It will only take one minute!  WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!  Simply copy and paste the eaddresses below to your email program and then either write your own email or copy and paste the enclosed email and SEND IMMEDIATELY! Mayor Gary Katica, Commissioners Stephen Fowler, Tom Shelly, Kevin Piccarreto and Michael Wilkinson and Town Manager, Micah Maxwell gkatica@townofbelleair.net,sfowler@townofbelleair.net, tshelly@townofbelleair.net,kpiccarreto@townofbelleair.net,  mwilkinson@townofbelleair.net,mimaxwel@tampabay.rr.com  Sample copy and paste this email to send or write your own: Honorable Mayor Katica and Belleair Commissioners: I urge you to continue to save your historic Victorian Belleview Biltmore Hotel for my generation and future generations to enjoy.  The historic 2005 preservation ordinance was passed by Belleair officials to protect this iconic structure against demolition by neglect and developers who want to destroy it for their own personal monetary gain.  I hope you deny any demolition permit that is proposed to you this year or any time in the future.  Citizens placed their trust in you to follow through with and enforce your own ordinance to save The White Queen of the Gulf now and forever. Sincerely, ENGLAND'S STAND ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION:  Here is an email from Biltmore supporter David Radford from as they say "across the pond" in England where PRESERVATION IS KING! "I didn't realize that the Belleview Biltmore was the oldest used wooden structure!  If that was in England, it would be a listed building and no one would be able to touch it.  Any building of any historical value over here gets a graded listing as to how important is.  For example if something is a grade 2 listed building - you may as well forget it! We even put preservation orders on trees!  The National Trust owns half of England!!!  All the major historical houses are owned by the National Trust, and they own hundreds and hundreds of square mile of gardens and forest and national conservation land.  If National Trust owns a piece of land, the chances of you getting building permission on it are remote!  Even local councils have areas they call "Green Belt" and if you own some green belt land then you can't do anything with it apart from farm or keep it as pasture land."  David Radford As a side note, the former King of England, (the Duke of Windsor) and England's Prime Minister Lady Margaret Thatcher have stayed at the Biltmore! So let's take a lesson from our mother country who believes in historic preservation. Join us at Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Biltmore-Preservationists/180572012028756   SAVE THE BILTMORE FLYER:  Please print out this flyer from the link below and give to ten of your friends and family and urge them to attend this meeting.  Hang it up around your community.   Show your support and attend this meeting to Save the Biltmore.   Urge Belleair officials to DENY the demolition permit!  Numbers count!   This is the last chance for you to Save the Biltmore.  BE THERE!     SAVE THE BILTMORE FLYER FINAL THOUGHTS:  What path lies ahead for the "White Queen of the Gulf?"   She still rises high in Belleair.  She was critical to the history and development of Pinellas County.  She helped us in World War II.  She is beloved by people all over the country who have written me.  400 citizens in Belleair signed petitions to stop condo development there.  500 citizens stormed the Belleair May 2005 meeting to try to save it.   And yet she still needs your support and love. We hope that Belleair officials value the 2005 historic preservation ordinance through the easy times as well as the tough economic times like now.  It was designed to protect the White Queen of the Gulf against demolition by neglect and against greedy developers to make money off this historic beautiful icon. Please attend the Belleair town hall meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday January 17 and encourage Belleair town officials to deny the demolition permit.  Or email them.  We are counting on you to help us.  901 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Belleair, FL.  Google has a map for directions. Sincerely, Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com  ©  2012 BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver     Biltmore T-shirt        Biltmore cookies           Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to: Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30617 U.S. 19 North  #420 Palm Harbor, FL  34684

Biltmore Update, Saturday July 9, 2011

If your email program will not allow you to read this Update click here:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm    Save the Biltmore Update/Newsletter -- Saturday, July 9, 2011   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others, RECENT BELLEVIEW BILTMORE NEWS SINCE LAST UPDATE: Much has happened since my last Biltmore Update and my apologies for the delay in this newsletter.  However, due to some severe medical challenges of my own, but worse, the recent long illness and death of my wonderful, loving husband, Ed Jameson, (our nonprofit vice president,) it has been an extremely challenging year for me to keep up with my Biltmore newsletters and our web site. However I have been active with the Biltmore in other ways, as you will read below.  The Biltmore is unfortunately in jeopardy so be sure to read this entire Update! THANK YOU CLEARWATER GAZETTE! I would like to offer a very big and warm THANK YOU to the Clearwater Gazette newspaper editor Sandy Pollick, for publishing a wonderful memorial tribute written by Renee Burrell about my late husband Ed Jameson (we were together for 34 years).  My husband was vice president of our nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists since 2005 and dedicated years to the saving of the hotel. http://clearwatergazette.com/20110120/A4_gif.html   This link to their article may only work if "cut and paste it" so I will give the text here: Biltmore Preservationist Ed Jameson Remembered    January 20, 2011 By Renee Burrell CLEARWATER - Edward Lee Jameson (age 65), a Clearwater resident, who tirelessly promoted preservation of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair, passed away December 8, 2010. Jameson suffered from complications following surgery to remove a benign brain tumor for several months before his death. The death was announced by Jameson's wife and partner of 34 years, Diane Hein, with whom he co-founded Save the Biltmore Preservationists. Says Hein, "Ed was a fascinating, articulate, analytical and loving man who contributed so much to historic preservation in Pinellas County." Jameson was known locally as the Vice President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists and was a familiar sight at Belleair town meetings where for six years he followed the actions taken concerning the hotel and spoke on behalf of so many other members of the community concerned that the property would be developed into a colony of even more condominiums. In particular, Jameson and his group advocated to ensure that all four wings of the landmark hotel would be preserved for future generations. Jameson's efforts were instrumental in helping to pass an amendment to the town of Belleair's preservation ordinance in which the interior of the hotel would be preserved historically. Hein said Jameson strongly felt that the Biltmore was the most important historical structure within Pinellas County and indeed contributed much to the county's very development. "He always had faith that the people of Pinellas County, Belleair and their elected officials would do their best to preserve the hotel." A military veteran, Jameson served proudly in the United States Air Force in Great Britain as a weather researcher. Once discharged, he attained a Bachelor of Science in Business from Eckerd College and went on to form a career in information technology, retiring as a systems analyst from Pinellas County Government. A memorial service was held at Bay Pines Veterans cemetery for Jameson who is survived by wife Diane, brother George (Faith) and two nephews. (end of article) Side note:  Ed colorfully once told this about the Biltmore to Harlan Weikle reporter for the Belleair Bee:  "The attic area was akin to the bowels of a ship at sea, the crew's living quarters, only turned upside down."  Ed used to walk the long two miles of corridor at the Biltmore during his lunch hours when he worked downtown before he retired.  He loved the hotel beyond words. We strongly feel that one reason that the Biltmore is still standing is because of Ed, who introduced the hotel to me his wife, Diane Hein, President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists who put up this web site in 2004.  With the help of much community support who contacted this web site when the St. Petersburg Times mentioned it, the Biltmore was saved from demolition back in 2007.   There were HUNDREDS of people involved in the saving of the Biltmore at that time, including the support of Belleair officials, and we are truly grateful for their help. EVENTS ABOUT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE IN THE PAST YEAR There have been many newspaper articles regarding the status of the Biltmore during the past year, so for local readers, you will already know current events.  For those outside the area, the former owner Latitude Manage Real Estate (formerly Legg Mason) who had $100 million renovation plans back in 2007, defaulted on their mortgage due to the economic recession.   In December 2010, they sold the hotel to Daniel and Raphael Ades of KAWA Capital, Miami, Florida:  the three properties, the Biltmore, the golf course and the Cabana Club sold for only $8 million.   Legg Mason bought it for $30.3 million in 2007.  There was an effort on the part of an assisted living group to buy the Biltmore for their own purpose, after KAWA bought the hotel and properties, but fortunately Belleair town officials turned this down! Unfortunately KAWA has absolutely no interest in restoring the hotel themselves and is currently trying to sell it since they bought it.  The price listed is $14 million to include the Biltmore, the golf course and the Cabana Club on Sand Key.  $8 million for the hotel, $4 million for the golf course and $4 million for the Cabana Club.   The current owner says that the "seller may be available for a portion of the purchase price if significant collateral and guarantees are posted." The Biltmore roof which was damaged during the hurricane season of 2004 has not been repaired since Latitude Management owned it.  Daily fines levied by the town of Belleair are being accrued by KAWA which amount to over $147,000!  KAWA has NOT paid the fees OR restored the damaged roof, I am sorry to report! So currently the Biltmore is for sale again and therefore if you know of any investors, developers, hoteliers or real estate companies to contact to purchase the hotel OR if you know of investors who might be willing to help other investors in the renovation process, let me know as soon as possible!  We have spent a lot of time writing to possible investors, but we need YOUR help also again at this time to help save the Biltmore since the current owners unfortunately have NO interest in renovating this magnificent hotel!  FEASIBILITY STUDY:  Recently the Town of Belleair, with the cooperation of the current owner, represented by Matt Cummings of Dunedin, decided to commission a feasibility study by StoneCreek Partners.  The study should be completed by the end of August or September.  This report is designed to help determine the viability of the hotel whether parts or all of it should remain a hotel or whether it should be demolished and converted to condos, shopping centers etc., the latter an absolutely outrageous solution for this priceless historic building! We hope that this feasibility study will demonstrate that the Biltmore can be saved as a destination historic resort and remain the famous icon of Belleair and Pinellas County. Considering that some investors I know personally who I have toured the hotel feel it can be saved is encouraging news it can be saved. INVESTORS WANTED:  The Biltmore needs investors to help with renovation costs which have been estimated to be $60 million to $80 million minus around 20% historic tax credits.    The former architect who Latitude Management hired, Richard Heisenbottle, is willing to work with any buyer explaining these tax credits.  Again, just contact me on this if you are an investor who would like to buy the Biltmore or invest in the renovation.  Our goal would be to help put together a team of investors to save the hotel in case one buyer does not have sufficient investors for its renovation in these challenging economic times. DEMOLITION BY NEGLECT:  The Biltmore has been stripped of all its furniture since 2009 when it was sold off, and recently all the carpet has been stripped to avoid mold and fungus buildup. KAWA refuses to repair the leaky roof or renovate it as I wrote above, the hotel is closed and empty and there is minimal security for this beautiful hotel.  We are very concerned that if repairs are not made soon, "demolition by neglect" will take place.   Belleair passed a historic preservation ordinance in 2005, with the help of preservation attorney Nancy Stroud, and this is supposed to stop this process; and yet the damaged roof continues to be unrepaired!  Obviously fining KAWA is NOT working!!  Therefore we urgently need YOU, our strong and staunch Biltmore supporters to contact developers or real estate investors in your area or outside the area, contact the news media wherever you live to help with the purchase and thus save the Biltmore...once again!  DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND THEIR DEMOLITION BY NEGLECT POLICY:  The information below is from http://www.dcwatch.com/archives/council12/12-754.htm  and why can't Belleair enforce repairing the Biltmore roof and charge KAWA Capital the cost of repairs?                         "Sec. 5b. Owner required to make repairs; assessment of costs. "Upon a finding by the Mayor that an historic landmark or a contributing building or structure within a historic district or within a proposed historic district is threatened by demolition by neglect, the Mayor may do either of the following:   "(1) Require the owner to repair all conditions contributing to demolition by neglect; or "(2) If the owner does not make repairs within a reasonable period of time, the Mayor or his agents may enter the property and make repairs which are necessary to prevent demolition by neglect. The costs of these repairs shall be charged to the owner, and may be levied by the District of Columbia as a special assessment against the property. The Mayor or his agents may enter the property to enforce the provisions of this section upon obtaining an order from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.".   BILTMORE FUTURE? What lies ahead for the future White Queen of the Gulf depends on many factors: the feasibility study, Belleair town officials, the current owner, us, investors and YOU our dedicated supporters.  My loving husband Ed Jameson and former nonprofit vice president died of delays and neglect after months of being in the hands of trained professionals.  Will the Biltmore suffer the same fate?  Will the hotel die a slow death with demolition by neglect or months of delays in the roof repair by the KAWA investors?  Belleair Commissioner Steve Fowler was quoted in the St. Petersburg Times in regards to the recent hotel owners: "You didn't inherit that mess, you purchased it with your eyes wide open."    Here are the email addresses of KAWA's owners/directors, please write them and ask or better yet DEMAND that they repair the Biltmore roof!   In October 2010, Ades said his group was primarily interested in the golf course and had plans to upgrade the 136-acre golf course.   These investors bought the property at a reduced price and their only interest is to "flip" the hotel for a larger profit or worse yet continue with "demolition by neglect" to make even more money off the land should it be demolished.   They claim that they do not know if the Biltmore is worth saving because of the damaged roof and yet an assisted living facility was quite willing to buy the Biltmore, damaged roof and all!  Can you see their twisted logic!?  This is an absolute disgrace what these "flippers" are doing to the Biltmore.       daniel@kawacapital.com, rapho_ades@yahoo.com, alex@kawacapital.com  (Daniel Ades, Raphael Ades and Alexandre Saverin)     And of course will Belleair town officials hold on long enough for an investor to be found even though they are losing tax dollars now that their precious hotel is closed?  We hope yes!    We desperately need YOUR help to find an investor to buy the hotel and more investors to renovate it.  Let us know immediately if you are interested in either purchasing the hotel or helping a buyer invest in its renovations. Spread the word to everyone you know that the hotel needs investors to either buy it or invest in the renovations.  For those of you in the news media, write an article about the plight of the Biltmore or talk about it on radio or TV and that it needs investors, someone may step forward to purchase or invest in the hotel.  Mention our web site http://www.SaveTheBiltmore for contact info. Someone out there will fall in the love with the hotel as we all have and want to save it. FINAL THOUGHTS  Below are some exerts of my late husband’s Ed Jameson’s articulate and passionate speeches at Belleair town hall meetings, from 2005 to 2009 before he became ill.  He wanted me to continue on with my efforts to save the Biltmore should something happen to him, so I will do my best to carry on without him. Ed Jameson: "We do NOT want to see taxidermy performed on the Biltmore!   "We do not want anyone to gut the north and south wings of the Biltmore under the guise of remodeling. This would destroy the historical significance of the north and south wings for future generations. We want to see all the guest rooms retain their historical character. No one would ever consider gutting the wings of the White House and call that preservation! The Biltmore is a true historical treasure for the entire bay area and should be maintained as a true hotel. The Biltmore is not like a trophy that someone can gut and mount on a wall!   "We all know Disney World as a fantasy experience. We all know the difference between walking in Disney World and walking the two miles of historic corridors at the Victorian Belleview Biltmore. Fiction is written into a Disney World walk. History is written into a Biltmore walk. "Once historical objects are radically changed they lose their historical significance. Remember no generation truly owns historical objects. All of us are only caretakers for future generations to enjoy history. "The average citizen would never have been allowed to keep tarps on their roof for almost a year. Recently I saw some Biltmore roof tarps coming down. I however did not see roofing repair crews working on the roof. The town has the authority to enforce codes. Potent enforcement tools such as fines and liens already exist to insure everyone abides by town codes. "It is obvious that demolition by neglect has been going on for years with the Biltmore Hotel. Articles concerning the fire control system and the roof illustrate this point.  All of these issues could have been fixed.  Other hoteliers have stated after looking at the Biltmore that when historical hotels are kept up, they are easy to maintain. "For example, the Del Coronado Hotel in California is a large Victorian wooden structure. They maintained their wooden structure. That state landmark became a popular destination. Wood once properly sealed and protected can last thousands of years.  Historic property owners often attempt to use what is referred to as 'Demolition by Neglect' to circumvent historic preservation. "Do NOT let Pinellas County’s history become pirated or pillaged. "Do NOT deny future generations their heritage!"  Edward Lee Jameson    1945-2010   Sincerely, Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com  ©  2011 BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver     Biltmore T-shirt        Biltmore cookies           Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to: Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30617 U.S. 19 North  #420 Palm Harbor, FL  34684

Biltmore Update, Friday, June 25, 2010

Biltmore Update/Newsletter -- June 25, 2010   Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others, RECENT BELLEVIEW BILTMORE NEWS SINCE LAST UPDATE: As previously mentioned in prior Biltmore Updates, there were two lawsuits filed in order to stop the Biltmore renovations. Fortunately they have been resolved in the hotel's favor so this is wonderful news. Belleair officials recently approved a one year's extension for the renovations to be started. The hotel owners are currently seeking investors so they can start the renovations however.  For complete detailed media coverage of the above, read the media articles from the Belleair Bee, the Clearwater Gazette, the St. Petersburg Times and the Tampa Tribune at:  http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreNewspapersAndPublications.htm WE ACQUIRE VINTAGE BILTMORE CHEST AND MIRROR Our nonprofit organization, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, is pleased to announce that we received a donation of "Old Hickory" vintage furniture that was in the Belleview Biltmore Hotel from around the 1920’s to the 1930’s. The chest and mirror and other Biltmore furniture were sold and removed when the hotel became a World War II barracks for military personnel. We received the vintage furniture from Clearwater resident Dell Valentine Kelleher whose grandmother owned it after it was removed from the hotel. Information on her and her family are at the end of this Update. Here is the history behind the furniture. In the 19th century Bill Richard made and sold hickory chairs in the Town Square in Martinsville, Indiana. "Old Hickory" furniture (honoring President Jackson) came into being in a church in 1892. In 1898, a full line of furniture products was shipped to homes and resorts. There were multiple makers/owners of "Old Hickory" over time. Early Arts & Crafts mission furniture makers may have received many of their concepts while visiting the Martinsville "Old Hickory" production. The earlier woods used were hickory while later woods were oak, chestnut and pine. One of the most popular variations is rustic log style. Many homes, resorts and national park lodges use both old and new variations of "Old Hickory" furniture. A few owners of "Old Hickory" include Old Faithful Inn, Grove Park Inn, Camp David, the Disney Rainforest Cafe, and celebrities Dolly Parton, Robert Redford, Barbra Streisand, and Oprah Winfrey. The Belleview Biltmore hickory chest of drawers has an early mark (later variations had bronze and paper tags) and is an example of historic Mission/Arts and Crafts style furniture. Hickory is the heaviest and hardest of all American hardwoods, and it was used by the American Arts and Crafts movement, Amish furniture makers, pioneer wagon wheels and on the Wright brothers’ Flying Machine. The vintage furniture is a heavy, well built, solid wood, utilitarian chest of drawers with hand cut half-blind dovetails and solid glue joints. The finish is worn, with some small chips and various board-to-board glued edges have separated. The chest and mirror could be restored, but then it would lose the wear and tear history of life at the Biltmore. A woodworker experienced with hickory wood could duplicate this basic design. Our vintage Biltmore chest has four drawers with carved, hickory nut knobs and the 31" x 25" mirror has horizontal sections (rails) with hickory nut incised carvings. The frame (carcass) has horizontal and vertical routed moldings, 43" vertical sections (stiles), 38" horizontal sections (rails) and is 20" in depth. The top-drawer front has opposing "rustic" style V shaped routings cut into the front face and measures 30x18x7". The next drawer measures 30x18x8" and the two bottom drawers measure 30x18x9". The piece is signed "Old Hickory, Martinsville, Ind. Dusty Acorn." The date is unknown but could be in the 1920's or 1930's but is before World War II. The entire package measures 20x38x43" and weighs approximately 150 pounds. Some early records of the first "Old Hickory" furniture were unfortunately destroyed when the original furniture company burned down. The chest and mirror are currently being kept in safe storage for future Biltmore preservation efforts.    This is the Old Hickory logo behind the mirror and the chest.                     One of the hickory nut knobs on the chest.                  One of the hickory decorations on the mirror.               The side detail of the chest                                          The detailed front decoration on the chest               Here is more information from Ms. Dell Valentine Kelleher: "My grandmother Dell Valentine was a very connected (socialite) here in Clearwater. I am a fourth generation Clearwater native. One of her very dear friends was Billy Burke a golf pro, and I think he played with Babe Ruth on the Resort course at times. Also she was a great friend of Jim Smith who was another golf pro in the area at the time. Plus she was on the board of or one of the founders of every committee they had going back then. I really don't know how she ended up with the furniture but it was in the back bedroom of her house for as long as I can remember as a child . She had the set of twin beds and the dresser/mirror and maybe night stand but I happened to salvage the dresser when I needed one when I moved out of my parents' house. My grandfather Wilson "Rudy" Valentine was the founder and president of First Federal Savings and Loan downtown. My great -grandfather George Eichelburger was a builder, and he built some of the homes down in Harbor Oaks near the hospital. My grandmother graduated from Clearwater High School in the first graduating class on '38, Mom graduated in '58 and I in '78." OUR RECENT NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE We want to thank the Belleair Bee and the Clearwater Gazette newspapers for their press coverage of our acquiring the vintage chest and mirror from Clearwater resident, Dell Valentine Kelleher. BECOME A MEMBER OR VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP--Click any photo                       Memberships--Join us   Biltmore charm gold/silver     Biltmore T-shirt           Biltmore cookies           Biltmore watercolor art We hope you join us and become a member this month.  We have five levels, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with a variety of gifts included for each. Our Online Gift Shop is fun to explore for yourself or to purchase a special gift for someone else.  We have much more than what you see above including Biltmore tote bags, mouse pads, greeting cards, calendars, license plates, sterling chains, cufflinks, tie tacks, money clips and a variety of Biltmore artwork.  To go directly to the shop click: http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm   Remember: an honorary one year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, you may make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to: Save the Biltmore Preservationists 30617 U.S. 19 North  #420 Palm Harbor, FL  34684 FINAL THOUGHT We now have a missing piece of information about the vintage furniture in the early days of the Biltmore, and for this we are truly grateful to Ms. Kelleher for her wonderful gift. Now we look forward to the current owner finding investors to beautifully renovate the hotel's past into the future.   Sincerely, Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com  ©  2010

Biltmore Update, Monday December 21, 2009

Biltmore Update/Newsletter --  Monday, December 21, 2009 Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others,   OUR BILTMORE TREE VISITED BY SANTA CLAUS! We were very happy that Santa Claus visited and posed next to our Save the Biltmore Christmas tree at the Festival of Trees held at Westfield/Countryside Mall in November. Extra cookies and milk for him this Christmas! A special thank you to Wayne Barnett from Texas, aka Santa. The event was sponsored by UPARC.  We met many wonderful supporters of the Biltmore Hotel at the festival as well as many who loved and bid on our hand-crafted tree so it was a very gratifying experience for us.  RECENT NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE We want to thank the Clearwater Gazette for featuring the above photo of our 2009 Victorian Christmas ornament tree with Santa Claus standing next to it on the front cover of their newspaper in the December 3, 2009 issue. http://www.clearwatergazette.com/   A CLOSE-UP OF OUR BILTMORE ORNAMENT During the tree festival I had more time to take a better close-up photo of one of our hand-crafted ornaments. The photos below show how we printed the image of the Biltmore charm on gold photo paper from the charm photo below.  Then the paper charm was cut out with a scalloped paper punch and glued to the center of the ornament. VINTAGE PHOTOS OF THE BILTMORE At this time of year, the Christmas season is a wonderful time for fond memories of our past. So I hope you enjoy some vintage photos from the historical past of the Biltmore.  Some of them are from vintage postcards. Afternoon tea at the Biltmore, around the 1930's. Two views of the hotel above and below when the hotel roof was red. This view is of the east/west wing, part of the Carriage Room can be seen.   A vintage view from the golf course, the roof was later changed from red to its current green. 2010 BILTMORE CALENDAR Be sure to order our one page beautiful 2010 Biltmore calendar today!  It measures 8.5 inches by 11.  We'll also include a magnet on the back to make it easy to post on your refrigerator or other metal cabinet. Just click on the photo below to order yours in time for next year.  Only $4.95 plus s/h. FINAL THOUGHT Have a wonderful holiday season, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Sincerely, Diane Hein President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Click any photo for our memberships or our online gift shop.         Memberships--Join us  Biltmore charm gold/silver Biltmore T-shirt   Biltmore cookies   Biltmore watercolor art To help us continue to save and preserve the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for another 100 years, please make a donation, any amount.  Donations are secure, and you may donate by PayPal, credit or debit card. If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make it payable to our nonprofit organization: Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to:      Save the Biltmore Preservationists       30617 U.S. 19 North #420       Palm Harbor, FL 34684              http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com     ©  2009

Biltmore Update Saturday, November 21, 2009

Hello Biltmore supporters, news media and others:

OUR SAVE THE BILTMORE PRESERVATIONIST CHRISTMAS TREE
Our nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists has created a Belleview Biltmore Hotel Christmas tree for the upcoming 2009 Festival of Trees in Clearwater starting THIS Sunday, November 22 at the newly renovated Westfield/Countryside Shopping Mall, Countryside, U.S. 19 between Main Street #580 and Countryside Blvd. This is our second entry for the tree show. We won second place last year for our division. UPARC Foundation, Inc. sponsors the tree show, and more than 100 beautifully decorated trees from local artists, businesses and community leaders will be displayed for UPARC’s 25th silver anniversary event.

Our seven foot Save the Biltmore Preservationist Christmas tree combines the old with the new. The Belleview Biltmore Hotel opened during the Victorian era in 1897 and a popular Christmas decoration at that time was the beautiful cone-shaped ornament, the cornucopia. Vintage homemade cornucopias were constructed from paper, paper scrap, cotton, scraps of cloth, yarn, tinsel, ribbon and filled with any assortment of candy, nuts or other holiday decorations. Some had crepe-paper closures, while others were left open at the top like our ornaments are.

For our Save the Biltmore hand-crafted cornucopias, we added decorations of pine cones, silver and gold leaves, miniature craft pearls, apples, pears, gold and silver-coated nuts, foil, ribbon, flowers and other Christmas decorations. Half of our ornaments are adorned in the center with a representation of our nonprofit’s Belleview Biltmore 14 karat gold jewelry charm to represent the "charm of the Belleview Biltmore." The top of our tree has larger gold printed images of our charm in a circular fashion, decorated to match the cornucopias, and you can see the distinctive chimney stacks on the hotel. It took us approximately 65 hours to make and decorate the cornucopias and tree topper.



Our 14 karat gold Belleview Biltmore jewelry charm which we based half of our cornucopias and tree topper on.

Enclosed are a few photos of our hand-crafted Victorian cornucopia ornaments. On each side of the ornaments we placed craft pearls and purple gems.  Each cornucopia measures 5 inches in length, 3.5 inches in width at the top and 8 inches in length if you include the gold ornament hanger. If you are unable to view the ornament and tree photos, click this link to view them:  http://savethebiltmore.com/FestivalofTrees2009.htm



Ornament with gold leaves, craft apple, gold berries



Ornament with snow-capped pine cone, gold balls and red rose



Ornament with red berries, gold ball, gold leaves
 

Ornament with gold apple, red rose, gold berries, craft pearls

 

48 assorted hand-crafted cornucopias, all a bit different!

Our tree topper showing the charm of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel

 

Our beautiful 2009 Biltmore Christmas tree located at Westfield/Countryside Mall

As mentioned above, each of our cornucopias is decorated a little differently so no two are alike! We carefully hand-crafted each ornament with a variety of festive decorations for your holiday pleasure so we hope you enjoy each unique ornament and our tree. Our Save the Biltmore Preservationist tree is located on the first floor by Sears near the Santa Claus station.

The public may attend the Premier Gala Night event for $75 per person Sunday night November 22 at the mall to purchase a decorated tree. Patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy fine food, refreshments and entertainment as they search for that perfect holiday tree to purchase for home or office. Hours of this Sunday night’s gala event will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enter at the entrance near TooJay's Restaurant. There will be both live and silent auctions. 16 caterers will provide delightful culinary food and tastings. A Swarovski crystal tree will be at Macy’s sponsored by Bijoux, and entertainment will be provided throughout the mall. Ann Kelly from The New Magic radio station 94.9 FM will also be there.  This is only a one night event to purchase trees on a first come first serve basis, so be sure to be there!

Our Save the Biltmore Preservationist tree will be for sale this year at their show. We are offering a FREE $50 Save the Biltmore Copper Membership to anyone who buys our tree this Sunday night so be sure to attend Sunday’s event if you want to be the first one to buy our tree! Just remember to contact us via email if you buy the tree so we can send you your membership. To purchase tickets for the Premier Gala Night please contact the UPARC Foundation office at 727-797-8712. All proceeds from tree sales go to UPARC.

Starting Monday November 23 at the Westfield/Countryside Mall, you may buy raffle tickets to win a decorated tree that was not sold at Sunday’s gala event. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20, cash, check or credit card accepted

Volunteers are still welcome and needed for the Premier Gala Night as well as during the tree show at the mall for the five "tree pods" of which there will be a variety of beautifully decorated trees. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the UPARC Foundation office at 727-797-8712.

We hope you make the time to attend this wonderful Festival of Trees and start celebrating this wonderful holiday season. The hours of the entire festival are Sunday, November 22, 2009 through Sunday November 29, 2009. Our Save the Biltmore Preservationist tree "A Victorian Christmas at the Biltmore" will be displayed at the mall during these dates even if someone does buy it on the gala night. Be sure to see it!

OTHER BELLEVIEW BILTMORE NEWS
Latitude Management has now closed the hotel for future renovation plans. The lawsuit that certain parties had filed against the town of Belleair regarding the Biltmore renovation plans was resolved, and Belleair succeeded in winning it. There is one other pending lawsuit involving future plans by the hotel owner over on Sand Key. In other recent news, the hotel owner is being fined $250 a day as the roof was not repaired or replaced by November of this year. Belleair’s code board voted 5-2 on to institute the fine, and it will continue until the roof is repaired.

For all the recent news in full detail, please go to the newspaper link below as there are many detailed articles by the Belleair Bee, the Clearwater Beacon, Clearwater Gazette, Sand Key Sun, St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Bay Online/Tampa Tribune.

http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreNewspapersAndPublications.htm

RECENT RADIO AND TV INTERVIEWS
We want to thank radio personality Jack Harris with 970 WFLA A.M. for recently interviewing our vice president Ed Jameson regarding the fining of the hotel owner for the Biltmore roof not being repaired or replaced. A thank you to TV Fox News reporter Alcides Segui for interviewing Ed regarding the temporary closing of the Biltmore for renovations.

CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
Make someone’s holiday special this year with some wonderful gifts from our online gift shop. We have our beautiful gold and silver Biltmore charms which can be used both as a necklace or key chain. How about a fun gift of a dozen Biltmore cookies to a special supporter, they are baked fresh and delicious! We offer five different memberships to fit your budget starting with our Copper Membership at just $50. Our Biltmore T-shirt is a great stocking stuffer. Local artist Tony Blue has eight limited edition (150 maximum) giclée prints on canvas for his Belleview Biltmore art series such as "The White Queen of the Gulf" and "Gardenias on the Veranda."  Just go to http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm  and order your gift today for your family or friends.




To order a membership click here:

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm 

CLOSING THOUGHTS
Be the first person to purchase our beautiful Victorian Christmas tree this coming Sunday at Westfield/Countryside Mall! Your home, office or retail store will reflect the vintage era of the magnificent Belleview Biltmore Hotel as it sparkles and lights up the room. We look forward to giving a FREE Copper Membership to the recipient!

Happy Thanksgiving to all and thank YOU for your continued support!

Sincerely,
 

Diane Hein

President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists

http://www.savethebiltmore.com

P.S. Be sure to view our Biltmore Christmas tree starting Sunday, November 22 for a full week at Westfield/Countryside Mall!

Biltmore Update Thursday, May 7, 2009


Dear Biltmore Supporter, News Media and Others:

"BACK TO THE FUTURE" PARTY SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2009
On June 1, 2009 the Belleview Biltmore will close for renovations for approximately three years. To celebrate the resort's amazing history, from its origin when it was built in 1897, to the present, and to the future, when it will reopen in 2012, UPARC, a local nonprofit organization, will hold the last party at the venerable historic Biltmore. The party "Back to the Future" will be on Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.  A variety of rooms in the hotel will be set up to represent different eras so you can mingle from place to place.  Guests may also tour the hotel.  The dress is casual but you may also dress up in costume.  Cuisine from past eras will also be served, and you will be able to dance to a variety of live music.  The event co-chairs are Chris Daily and May Lynne Hawkins, and the honorary chairs are Karen Crown and Diane and Dean Gobo. UPARC is an organization that serves individuals with developmental disability.   Individual tickets are $100. Patron level tickets, which include a listing in the event program, are $150. Tickets for the Chinese Auction also are available in advance for $20/8. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.  For tickets, call Elisa Fredericks at UPARC at 799-3330, ext. 7451.  For Belleview Biltmore information, call Mark Boyer at 373-3762.

RECENT NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
To read all the newspaper articles since my last Biltmore update click on: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreNewspapersAndPublications.htm   The ongoing court case is continuing, but a decision is expected within the month.  All the details regarding the court case is at the above newspaper link.

HISTORIC BELLEVIEW BILTMORE FIRE ENGINE
Our vice president Ed Jameson recently met Mr. Doug Negretti who is working hard to get donations to restore the original historic Belleview Biltmore fire engine.  The fire engine is a 1917 America La France "pumper type fire truck."   If you have information or any sources that could help to restore the fire engine or any historical information on the fire department using this truck, please reply back to this email. If you would like to help Mr. Negretti raise money or give donations to help restore the fire engine, please contact him at Heritage Village 11909 125th Street N. Largo, FL 33774 The web link is:  http://www.pinellascounty.org/heritage/  Their phone number is:  (727) 582-2123

 
Doug Negretti and to his right is the historic Biltmore fire engine

POWERPOINT PRESENTATION OF THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL
To view a beautiful PowerPoint presentation of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel with historic photos and renditions of the proposed renovations click here:   http://belleviewbiltmore.com/restoration.shtml

BILTMORE PHOTOS
If you have any old/historic photos of the Biltmore and/or of your family at the hotel, please send them to us, and we will post them.  We are especially looking for photos of the interior of the hotel before World War II before all the furniture was removed when the Biltmore housed the military.

MOTHER'S DAY BUFFET AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE
Treat your mother to a scrumptious buffet THIS SUNDAY, May 10 with seating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults are $39.95 and children under 13 are $17.00.   (727) 373-3768 or (727) 373-3000
http://belleviewbiltmore.com/MothersDayFlier2009.pdf

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE
There will be three days of festivities to commemorate those who fought for our country so click here for more information: http://belleviewbiltmore.com/MemorialDayWeekend.pdf

"THE FINAL FINAL TOURNAMENT" AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE
During the weekend of May 29, there are member and nonmember packages for those who enjoy golf. Click here for all the information:  http://media.dhweb.com/belleview/FINALFINAL_SalesSheet_fixed.pdf

FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS
1.  BILTMORE KEY CHAIN
Remember dad on Father's Day this year on Sunday June 21 with a handy and beautiful Biltmore key chain.  



Click on this link and scroll down a bit to order it:

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm#Charm
Sterling Silver on Key Chain:      $80.00  

(Please note, the sterling silver representation of the Biltmore is about 1 inch in diameter and the ring is stainless steel metal) 

Gold over Sterling on Key Chain $100.00   

The sterling silver or gold over silver representation of the Biltmore may be added to any key chain as it comes with a bail.

2.  SAVE THE BILTMORE PRESERVATIONIST MEMBERSHIPS



Give dad a membership to our nonprofit organization so we can continue to promote the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.  There are five different levels to choose from, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum with many gift choices for each level.  Your dad will be pleased with his membership!

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm   Main Page

COPPER MEMBERSHIP--DONATION OF $50

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMembershipCopper.htm

BRONZE MEMBERSHIP--DONATION OF $100

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMembershipBronze.htm

SILVER MEMBERSHIP--DONATION OF $250

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMembershipSilver.htm

GOLD MEMBERSHIP--DONATION OF $500

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMembershipGold.htm

PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP--DONATION OF $1,000 OR MORE

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMembershipPlatinum.htm

3.  BILTMORE COOKIES



Give your dad a box of delicious Biltmore cookies!  Only $35.00 for a dozen in an attractive gift box.  You may also put your any of your own photos on the cookies if you wish.   When ordering you can email us your favorite jpg photo to put on the cookies.  So make your dad smile through snack time with some yummy cookies!  http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm#Biltmore_Cookies!

FINAL THOUGHTS
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers on this mailing list!  If you live in the area, be sure to take your mother to the Biltmore for a lovely buffet this Sunday.  Then be sure to come back to the May 31 "Back to the Future" party at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and enjoy a memorable evening before the hotel closes for the next three years for its magnificent renovations.  It will be a night to remember and treasure forever!


Sincerely,


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

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Belleview Biltmore Update Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others:

CLEARWATER FESTIVAL OF TREES AND OUR WINNING TREE!




Our nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists, created a Belleview Biltmore Hotel holiday Christmas tree for the 2008 Festival of Trees in Clearwater. This was our first entry. The Biltmore tree won a second place red ribbon in the seven-foot tree division for hand-crafted ornaments so we are very excited for this award! The tree has 55 ornaments on it with photos depicting the historic journey of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel from 1896 when it was built to the 2012 proposed renovations by the new owner Legg Mason Real Estate Investors.

The Biltmore tree took us about 60 hours to complete including the unique, hand-crafted tree topper gazebo that illuminates three historic views of the hotel. Next to the tree are displays of other Biltmore memorabilia, antique photos, furniture, a history of the hotel and some vintage apparel from different eras, which add to the theme of the tree. If your email does not allow the enclosed photo to be viewed, click here to see the tree and the matching display:

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/FestivalofTrees2008.htm

The Festival of Trees is located at the Harborview Center, Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL. The show runs from TODAY Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30, 2008. UPARC Foundation, Inc. sponsors the show, and more than 100 beautifully decorated trees from local artists, businesses and community leaders are displayed along with craft items available for purchase. It's a fun show so be sure to attend!

Tickets are only $8 per person. We hope you make the time to attend this wonderful Festival of Trees to sparkle your holiday season and see our winning tree. We recommend going during the day if possible because there is more light available to view the trees and ornaments.

The hours of the festival are:
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 TODAY!!
Noon - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday November 27, 2008 - Thanksgiving Day
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday November 28, 2008
10:00 am - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
10:00 am - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Noon - 5:00 p.m.

FREE SANTA AND SLEIGH WALLPAPER

Here is another FREE wallpaper for your computer for the holiday season. It was taken at the Belleview Biltmore last year of Santa Claus and his sleigh at the hotel. Download it in seconds, the link shows how. And be sure to tell others about this free wallpaper and when people ask where you got it, be sure to tell them about the beautiful Biltmore, its amenities and where to get the free download!




http://www.savethebiltmore.com/WallpaperSantaAndSleigh.htm

THANKSGIVING:
It has been exactly four years since I launched SaveTheBiltmore.com back in 2004 so now is the season to be very thankful that the hotel was saved from demolition and is still proudly standing. Also a very warm thank you to all of you who worked so very hard to save the hotel. We wish everyone a thankful and food-filled day tomorrow!

Sincerely,

Diane Hein

President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists

http://www.savethebiltmore.com

P.S. Remember Christmas and Hanukkah are coming soon so check out our online store or memberships for a wonderful gift for family or friends.

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm

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Belleview Biltmore Update Tuesday, October 28, 2008



 

Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others:

 

RECENT NEWS:
Since my last Biltmore Update, most unfortunately three men from Belleair have filed a lawsuit against some of the proposed renovation plans which were passed by Belleair officials earlier this year in May 2008 as reported in recent newspaper articles. The three men are Fred Thomas, who founded a chain of pool supply stores called Pinch-A-Penny, Scott Spencer of Spencer International Investments and Bob Swinehart.  Until this lawsuit is resolved which could take a year's time, the new renovations can not proceed. 

 

In September 2008 the Clearwater Community Development board voted to allow Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, new owners of the Belleview Biltmore, to redevelop the Cabana Club restaurant on Sand Key, replacing it with a six-floor beachfront hotel.  Unfortunately a group called Save Our Neighborhood has filed an appeal of the Community Development Board's approval. The appeal will now go to a hearing officer and then to a panel of judges, and it could take more than a year to resolve.

 

If you personally know any of the above parties involved in delaying the renovations of the Biltmore, we hope you talk to them and convince them to withdraw their complaints so the construction may begin on time for the hotel.

 

BERNIE POWELL:
Bernard F. Powell, an icon, pioneer, devoted owner of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for 46 years and philanthropist of Morton Plant Mease, died at his home in Belleair Shore on Aug. 21, 2008. He was 96.

 

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE STAYED AT THE BILTMORE!
Presidential candidate Barack Obama stayed for a few at the Belleview Biltmore during his visit to this area in September and rally in Dunedin so we are happy he chose the hotel!

 

To read the many detailed newspaper articles on the above stories regarding the lawsuit, the Cabana Club, Bernie Powell and Barack Obama click the link below.
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreNewspapersAndPublications.htm

 

HALLOWEEN AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE:
The following information is from a flyer from the Belleview Biltmore:  "Join us for a night of ghostly encounters interlaced with the history of our Grand Hotel.  Follow along with the Orlando Ghost Tours team of paranormal investigation experts on an interesting journey inside the Belleview Biltmore Resort.  The package includes room accommodations, Dinner for two in the Palm Grill and Ghost Tour for two.  The tour starts at 9 p.m. and lasts approximately 3 hours.  Not recommended for children.  12 and under.  Available October 31 and November 1, 2008  1 night package inclusive price for 2 guests:  $239.00  727-373-3000

 

THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE:
Be sure to make the coming holidays special. Make reservations to spend one or more of them at the hotel. Click below for more information:
http://belleviewbiltmore.com/events-thanksgiving.shtml
http://belleviewbiltmore.com/events-christmas.shtml
http://belleviewbiltmore.com/events-newyear.shtml

 

FREE HALLOWEEN DESKTOP WALLPAPERS:
Enclosed are FOUR FREE festive and fun Biltmore Halloween desktop wallpapers for your computer this week!  One for each day this week including Halloween so change them every day! All the photos were taken at the Biltmore this weekend so visit the hotel to see them in person.  The wallpapers are also available at http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com via a link there or at http://savethebiltmore.com/Wallpapers.htm   Tell your friends so they can download them too.

 

If you have never downloaded desktop wallpapers, I hope you give them a try, they are so MUCH FUN!  It only takes seconds!Click on the links below to see the photos LARGE size and to download them.

 

 

 

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/WallpaperHalloweenPumpkins.htm

 

 

http://savethebiltmore.com/WallpaperPirateAndFriends.htm

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/WallpaperScarecrowAndPumpkinsCentered.htm
 

 

 

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/WallpaperScarecrowAndPumpkins.htm

 

NEW BILTMORE CHARM DESIGN!
We have another Biltmore charm design which is very elegant.  Order yours today to get it for a friend, loved one or yourself!  Christmas and Hanukkah are coming soon so now is the time to order.  This new design is made of beautiful rhodium-plated sterling silver slightly larger than the original charm.  You may also order it in gold over silver. So if you are looking for a charm that is a little more elegant or if you wish to hang it slightly lower on your chest with a 24-inch chain, this is perfect!

 

 

Price $150.00 rhodium-plated sterling silver.  New chains are available online also. 

Gold over sterling is $179 each.  Both are available as pins/brooche if you prefer.   Click
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm  where you can place your order.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS:
We are very sorry to report that the Biltmore renovations are being contested.  It has been a long struggle for many people to save the Biltmore from immediate demolition.  Many people who love the Biltmore were delighted that the new owner wanted to invest time, money and effort to restore this beautiful Victorian hotel..  Now all of us are disappointed that the renovation plans are being jeopardized by JUST A FEW PEOPLE.   Again, talk to these individuals if you know them and convince them to stop their complaints. 

 

We hope you enjoy this coming holiday season so start the fun by downloading the FREE Halloween wallpapers and of course book a reservation or meal at the Belleview Biltmore at  http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/  727-373-3000

 

And of course VOTE this Tuesday, November 4 no matter who you want to win!!

 

Sincerely,

 

Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists

 

http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com

 

PS   We want to thank everyone who joined as a member of Save the Biltmore Preservationists last year and supported the Biltmore, and we hope you join us again this year.  To renew your membership click below.  If you are not currently a member, please join us!  Memberships also make a great holiday gift.  Thank you.

 

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm
 

---

Friday May 23, 2008

 

Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others:

 

A FINAL VICTORY!

The final Belleview Biltmore renovation plans proposed by owner Legg Mason were unanimously passed (with some minor changes) by Belleair town officials Tuesday, May 20th!   It was a VERY long and grueling meeting that lasted approximately seven hours until 2:30 a.m.!  Unfortunately as I wrote last Saturday, there were many naysayers who again showed up at the meeting to tear apart the renovation plans.  It was an extremely heated meeting with insults thrown and the crowd booing or cheering depending on what was said.  However in the end, the Biltmore was ultimately saved despite so many ridiculous and many miniscule objections! 

 

The project will include replacing the Japanese pagoda-like entrance to more of its original Victorian look, a new East wing separate hotel will be three stories instead of four but extended by 30 feet wide and there will be more meeting, convention and ballroom space in the original structure. There will be a new pool side cafe, a new spa and the underground parking spaces will allow extensive beautiful green space.   Joseph Penner of Legg Mason is the Managing Director of the project, R. J. Heisenbottle is the architect, Ron Harn the Construction Manager, (Skanska) and Martin Smith is Managing Director of the Biltmore.
 

A beautiful reflecting pool with cabanas showing the original East wing of the Biltmore.  A new poolside cafe will be built at the other end.

Rendition by H. J. Heisenbottle, architect

 

THANK YOU'S:

I want to personally thank St. Petersburg resident and staunch Biltmore supporter Jeff Francis for coming up to show his support at this meeting.  Jeff was one of the very first people to write me back in April 2005.  I emailed him last week and asked him to participate in support of the renovation, and he drove up.  He was extremely helpful in getting community support back in 2005 with big ideas and an even bigger enthusiasm.  So we are very grateful for his help in our efforts to save the Biltmore. 

 

Also I want to thank Ed Jameson our Vice President for his intense ongoing efforts from the start and his recent drive to Belleair to speak in support of the renovation plans. Another big thank you to Doug Mann our Secretary/Treasurer for his ardent support and consult through many the high and low points of our effort to save the Biltmore.

 

A warm thank you to Sam Casella whose research, contributions and speaking helped the effort. His  recent speech in support of the renovation plans was very helpful to the cause.

 

A special thank you to St. Petersburg resident Bill Stokes who wrote an email to Belleair town officials in support of the renovation plans and has been very involved in saving the Biltmore right from the start also.

 

We appreciate Jack Harris, Tedd Webb and Sharon Taylor speaking with our V.P. Ed Jameson on the morning of the meeting on WFLA 970 a.m. radio to get supporters out and also local TV NBC news Channel 8 for mentioning the meeting ahead of time.  And to anyone else who promoted or attended the meeting that I am unaware of, we thank you!

 

This was a community effort, and it is impossible to list everyone in the same update concerning the renovation plans as there were some 180 to 200 people at the meeting!. Many people outside of Belleair and residents living within Belleair participated to help save the Biltmore over the past few years and also attended Tuesday night's meeting.  Once again we thank you for your efforts to save this great Victorian hotel. 

 

In the end Belleair officials made this all possible so we sincerely thank them, also the new Legg Mason owners whose long-term vision and renovation plans should ensure that the Biltmore lives on for another 115 years and a thank you to G. Michael Harris for finding the new owner Legg Mason.  

 

 

BILTMORE T-SHIRT:

Order your beautiful Biltmore T-shirt today!

 

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm

 

 

 

PINELLAS COUNTY VIDEO:

Remember to watch the Pinellas County video if you have not already seen it!  It was a great honor for us to be asked to participate in it.

 

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreVideoPinellasCounty.htm

 

FINAL THOUGHTS:

The soul of Belleair and Pinellas County history has been saved....victory is sweet!   This Victorian treasure belongs to everyone.  So enjoy it by booking a reservation or dinner reservation today at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel!

 

http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/  727-373-3000

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists

 

http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com

 

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm

 

---

Biltmore Update Saturday May 17, 2008

IMPORTANT!!  PLEASE READ!!!

 

Dear Biltmore Supporter, News Media and Others:

 

It has been a very exciting week because Belleair's Planning and Zoning Board have passed Legg Mason's wonderful renovation plans for the Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa!  There were however a few compromises made with the plans. This coming Tuesday the plans will be presented for a FINAL vote by Belleair officials: the mayor and four commissioners.  The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday May 20 at the Belleair town hall.   We STRONGLY urge you to attend if you live in this area to support the passing of these renovation plans. 

Unfortunately, there have been some people/groups who strongly opposed some of the renovation plans at Monday night's SIX hour meeting; so I urge you to come this Tuesday and show your support so the Biltmore may be fully restored.  PLEASE ATTEND!!   The Biltmore will not be fully saved until the renovation plans are approved by Belleair officials this Tuesday night!

 

Here is a map to Belleair's town hall.  901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

 

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&country=US&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&addtohistory=&cat=&address=901+Ponce+de+Leon+Blvd.&city=Belleair&state=Fl&zipcode=33756

 

We encourage everyone to speak in support of the Biltmore.  People will be heard in the following order:

1.  People of standing - (those who received public notices; ie. those people whose property is immediately affected by the development)
2.  Belleair residents
3.  Time permitting, the General Public - the general public will only be able to make comments and not cross-examine the applicant.  You may speak for THREE minutes or less.  No more.

Anyone who wishes to speak must sign in with the Town Clerk BEFORE THE MEETING. You will have to get there early because as soon as the meeting starts the Town Clerk will stop signing people in at 7:30 p.m.  Of course, anyone can attend and hear the public hearing.  If you plan on speaking I would recommend you come at 7:00 p.m. to make sure you have time to park and sign in!!

 

Below is the link from this week's Belleair Bee newspaper about the meeting this past Monday night May 12.  Approximately 200 people attended, many with complaints about the proposed Biltmore renovation plans.  This is a very detailed article so please click the link to read it all and what has been proposed and the disputes from this past Monday night.

 

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/051408_bee-01.txt   Belleair Bee, Wednesday May 14, 2008

Plans for Biltmore clear major hurdle by Harlan Weikle

 

 

OTHER NEWSPAPER ARTICLES:

Below is a list of other articles over the past few months, most recent date first, in regards to the changes and variances requested by Legg Mason. Click on them to find out all the specific changes Legg Mason proposes.
 

http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article495951.ece  St. Petersburg Times, Friday May 9, 2008

Developers seek Belleair approval on Biltmore renovations.
By Mike Donila, St. Petersburg Times Staff Writer

 

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20080508/legg.html   Clearwater Gazette,  Thursday May 8, 2008

Hotel Owners Legg Mason to Hear From and Address Town Board and Council Regarding Variances
by Renee Burrell
 

 

 

This is the beautiful rendition by architect R. J. Heisenbottle overlooking the future swimming pool at the Biltmore.

 

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/041608_bee-01.txt   Belleair Bee Wednesday April 16, 2008

Biltmore owners to present site plan

 

BILTMORE PHOTOS:

If you have any old/historic photos of the Biltmore and/or of your family at the hotel, please send them to us and we will post them.  We are especially looking for photos of the interior of the hotel before World War II before all the furniture was removed when the Biltmore housed the military.

 

PINELLAS COUNTY VIDEO AND INTERVIEW AT THE BILTMORE:

On January 24, 2008 there was an excellent video produced and broadcast by Pinellas County, Florida which includes interior photos of the Biltmore, a synopsis of the efforts to save the Biltmore since 2004, clips of Florida Governor Charlie Crist who visited the hotel October 2007, Legg Mason's Managing Director Joseph Penner, Biltmore Managing Director and Vice President Martin Smith, Biltmore executive assistant and tour guide Sharon Delahanty and interviews with Pinellas County Commissioner Karen Seel, Belleair town Commissioner Stephanie Oddo, our group's Save the Biltmore Preservationist Vice President Ed Jameson, Marcia Crawley Director of Department of Communications, Pinellas County, Mike Moore Producer Progressive Pinellas and beautiful renderings of the future Biltmore renovation plans.  The interview was held at the Belleview Biltmore in regards to historic preservation in Pinellas County.  Pinellas County is working towards establishing a historic preservation ordinance to help save other historic buildings in the county. The Biltmore saga and threat of demolition helped create a strong interest towards passing a Pinellas County historic preservation ordinance.    Had Pinellas County had a preservation ordinance in place when the Biltmore was under threat of demolition, the hotel would have been much easier to save! There are approximately 10,000 historic structures in Pinellas County.  Click this link, and it will link you to the video page.  It is 15 minutes in length.  We hope you make the time to watch it, it is excellent!

 

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreVideoPinellasCounty.htm 

 

 

BILTMORE PAINTING BY MISAO ADACHI
 

A few years ago our vice president Ed Jameson and I were at a local art show and met a St. Petersburg artist Misao Adachi and his wife for the first time.  Mr. Adachi had two beautiful artistic renditions for sale of the historic Vinoy and Don Cesar Hotels both located in Pinellas County, Florida.   We gave him one of our Save the Biltmore bookmarks and suggested he visit and paint the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.  He said he would take a look at the hotel.  A year later Ed and I came across Mr. Adachi's booth again at another art show.  To our surprise and delight there was a large, beautifully framed and matted painting of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for sale!  It was meticuously detailed and full of vibrant color.  Mr. Adachi was kind enough to put the name of the nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists on the back of his Biltmore prints so anyone buying one of his pieces would know about our grass-roots organization and our web site to save the Victorian hotel.

 

Here is information about the artist.  Misao Adachi was born in Miyagi Prefecture in Northern Japan and grew up and studied painting in Tokyo.  His formal training as a painter was completed during ten years of apprenticeships with two Japanese Masters of the kanban tradition. The learning process was slow and demanding, but such training nurtured the patience needed for the intricate details characteristic of Misao's work today - paintings that represent both this traditional training and his living experience in the States.   Kanban are hand-painted posters or billboards used to advertise movies, variety shows and the like, and Misao's training was conducted in a purely traditional manner.   The majority of Misao paintings are in acrylics and oils, although he also works with watercolors.  His objective in life-like paintings of people, animals, flowers, trees, and the like is not to create reproductions of his subjects, but to capture the essence of their being.   Misao's own cultural background has taught him that every natural being has a 'spirit' and his work manifests an inherent desire to give expression to the universality of these 'spirits.'   After traveling back and forth between Japan and the States and working as a commercial artist and illustrator in both countries during the past twenty years, Misao and his family recently relocated in St. Petersburg, Florida where his studio is located.  His American wife teaches Japanese to college level students.

 

Prints of his rendition of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel are available in three different sizes at our web site.   For a direct clink to his paintings click here:  http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm#Biltmore_Hotel_Art_by_Local_Artist_Misao_Adachi   

Mr. Adachi is donating a portion of his sales to Save the Biltmore Preservationists so we can continue to promote and preserve the Biltmore. 

Here are the sizes of the prints and prices:

 

8 by 10 inch print  $55.00

 

11 by 14 inches  $75.00

13 x 19 inches  $95.00
 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS:

The Biltmore needs your continued support so come to Belleair this Tuesday night EARLY at 7 p.m. and speak up for the wonderful renovation plans for the hotel so the White Queen of the Gulf may be restored to her former glory.  We need your help so that the renovation plans will be passed.

 

Here is a wonderful quote by Hugh Howard, "The Future Requires a Past," sent to me by Biltmore supporter Ellen Raymond about the importance of saving historic buildings.  I hope you send it to everyone you know!

 

"I have come to believe that it is the role of ...preservationists...to enable us to glimpse other times within the context of our modern world.  It is their insistence on the importance of the physical presence of the past, of its artifacts and architecture, that preserve something of that past.  The preservationists provide us with a range of snapshots of the past, which bring us to some understanding and appreciation of earlier eras.  I believe the value of that must not be underestimated.  After all, our ability to appreciate history as the passage of time helps make us human."

Sincerely,

 

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

 

P.S.  Remember!  Attend this Tuesday night's meeting in Belleair at 7:00 p.m. if you plan on speaking or at 7:30 p.m. if you don't plan on speaking and show your support for the Biltmore renovation plans.  Click here to watch the Biltmore video!

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreVideoPinellasCounty.htm 

Biltmore Update, Wednesday January 23, 2008

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.