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Sam Casella's (www.PlanningAuthority.com) Letters and Documents
 

Below are messages of support and ideas that people have written into this web site to save the beautiful Biltmore Hotel.

Sam Casella's (www.PlanningAuthority.com) Letters and Documents

Letter from Sam Casella:

May 15, 2005
 

Dear Friends of the Biltmore:

Friday, May 13, 2005 was a very good day for all who want to save the Biltmore!  For those few who have been working to demolish the landmark it was just another baleful Friday the 13th.

Two significant things happened that day.  First, the town manager, to his credit, sent out a memo signaling that he has accepted several major arguments put forth by preservationists regarding the pending demolition permit.  Second, the Town Commission, to their credit, hired as their legal counsel for this matter Nancy Stroud who is arguably the finest legal talent in the state for this type of case.  The implication of these two events taken together is we can reasonably anticipate that the town is going to reject the demolition permit and fight hard to defend that position.  I say bravo!

As a citizen and professional planner who has strived for those two events to occur, I’m deeply encouraged that Friday was a turning point in the battle to save the Biltmore.  Not the end of the fight by any means.  But certainly a turning point.  Just 10 days earlier the town’s former legal counsel was telling the world that there is little that could be done to stop the demolition (St. Petersburg Times, May 14, 2005).  Now it is clear that the demolition can be stopped and there is an opportunity for all of us to take action that will give the Biltmore the permanent protection it deserves.

For those of you interested in some details of the 10 days that led up to Friday’s turning point, I’m making available four documents:

My letter to the Town (May 6) recommending five attorneys for consideration as special counsel.  This letter was sent after 3 days in which I contacted land use lawyers around the state to identify the best legal talent to represent the town in this type of litigation.  Number one on my list was Nancy Stroud who the town has now hired.
My letter to the Town (May 12) transmitting a professional planner’s analysis of the major issues confronting the demolition permit.
My 11 page analysis (May 12) demonstrating that the demolition permit could not be issued because it would be inconsistent with the town’s comprehensive plan and because the applicant had failed to comply with the development review provisions in the town’s code of ordinances.  My analysis was vetted with several land use attorneys including Michael W. Morell, Terrell Arline, Nancy Stroud, Steve Helfman, and Ted Taub.  A few hours after taking my analysis to town hall, I got a call from the town manager about it and the next day his memo (mentioned above) was sent out.
A letter to me from Terrill K. Arline (May 11) providing his opinion as an attorney that it would be a clear violation of state statutes and local ordinances for the town to issue a demolition permit without first considering whether that development order would be consistent with the comprehensive plan.  This letter was sent to the town on May 12.

My message to all of you dear people who are fighting this fight is that we have won a battle, but much remains to be done.  Everyone needs to stay involved until we have ensured that the hotel is protected by the full weight of intelligent public policies, strong local ordinances, and other legal tools such as conservation easements.  We also need to develop wise strategies to ensure that its physical condition is protected and that it remains economically viable.  Those accomplishments lay ahead of us, and only when they are in place can we rest easy and be secure that the events of a few weeks ago will not happen again.  The hotel may be given a reprieve and the next months and years will determine whether we can make the most of it.

Thank you and best regards,
 

Sam Casella

 _______________________________________

Sam Casella, FAICP, PP
The Planning Authority ® LLC
310 Overbrook Dr., Belleair, FL 33756-2031, USA
www.planningauthority.com
Tel: +1.727.442.6977

Fax: +1.727.298.8747

Mobile (USA) +1.727.488.3898

Mobile (China) +86.137.1804.4770

Dear Mr. Urdang and Mr. DeBartolo,  (owners and reported purchasers of the Biltmore)

In the St. Petersburg Times this week, I have read about the recent contract between you and the DeBartolo Development company to sell and purchase the beautiful Victorian Belleview Biltmore Hotel and destroy it and to put in condominiums defacing Belleair's history and Pinellas County's history.  I know you, Mr. Urdang, live in the Philadelphia area, a city of proud American heritage with a known reputation of saving historical buildings and artifacts.   So you know how important it is to preserve American history.

We in Pinellas County and Belleair also want to preserve our local American heritage too!  The citizens of Belleair and Pinellas need this historical landmark!

We are hoping here in Pinellas County and the town of Belleair that you let us keep what is so valuable to us, a part of history, a part of our heritage.  It is our one true historical building that has so much meaning to us. Please sell it to the non profit organization who wants to purchase it.  They can at least save all or part of it.

St. Petersburg Preservation, Inc.
P.O. Box 838
St. Petersburg, FL 33731
(727) 824-7802

Email: sppilink@aol.com

Bob and Alice Cooper

This speech was given to the Town of Belleair Commissioners' Meeting June 21, 2005

Dear Council Members,

My name is Ed (last name held upon request)

I want to thank the town council and everyone else for all their efforts in trying to save the Biltmore.

(PETITIONS)

Over 400 people in the town of Belleair signed two petitions sponsored by the Friends of the Belleview Biltmore in May of 2005. These were never submitted to my knowledge to the town of Belleair for a vote but are still in the possession of the Friends of the Belleview Biltmore. (readers, please note, this group is led by the woman who I broke away from, Rae Claire Johnson on June 5, 2005) These petitions if passed either by a vote or the town council would guarantee the preservation of the north and south wings of the Belleair Biltmore Hotel by changing the zoning laws. It will also stop condo/hotel development.

It is very important to remember that 400 people in Belleair wanted to SAVE these two historically significant wings of this beautiful Victorian hotel. They signed petitions to ensure that this would be pursued. Yet the Friends of the Belleview Biltmore continued to push towards destroying these two wings with developers while they were continuing to have people sign what appears now to be worthless petitions. This makes absolutely no sense.

I will read a few lines from an article published May 3rd in the St. Petersburg Times"

"The charter amendment would not prevent the hotel from being razed. But Ken Weiss, a Treasure Island lawyer, said it might discourage developers from proceeding with demolition if they know it will be difficult to replace it with condos.

"They probably can be certain the citizens will not rezone it for multifamily housing. I think the incentives are significantly reduced," Weiss said.

Alan Zimmet, an attorney for several municipalities over the years, said the amendment might create legal challenges by infringing on developers' rights.

"The idea is that it's not supposed to be a popularity contest. Zoning should be based upon the relevant facts," Zimmet said.

While it may be uncommon to give citizen approval in these type of land use decisions, it's NOT unheard of.

What happened to these petitions and where are they?

To use an analogy, it is like foxes going out to get petitions signed by farmers to provide protection for hen houses, and then the foxes keeping the petitions without getting a vote by the farmers! (pause and look up)
 

(DEMOLITION PERMIT)

Some claim that the Biltmore will be beyond repair if a seller is not found quickly.

Historic property owners often attempt to use what is referred to as 'Demolition by Neglect' to circumvent historic preservation.

The National Trust has an extremely important preservation document which will ensure preservation of the Biltmore while a buyer is found. Here is the document that will help prevent the current owner from pursing "Demolition by Neglect."

Town preservation ordinances can be reviewed and drafted to insure that the historic structures such as the Biltmore are properly maintained. Ordinances and strong enforcement are used by other preservation groups to stop property owners from attempting 'Demolition by Neglect'.

http://forum.nationaltrust.org/pdf/demobyneglect.pdf#search='demolition%20by%20neglect%20national%20trust'

(HOTEL ROOMS VS CONDO/HOTEL ROOMS)

I walked up and down two miles of east, west, north and south wing Biltmore corridors. Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, Henry Ford, the Studebakers, the DuPonts, the former King of England, (the Duke of Windsor) the Vanderbilts, and Joe DeMaggio and others from history also strolled these same corridors in all of these wings.

Both inside and outside you see consistent moldings, wainscot and sculpted exterior components which tell you the Biltmore was meant to be preserved in its entirety.

Saving all wings and saving the original hotel rooms are vital to preserve both Belleair's and Pinellas county's history.

If we take out the insides of the north and south wings, and replace with hotel/condo units,we will only have an empty facade of the original hotel!

The Biltmore hotel will only be a shell of what it used to be!

If developers gut the north and south wings, and put in condo/hotel rooms, they are destroying the Victorian beauty of the hotel.

The master comprehensive plan is to PRESERVE a historic hotel, which includes the hotel rooms they way they
are today, and NOT condo/hotel units!

If the insides are gutted and redeveloped into condo/hotel units, then the hotel would be still have its old wrapper around it but the insides will be a phony facade,

If there are hotel/condo units built, the Biltmore will then be a fake!

Its new title will be the world's largest continually occupied fake Victorian hotel!

We must save all the original hotel rooms for the Biltmore to be a true Victorian hotel!

Remember this: the man who wishes to buy the Biltmore is the SAME man who is tearing down Clearwater's landmark hotel, the Clearwater Beach Hotel and putting in condominiums in its place with only a small hotel.

We are losing Florida tourist dollars and our reputation as a great place for fun in the sun because of this man's destructive plans for Clearwater Beach and destructive plans for the Biltmore.

The current plan of this developer is a destructive plan and just another way to sell condominiums!

Condo hotels are just hotel/condos with room service!

Note how this man keeps changing his mind, morphing new ideas as time goes along. He already has had THREE plans and just added a FOURTH plan yesterday!

First it was to chop off the north and south wings, and put condo/hotels in a semi circle around the east and west wings or
the core of the hotel.

Then it was to chop off 2 wings and replace with similar but fake wings.

Then it was to chop off 1 wing, the south wing, replace with hotel/condo units, and cut the north wing and replace that with condo/hotel units.

Now a fourth chain of events, is that he wants to "renovate" both wings, which really means he wants to gut the insides of the north and south wings and put in condo/hotel units.

Can this man ever make up his mind!?

Can we ever trust this developer!?

NO!

DISADVANTAGES OF HOTEL CONDO UNITS

Here are the disadvantages of hotel/condo units as reported in an article in the newspaper, U.S.A. Today.
September 21, 2004 by Joel Greene.

1. Numbers are increasing, but not many condo hotels are convenient to business travel destinations.
2. The unit may lose value over time.
3. Hotels typically limit the time the owner may use them.
4. Financing is usually slightly costlier than for a primary residence. Lenders view them
as a greater risk.
5. You may need to give notice that you'll be staying in the hotel.
6. You may not be able to use the room if it has been reserved by another guest.
7. You are likely to pay fees for housekeeping and other services.
8. There may be a monthly condo fee.
9. Income from guests staying in your unit may be cut when travel declines.
10. You may wish to buy insurance to protect against liability claims and some type of damage or loss.

It was reported in the St. Petersburg Times on Monday, June 20, that by August 1, THREE boat marinas will be torn down because of developers putting in condominiums in Pinellas County. Hundreds of boats are being displaced as condominium developers are buying out marinas in Clearwater. We are losing our access to water now because of condo development. We must put a stop to all this over development with condominiums in our county and in Belleair.

Would they gut the insides of both White House wings and put in a shopping mall and then call that restoration!
No that is destruction, that is NOT preservation!

Thank you,

Ed  (last name withheld upon request)

Since the Belleview Biltmore is the largest wooden structure in Florida and the largest continually occupied wooden structure in the world, it would be terrific to use this to develop its reputation.  For example have a school for woodcrafts including:  woodworking, such as restoring and making anything with wood, wooden boats, antique reproductions, wood carving, veneering, wood joining, cabinet making and marquetry.  The Belleview Biltmore could also have a wood craft museum, wood product museum through the ages and pay as you go classes.  Since the hotel is Victorian, have a Victorian lobby, furnish some guest rooms with a Victorian themes and have Victorian school of cooking with original recipes.  Since the magnificent Tiffany ballroom has original Tiffany glass in the ceiling, stained glass classes would fit right in.

Name withheld upon request

I am a Tampa Bay native and hold an advanced degree in Cultural History. I am also the former Curator of the Ybor City Museum, a Board Member of Tampa Historical Society, Member of the Tampa Bay Visitor and Convention Center, owner of a successful Ghost Walk Tour business, and living history/museum theater specialist for the Henry B. Plant Museum.

I am writing to protest, in the strongest possible terms, the proposed demolition of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Clearwater, Florida. There are many, many reasons why this proposed action is deplorable and, to those of us who have authentic investments - economic, academic, preservationist, traditional, familial - in the Tampa Bay area, completely unacceptable.

To take only one: The Belleview Biltmore's chief architect was F.J. Kennard, whose buildings (both public and private) have graced the area since the early 1920s.  An immigrant from Scotland, Kennard - first alone and later with his son - designed some of Tampa Bay's most important structures. Among these were the Floridan Hotel, the Seville Apartments in Hyde Park, the Maas Brothers Department store in downtown Tampa, and the Rialto Theater, a charming and unique Mediterranean Revival theater in which was housed the Tampa Unit of the famed WPA Theater Project during the Great Depression. Kennard's graceful and topical architecture was unique in that it perfectly blended suitability to site and use/function with the decorative wit and topical style of the 1920s and 30s. This was a fragile era in American architecture. The best examples of its structural style were and are victims of suburban sprawl. Abandoned in or near our urban areas, their original use-functions have fled, but their importance to a rich and complete sense of ourselves and our history has increased in value.

From buildings such as Kennard's we learn - in abundant detail - how people in our recent past lived, what they liked, how and with what tools they worked, what they valued. This enables us to understand not only whom we were but whom we are, since no society re-invents itself each generation completely from scratch.

No one expects developers and real estate speculators to interpret these buildings and their esoteric cultural meanings. Developers and real estate speculators deal in land and property; this is the field of their expertise. But historians, preservationists, and social critics have as their field of expertise the past, along with everything and everyone in it. To them the Belleview Biltmore is transparent, a window of surpassing clarity to a complex and informative landscape of human endeavors. If we as a society did not value this landscape and the windows to it, we would not make THE DA VINCI CODE a best seller nor NATIONAL TREASURE a box office hit. If Americans did not value this landscape then millions would not travel to historic sites like MYSTIC SEAPORT, COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, JAMESTOWN, KEY WEST, THE ALAMO, or MT. VERNON. Nor do we go just to look. We go to learn.

We can only learn if we have the sites and artifacts from which to learn. And we will only, ever, have these sites and artifacts if we agree, as a society, to respect and preserve them.

Listen to what the society around you is saying. Spare the Belleview Biltmore. If you participate in its destruction, you will participate in the willful destruction of your own heritage as well as that of the world around you.

Maureen Patrick, M.A.
Historic Guides
www.historicguides.com 

Dear Editor:  (Tampa Tribune)
 
 

Florida at a Crossroad, I’m thrilled with Art on Downtown buildings, Downtown Buildings To Get Starring Role In Light Show, Amanda Henry, April 26, 2005, but are we forgetting the buildings? 

On Saturday April 23, 2005, The Tampa Tribune’s front page stated: To Protect or Raze? Biltmore Feud Is On and the St. Petersburg Times takes a good part of the front page with: The Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa, It’s coming down.

I enjoyed the Tribunes: “…Feud is On…” sounded like a phrase pulled from the cartoon strip in Get Fuzzy where the cat, Bucky is a fight with his ferret neighbor.  Well, maybe the situations are similar.

Unfortunately, the stories in the Tribune and Times were not about cartoon characters but related the true saga of the grand wood frame historic landmark, the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa built in 1897 now with a bulldozer close at hand ready to demolish the structures creating the complex.

The destruction of historic landmarks decreases the character that differentiates metropolitan areas.  The Bay Area makes a planning decision when it ignores the plight of the historic Belleview Biltmore Resort.  Destruction of the Biltmore erodes the history and roots of the concept of community. 

Appears repairs and upkeep on the Belleview Biltmore have been strategically delayed.  This failure to maintain presumably was to support demolitions, discourage restoration and increase the cost of historic preservation.  No problem, it is hard to be disheartened when you’ve tromped through the Vinoy before restoration and visited the Don Cesar when the windows and doors were boarded over.  The Biltmore is in good shape for a grand old lady and she has tales to tell.

Internationally metropolitan areas are listening to their history and the tales coming from their landmarks.  Lack of concern for historic landmarks goes to the heart of the community’s identity and should be closely scrutinized before slash and burn techniques are used to maximize profits.  The immediate profit for one may diminish surrounding property valuations, increase density and remove the cachet of an area.

Communities obtain images, feels, and textures.  The interdependence of physical surrounding upon the way we live and our quality of life are quantitative measures of comfort and health in an urban environment. 

To discount the ecological balance of the communities’ culture and heritage takes away its memory and identity reducing lifestyle.  What price do we put on historic preservation and lifestyle?  We will see as time runs out.  We need to talk compromise to save the Belleview Biltmore and quality of life in the Bay area we can have light, art and historic buildings to spotlight if we do not ignore the beauty that is Florida.

Geneva Forrester

President/CEO  The Forrester Group 

You don't have to pay hundreds of dollars to get into search engines. That's for people who don't want to spend the time. Just have a volunteer who knows what he's doing. The more sites link to your site, the better your chances are. So ask your friends and supporters and business organizations and clubs to add a link to this site. I will be sending more suggestions later. I have a large web site, and I never paid a penny to get into search engines.

David Citron

Dear Friends:

I am writing you today about our plight to try to save the Belleview Biltmore Resort Hotel, in Belleair, Florida.

The Belleview Biltmore was built in 1897 by Henry Plant. It is the largest wooden structure in the world. The Belleview Biltmore is a beautiful building. It is truly magnificent! From the lobby to the ballrooms, the restaurant, and spa.

As you are probably aware, there is a contract for the purchase of the hotel. The developers are supposedly demolishing it so they can build condominiums. Pinellas County already has an astounding amount of condominiums available. It would be a tragedy to demolish such a grand structure. The Belleview Biltmore is on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

If this building is razed, there would be no history left to share with our children and grandchildren. Our community would be grateful if we could spare the Belleview Biltmore and preserve it.

Please see if there is anything that can be done to save it!

Thank you so much!

Nancy Phelps

I have sent my own mass e-mail.  Thank you for providing away for us to help save history.

Wanda  Englebert

I would like to see the town officials more involved in preserving the historic structures in Belleair, especially the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.  We as residents of Belleair look up to them for the support of the town and a voice for it's citizens.  What has their involvement in this issue been ? ? ?

Laurie Adams

Dan France

Dear Ms. Hein,

You may want to see my article in the Tampa Tribune also not about the Biltmore but the old Federal Courthouse. The same concept.  Cultural artifacts are seldom financially self supporting. I lecture and write on these issues. Your solution hopefully will be to raise support for a financial compromise that will save the Biltmore and allow development to support the structure and encourage use.  Best wishes!  Geneva Forrester, CEO and President, the Forrester Group

Below is an editorial originally printed in the St. Petersburg Times also written by Geneva Forrester, President and CEO of the Forrester Group
 
 

Landmarks crucial to preserving city's character
Letters to the Editor
Published November 24, 2004

------------------------------------------------------------

Re: Historic hotel to get new owner, story, Nov. 18.

What landmarks are we willing to preserve? The Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa, built in 1897, is now considered disposable. This questions our investment in growth of culture and community in the 21st century.

New ventures and prospective residents look for an educated work force and a hospitable social climate. The housing, education, roads and sewers make up the basic infrastructure that creates the time for cultural enrichment. Supporting landmark preservation gives character to a city and sets it apart from other cities, eliminating the cookie-cutter image that all cities are alike.

The Belleview Biltmore has ghosts from past guests that come to life when you walk the wooden, creaky floors. Turn around quickly and you see the grand entry of a former patron reflected in the windowpanes of the French doors, the breeze catching her flowing skirts.

However, as pointed out by Belleair Mayor George E. Mariani Jr. in your Nov. 18 article, "If it is that important to a community, then why, economically, has it not survived?"

The issue with the landmark and historic preservation is whether the value to the city aesthetically and historically justifies maintaining the Biltmore. If so, an economically viable compromise should be considered to sustain the sense of beauty and belonging that the buildings bring to the community.

The movement to create livable, workable economic growth in cities requires cooperation. Retaining historic buildings and fortifying character distinguishes metro areas and gives them the power to compete worldwide. Only with the active participation of the populace can the character and spirit of an area be maintained.

The 1897 Belleview Biltmore Resort cannot be rebuilt once the history and aura are gone. Florida, we can and should invest in historic preservation to improve our quality of life and as a basis for the area's economic development. Waltzing in the moonlight can be a sound economic investment.
 

-- Geneva Forrester, President,The Forrester Group
 

I really enjoyed your web page. I have been to the Belleview Biltmore Twice and I hope to be back soon, It is one of my favorite places. I hope the best turns out for the resort. I was stunned when I read about DeBartolo trying to demolish it. It is part of the history of this country.
 

Yours Truly,

Tommy  (last name withheld on request)

Heritage personified!  How dare they dishonor history by knocking down the Biltmore and replacing its splendor with condos.  Only a few of the wealthy will profit!!!  The Biltmore's splendor should continue to be shared with the public!!!  RALLY TO SAVE THE BILTMORE!!!

Dorothy Robinson

Good luck with your campaign Diane.  With so many good examples of American heritage at the Biltmore, it would be a great shame to demolish it when there are bound to be numerous other better suited sites for new development. It would be a shame to lose its history.

Rob Statham

Hats off to you for trying to save the Biltmore!  If you haven't already, seek assistance from your local Historical Society and Clearwater Main Street.   Good luck with your venture!

Joan JeffersonJ
Certified Florida Main Street Consultant, has provided consultation and facilitated services for forty-two Florida communities in the areas of Urban Design, Economic Restructuring, Organization, Fundraising, Strategic Planning and Implementation.  First Woman Mayor of Stuart Florida 1981-82, 1989-90.  Arcade Associates.  Partner and Business Manager of 15,000 sq. ft commercial building eleven retail and restaurant businesses.  Jefferson Art Gallery-Owner and Manager.  Owed and restored 28 Historic structures.  Technical assistance in Writing or Re-writing Comprehensive Plans, Zoning Codes and Other Ordinances in Support of Redevelopment.  Land Use Committee Town of Highlands, NC 1998,2003.

I hope there is a way found to save this beautiful historic site. In the 70's Sand Key was destroyed by "progress".  The big money developers are destroying everything, building monstrosities on every inch of oceanfront.  I know there has to be progress, but does it have to destroy every bit of our historic past?  I remember when in my home state they began demolishing our beautiful old courthouse buildings.  The one in my hometown gave way to a mass of metal and glass.  It had sentimental value to me because one of my ancestors had his name on the cornerstone.  It was sad.

Jo Ann (last name held on request)

I WAS recently thinking about getting married at the Biltmore in May of 2006. I just saw the article today 4/12/05 about the Biltmore being under contract. I hope you can help me.. the hotel will not provide any information and I definitely don't want to loose my money by giving a deposit to them for the reception, I am suppose to give them the $ this week. Do you think they will keep their end of the bargain to host my wedding and have the roof completed with all this stuff going on? I don't know what to do.

Theresa Ramirez

As a resident of this beautiful community for 9 years now, I have seen the controversy over the Biltmore ebb and flow from time to time.  I agree that it should be preserved as an historic place to be preserved for our children and their children.  We certainly DON'T NEED any more condos, God knows there are so many of them here already BUT, as they are built or apartments are made over to be sold as condos, THEY ARE BOUGHT BEFORE THEY CAN BE FINISHED.  I believe that the answer lies in finding someone in our community, some sports star perhaps who it making obscene amounts of money to play ball, to support saving this site.  Perhaps someone there could be convinced that their image would be enhanced by giving something back to the community and be remembered in history for something beside how far they can toss a football.  Just my thought, there is a LOT OF MONEY there...They build homes that are bigger than most families of ten need to live in, perhaps they can share their wealth in this historic site that has been "home" at least for a few nights, to so many historic people.

Sandy Evans

I just read an article in today's St. Pete Times stating that the same company that tried to buy it & demolish it last year has another contract on it.  I'm wondering this, if taxpayers (be they county or state) can "foot the bill" for a stadium for the Glaziers, why can't the state purchase the Biltmore?

Not only do I dislike the idea of demolishing a beautiful, historic building, the idea of all the traffic a 100-unit condo community will create is frightening. What's the prognosis?

Laurie (last name withheld on request)

I am glad you have this website to  help make people aware of the glory of the Biltmore.  The sad thing I have found out about Florida lately is that is being overpopulated by "rich white trash" who value nothing.  They go around and have homes torn down so they can erect a gaudy "mansion houses" to impress their friends.  Historical places like the Biltmore mean nothing to them or major corporations.  Saving the Biltmore requires big bucks.  With Donald Trump getting to erect his hideous tower in downtown Tampa I wonder if he would like the good PR of rescuing the Biltmore from a horrible fate.  That is how you get places saved.  Find someone with scads of money and appeal to their egos by showing that rescuing a historic place makes them look good.  It sounds ruthless, but as they say "all is fair in love and war."  This is war.  I have lived in Clearwater for thirty seven years and have watched it be overtaken by the brazen flash merchants.

David Parsons

It will take a community and one unified front to save this landmark. If we could get everyone in Pinellas Co to chip in $100, that would be $100-million. There will be those who will not care, but those who would chip in thousands, tens of thousands, or millions to make up for those who do not. Growing up here, it disgusts me how they small mom and pops are being torn down at the beaches, and if they tear the Biltmore down, it will be like they ripped at the heart of Pinellas County. I would commit $10,000 to a unified well funded group.

 Sincerely, Jeff (last name withheld on request)

I am interested in helping with the effort to save the Biltmore.  In the last year and a half I have toured it twice and can't imagine seeing it torn down when it holds so much history!  It sickens me!  It seems that in this area, waterfront property, financial gain and hi rise condos are more important than history preservation.  Please let me know what I can do to help in the effort. Thank you.

T. N. (last name withheld on request)

I just got back from a stay there, and there it needs to stay. I would even consider selling my time share and purchase one here, if we can use that for an option-Time share. Save the Queen!

Barbara Myrick

HI , I would like to say I support this cause and will help do whatever it takes to preserve this wonderful hotel. I can't tell how sad it makes me to think they would tear it down . For what condo's??? I don't think so . Please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,  Margie  (last name withheld on request)

Diane,
We think what you're doing is fantastic!  The best of luck to you and your organization.   We love the Belleview Biltmore, and our daughter works there.   It would really be a tragedy to see such a wonderful, historic place get demolished in the name of progress.   I wonder if the National Trust for Historic Preservation could be of any help?   I have heard of that organization  (wonder if I have the name exactly correct?)  and wonder if they could help you?   I hope that everybody rallies to save the Biltmore!

Nancy Phelps

Good for you!

We have so little history left in this area, I hate to see another demolition.

With the growth of our area at such a fast pace it appears there is little thought to maintaining the history.

Developers care only for the bottom line.  It is up to the residents and our city officials to think about the future and make plans to protect at least a small bit of the historical significance.

Keep it up!

Jill Heath

Hi! I love old buildings:) Please tell me how I can help save the Biltmore. We must work together!

Susan O'Connor

You may be familiar with the Hotel Del Coronado near San Diego which is also a wood structure and I believe the largest wood structure in the west.  It was originally wired by Thomas Edison and is a landmark as is the Belleview Biltmore.  Ultimately the city purchased and managed the property and it continues to operate today.  If the property continues to run in the red as with previous owners it will ultimately be doomed unless a government entity purchases and manages the property.

Larry Haingl

Keep up the good work. We are 5 month residents on the Biltmore condos and very concerned with the possible destruction of this gem. Please keep us informed.
 

Thanks Bob and Sharon

I support 'Save the Biltmore'.  I live in Largo and discovered this lovely resort earlier this year.  Since then, I've toured the hotel, eaten in it's restaurants and both taken lessons at and used it's tennis facilities.  NOW THAT I'VE DISCOVERED IT, PLEASE DON'T TEAR THE BILTMORE DOWN!  INSTEAD, ADVERTISE IT MORE!!

Kathy C (last name withheld on request)

I do not want to see the hotel go.

Thayer Haydon

We were recently Biltmore visitors, on a tour with our church in Sun City Center.  And we were very much impressed with its style and beauty.  It would, indeed, be a sorry day to see it razed in favor of condos.
 

But we can see the plight of the owners, as well.  It is not practical to own something that loses money every month, unless unlimited funds are available, and ownership is more pride than profit.  The crying out by town residents will not pay the bills !
It seems that in order to save it, there needs to be a change in use to some extent.  One alternative might be to convert some or all of the rooms into condominiums.  Could this be done to turn the finances around?
 

Another choice might be to involve government aid in some way.  It is already on the List of Historic Places.  This may not carry much weight in itself, so could an application be made to change it into a State or Federal Park?  There are many such places in the U.S.  Yellowstone Park, for instance.  There is a hotel there that continues, with the help of Uncle Sam if the customer base cannot keep it in the financial black numbers.  If no private owner can afford the losses, perhaps the taxpayers will chip in !!

Lee and Olive Hopkins

Hi Diane,
 

Please let me know of what I can do, personally, to assist in saving our magnificent hotel.  We have to fight to stop all this madness of destroying beautiful, historic sites and building condo's.....like we need more buildings in this county.  Good grief.

We have to rally everyone in our town and county to stop this hideous wreckage.  I've also emailed Rae Claire and asked what our next step will be.  We must remain committed to saving the "Queen".

Keep up the good work and look forward to participating in any way I can.

Julie Kleckner

I support saving the Biltmore.

Judith Sterling

This upsets me to see that they want to destroy history!  I think the President and congress are doing a good job of that now.

My company had their Christmas party there 5 years ago and I was soooooo impressed with it!
I think sometimes I was born in the wrong era!

I would like to make a suggestion.  WHEN the Lady is saved, they should REDO the front entrance back to the way it was in the era!  That futuristic look is gaudy to say the least.  It takes away from the charm of the building.  You want to have the ambiance as you walk into the entrance and the parlor!  To make it GRAND right from the beginning again!
It is such a beautiful place!
 

Why not hosting Fashion shows there, along with not just weddings but Baptisms, Batmitzvas and all sorts of things.
Also the employees should be dressed in the era also to make it more of the time.   Except for the housekeeping.  That would be too hard with all the clothing.  But I feel if the front desk people were dressed in the fashion as it was then would really bring back the era feeling to all guests.  This includes the bell hops and all.

Thank you,

Margaret A. Brown (Maggie)

The Belleview Biltmore Hotel distinguishes Belleair & Pinellas County as special and should remain here as part of our heritage.

KAREN PLATT

Marvin and Mary Ann Schoneman
 

City officials say they can't do anything to stop the destruction of the Biltmore and that's a crock since they don't have to approve the permits!  We hope for the sake of the greedy developers that whatever they build sits empty and they really lose there shirts! As they developers keep bringing more people to this area where are they going to get enough water when we are under water restrictions most of the time now!  Also where are they even going to have room to build more roads to handle the traffic that every one complains of now!  Where are they going to put the poor people that can't afford $200 thousand plus housing?  Are they going to build more homeless shelters that they say they don't have enough of as it is?  We are becoming very tired of the greed for the almighty dollar in this area and may even consider leaving if things continue and they can't even consider preserving a little of history that can be so important to the up coming generations.

 Barbara Kadrie

What a shame if DeBartolo wins.  Replacing a beautiful piece of historic architecture with condos.  Just what we need . . . more concrete buildings in our landscape.

Ryan and Jennifer Rouse
 

It is devastating to learn that the Biltmore could be so close to demolition.  We would love to know what we can do to help.  I was married there last May with the intention of visiting for years to come with our children and grandchildren.  I am sick that the thought that this beautiful structure might be destroyed, and all my memories with it.

Dear Diane,

My husband and I moved to Florida about 3 years ago; we chose the Belleair area because we fell in love with the historic Belleview Biltmore. Our son and his fiancee live in NYC and visited the area; they also fell in love with the BB. In fact, they turn down several modern areas for their wedding reception in October and chose to reserve the historic Belleview Biltmore. We want to do everything we possibly can to save this landmark, a true beacon of Florida history and one in which we should have much pride.
 

Tina Papavasilopoulos

We are in the eleventh hour.  Call all your elected local, county and federal officials and insist they intervene to stop this travesty!  If action is not taken now, the Belleview Biltmore will be lost forever.

Bill Stokes

What a lovely Hotel, why must all think putting up new structures will improve business an why must something so beautiful be destroyed.

Les & Judith Kuhlman

If you can arrange a SAVE THE BILTMORE ... weekend when some proceeds, or at the least the effort is demonstrated that people support saving the Biltmore, count me in. I would be pleased to stay there even if I have to sleep on the floor if it would help the cause. And then I could write in my newspaper about the visit and even more people would likely pitch in to the effort. I hope you can keep me posted at least add my voice to the list of Floridians who want to preserve their past.

Bonner Joy, publisher
---
The Islander newspaper
5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217
Serving Anna Maria Island since 1992
WEB: islander.org

I don't live near the area where this Hotel is but I live in Hudson Florida and want to know if there is anything I can do to help the people in Belleair keep this fine Hotel standing? Lets all get together and save a great place. Todd
 

Todd  Bowerson

I have just emailed this letter to all of the email addresses provided by your wonderful website.

"To Whom it May Concern;

I am writing in support of saving the Belleview Biltmore. I am sickened that, in the name of progress, this historical jewel will be forever erased.

Shame on these developers. For them, it is not about leaving a legacy for our future generations; it is about how many people they can fit into a giant stucco box. It's greed, pure and simple. My suggestion would be to set an example for other companies by restoring this landmark to its former grandeur.

Although I am not a resident of this community, I feel that this matter involves all of us. Pinellas County has given developers enough. The small beachside hotels are falling, with giant condominium buildings rising in their footprint. I plead with these companies to curb the greed and think for once of the betterment of the community. In the end, the result will be a beautifully restored piece of history which will be enjoyed by all.

I pledge to do all I can to support saving the Biltmore."

I hope this helps!!!

Monica Van Liew

Good day Diane,

I lived in Sarasota for forty two years and watched too many historically valuable properties torn down to make way for new developments many of which never were funded and the razed piles of destroyed memories just lay and were eyesores for longer than is comfortable to remember. In some cases the intended developers declared bankruptcy and took their borrowed money and ran. Seems City Fathers ignore those who are already there for the sake of the empty promises of those whom they hope will come. The myth of a broader tax base and more revenues is just that: a myth, a fantasy in which politicians desperately want to believe as they spend more and more of the currently available funds. Next it will be petition to Pave Our Bays!

Best regards,

Alex Cook

I suggest you post this organization of the www.nationaltrust.org site... What can I do to help?  If someone wants to buy it to preserve, why are these buyers and sellers (probably not from around here), so willing to crush our heritage?   It seems the south still has 'carpetbaggers' to worry about ... That hotel can make money, the current people just have not been good custodians. However, doesn't the "buck" stop with the city fathers and mothers who , if I am correct, have the power to say yeah or nay??  If the elected officials approve this, they need to GO and Fast....

Deborah Kowal
P.S.  Yes we have now written them.  Diane Hein

My wife and I just got back from our honeymoon at the Belleview Biltmore, and to say we were really impressed with the hotel would be an understatement...the hotel is one of those rarest of jewels here in Florida, a truly old building with a great deal of history behind it.  You can almost hear the string orchestra playing by the original entranceway as you walk down the grand staircase, or see the couples dancing the night away in the grand ballroom.  We left with the feeling that this was a truly magical place!  Our accommodations left nothing to be desired and made the experience there that much more special.

There is a strange phenomenon in the US that says the concept of preserving old structures is backwards and anachronistic.  Yet, in Europe and Asia, there are buildings still functioning fully that are literally hundreds of years old.  The thought of the Belleview Biltmore being razed to make way for some modern, sterile condominiums that would generate considerable profit is truly horrendous.  People seem to forget the story of Pennsylvania Station in New York City:  constructed about the same time as the Belleview, it was a masterpiece of architecture that served the needs of the major railroads that came in Manhattan; sadly, only photographs exist of it today, since it was torn down in 1964 thanks to a thoughtless mayor and quick-acting developers who circumvented the citizens who were leading the fight to save it. Today, it's still regarded as a great crime that it was torn down to make way for that most horrible of buildings, Madison Square Garden, which for all of its claims to fame, is little more than a barn.

The Belleview Biltmore MUST be preserved and restored to its original glory for future generations to appreciate.  It is up to the current owners to understand that the hotel's preservation is a great task, and that if they are unable or unwilling to work towards that goal, then to turn its ownership over to parties willing and able to do what is necessary.  Thank you for creating this web site and for getting the word out!

Lyle Lamboley

I live in PA and stayed at the Biltmore from April 22-26 , 2005
This is a beautiful hotel. It would be terrible to demolished this old hotel. This hotel does need some remodeling to bring it up to date.  I feel they should put condo's on the 3rd and 4th floor. The grounds are beautiful and I liked the seclusion of the hotel.  Also with the security guard at the gate I felt very secure there.
The food was excellent and the staff was very friendly. This hotel is on the national registry.  Lets keep some historic building building in the US. We don't need to demolish this just because someone wants to be condo's there. Let the developer go someplace else in this area and build his condo's. Everybody I talked to that was staying at the hotel or just came in to see the hotel agreed it should stay. If the right person would remodel the hotel, they could make it into a beautiful hotel again. Just because it is old that doesn't mean it has to be demolished.

Barbara Cisek McGarvey

I love staying there.  We should learn from Europe and treasure our heritage rather than tearing it down and putting up another Stepford community.  New Hampshire saved Wentworth by the Sea and that is Marriot's most beautiful property.

Hillary Jollimore

I had the honor to work as a banquet server at the White Queen of the Golf. History pours out of its walls.  Not only celebrities have the opportunity to experience a relaxing time at the resort, but also regular people like us have the chance to be part of its history. The Belleview Biltmore should not be destroyed. Please, Mr. DeBartolo, look to another direction; do not let the "Old Lady" and her tales disappear. Thanks
 

P/S: I am from Argentina. I moved to Florida seven years ago, and I have the privilege to live in this great country. The Belleview Biltmore is one of its greatnness.

Marcela McCormick

How inspiring to see such organized, enthusiastic and dedicated people who love Florida the way it was, not the concrete condo jungle that's such a blight. Keep up the good work.

VEL J 

Please save the Biltmore. It is one of the magnificent places left in this area. Beside being the larges wooden structures in the world. When our family moved down here 30 years ago from Mountain Lakes, N.J. we would take all our guest who visited to see this magnificent place. DON'T TAKE IT WAY. It is one of the few classy places left.

 Jane B. Hrabovsky

I am disappointed, I had my wedding reception at the Biltmore, it's sad that one of the most historic buildings in Florida is in jeopardy of being destroyed.  So it survives hurricanes and storms, but I guess history isn't that important in Florida.  Arguably the most popular place in Tampa is Ybor, why? Because it has a history, an interesting one at that.  Ybor at night maybe isn't as historic, but during the day, it still has that Cuban Italian flavor.  It would be very stupid to destroy that, those buildings and history can't be replaced, neither can the Biltmore.

John Whelan

It was just about a year ago when I stumbled across the Biltmore. I was looking for a beautiful hotel for my wedding quests and myself to stay. The pictures on the website did not do justice for this hotel because when my then fiance and I drove out there to see where our guests and ourselves would be staying it literally took our breath away. With every step I took in that hotel I was absoutley amazed and touched with how much history there is behind it. Why is it that we distroy or try to distroy our history, and to what make a few extra dollars? What has this country come to? Did we not learn ANYTHING from the tragic events that happened on 9/11? We lost a piece of our history, we'll never get that back and now we are CHOSING to lose yet another piece. It's heart breaking, this hotel is not only breath taking, but when you are there you feel as if you are a part of the history that the hotel has carried. One more thing is we are so big on education in this state and you are planning on tearing down a historical structure for money. This hotel has a historical tour EVERY day, you learn so much about this place why get rid of it. I am so disappointed to hear this news and I truly hope we can save ALL of the Biltmore, we have enough condos here in the state of Fl.

Kelly Witthuhn

To whom it may concern:

27 years ago, I moved to Florida from Iowa and was shown the Belleview Biltmore. It was like nothing I had ever seen in the midwest. This was something unique and special that native Floridians and its transplants could cherish forever! I have since taken my children down the drive by the guardhouse and passed on to them my love of this grand old structure. I hope our family's next generation can do the same. My husband and I have strolled the halls and saturated ourselves in her glory. I tell my visiting friends and family to go experience the Belleview Biltmore.

Can't you just  feel the gentle breeze on your face as you sip a lemonade while rocking on one of her porches?
Capitalize on our past as we move into the future. Allow surrounding property to be developed if we must, but in my opinion, destroying this elegant lady for temporary economic gain is a selfish and evil act. Condos will come, highways will sprawl, and growth is rampant, but let us as responsible citizens do all that we can to save architectural treasures such the the Belleview Biltmore.
Thank you for whatever you can do to keep this jewel from the wrecking ball.
Sincerely,
Susan B. Panella

TEW - "YOU'RE FIRED"!
 

MARIANI "STEP DOWN AND TAKE COTTRELL WITH YOU"

David Adams

My family and I just stayed at the Bellview Biltmore last month and we loved it!  Being an architect myself made it even more meaningful.  Economics rule - but any reasonable solution that would allow this facility to remain open and keep serving its devoted patrons must be pursued!

Mark Dreyer, AIA (Richmond, VA)

Are there no developers who are willing to preserve history rather than destroy it?  Regardless of the "bottom line," it would be obscene to tear down a valuable reference point to the past as well as extreme arrogance to destroy a glorious landmark that defines the historical significance of this region!

John Hayner

Mary Jane Robbins
 

I am just sick to think that this wonderful piece of history could be gone forever.  I have been a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for several years now to help in some small way to save buildings such as this across the country.  Florida needs to adopt legislation for a law to protect buildings on the Historic Register like other states have done.  I support your efforts 100%!
Thank You,

Marcelle Kirkland

I wonder what would happen if the Biltmore in Coral Bables was threatened with destruction?  Or the grand hotel in Makinaw Island,  Michigan?   Well, on second thought, I know I don't have to wonder about that because the residents in those places would never let that happen.  Is it going to happen to the Belleview Biltmore because most of us here are transplanted from other states and not united?

Renee Burrell

We have visited the Biltmore twice and love it.  This wonderful, beautiful piece of history MUST be saved for future generations. It is like stepping into our past for a short time.

James & Margaret Wisler

I have lived in Clearwater since 1954 and have loved the Biltmore from day one. Always mentioned to all our visitors that it was the largest wooden structure under one roof in the world and that it was a national treasure.  I grew up here and knew many of the people directly involved with the Biltmore...the Spence's, the Tarr's, the Baskerville's, the Dimmitt's, the Sander's and on and on. This historic part of Belleair MUST BE SAVED, it would be like destroying our history, our heritage.  We have enough land to build any number of condos, townhomes, villas, houses, you name it, in other areas....so please DO NOT ALLOW THIS AMAZING STRUCTURE TO BE TORN DOWN!  I cannot imagine Clearwater without the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, it would lose something that it could absolutely never regain.

I have a son in critical condition right now and am not able to do what I'd like to do to help save this world renowned Hotel, so this comment board will have to be the outlet for my sentiments.
Thank you.

Pam Jano

(name withheld upon request)

This letter was printed in the editorial section of the Clearwater Times in the St. Petersburg Times newspaper May 1, 2005, and Mr. Michaels has given me permission to print it in this Biltmore Update and on the Message Board.   Please note their exhibit of "Boom-Time Grand Hotels of the 1920s" at the St. Petersburg Museum of History.  What a wonderful exhibit to go to!

"Regarding the Belleview Biltmore

Destruction of the Belleview Biltmore will be a severe loss to the heritage of Pinellas County. This grand hotel was built by Henry B. Plant to crown his Florida "System" of railroads and hotels and opened in 1897. In order to assure reliable transportation to the Belleview, Plant also acquired the famous Orange Belt Railway that in many ways is credited for beginning St. Petersburg. The hotel is still today one of the world’s largest wooden structures. It compares with the Hotel Del Coronado near San Diego, California. Very few of these late nineteenth century hotels remain. The Belleview was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The St. Petersburg Museum of History is currently showing a special exhibit on the Boom-Time Grand Hotels of the 1920s. The exhibit features 10 hotels, 9 of which are still standing. Three of these are yet being used as hotels—the Vinoy, the Don CeSar, and the Dennis (now known as the Kelly). Without the hotels, St. Petersburg’s and Pinellas County’s tourist and development economy would not have happened. The hotels themselves provided employment to thousands of local residents, and made possible employment for a great many more working in related businesses. Aside from their architectural significance and charm and the notables who stayed in them, the hotels play a central part in the history of our economy and community character.

Hopefully, there is hope and a lesson to be learned from this exhibit. Two of our finest hotels, the Vinoy and the Don (how many times did the President stay there this past year?) were themselves on the skids not so many years ago. But enterprising entrepreneurs came forth and now these hotels are flourishing. Our other fine hotels have adapted to become law schools, government offices, academies, banks, and condos. Cannot the same be done for the Belleview Biltmore?

Will Michaels,
Executive Director
St. Petersburg Museum of History  http://www.stpetemuseumofhistory.org/web//
335 Second Avenue NE
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
phone: 727-894-1052 fax: 727-823-7276
will@stpetemuseumofhistory.org

Dale Marks

I emailed Donald Trump and asked for help or donations. I don't think it will go anywhere but I tried.

Jessica

I want to say that we live in the South Garden 8and we also lived at Bayshore I for the last 3 years. We come down every month and sometimes twice a month, and always go over to the Belleview Biltmore each day, for lunch or drinks and sit outside, because it is so beautiful and peaceful there. Every time we are there there is always several functions going on and weddings almost weekly there. So I know they are doing the Business, they need help on restoring it back to it's original look, since it is a Historic Place that is still opened. I do not see how they can sell it and have it torn down. My suggestion would be to take the 4th and 5th floor and redo it and make it modernized for Suites and Penthouses and sell them, and keep the rest of the Hotel as in and update their rooms, but everything else should remain the same on the first floor, and the Pool Area outside is great, and also the Dining area is great. Anyway that is what I would suggest and would like to see happen.

Susie Legg

We CANNOT allow them to destroy this living landmark!  I will be emailing the mass list and have already sent my comments to Rae Claire Johnson. I'm willing to fight for this one!

 Joy Clark

Saving the Biltmore is priority ONE, but what will happen to all of the employees that will lose their jobs? They have families to support and house and feed.

James Thurmann

To tear down an Historic Building like the Biltmore would be a loss to future generations.  For those who have not had the good fortune of enjoying this wonderful hotel or walking its halls or grounds I would suggest you do so and you would not be so quick to support such a tragic event and make sure the demolition does not happen.  SAVE THE BILTMORE

H.  A. Kuhn

There are so many memories for many people thanks to the Belleview Biltmore.  My sisters & I gave my folks a most memorable weekend at the Belleview for their 50th anniversary. The entire family enjoyed that time together.  Now that my Dad has passed away that special weekend holds wonderful memories; and memories are all we have left.
 

My husband & I celebrate our anniversaries in the elegant dining room.  When a friend from out of town comes to visit I always take them to the Belleview for lunch.  It's a special place & there just aren't many special places like the Belleview.
I just can't imagine Clearwater without this beautiful, historical, landmark.

Susan & Neal Masters

Perhaps the commission that is approving the demolition is taking coaching lessons from Tampa's former Mayor Dick Greco who was and has been on the DeBartolo payroll for decades. He made sweetheart deals where the DeBartolo's benefited and he (Greco) and DeBartolo made money together. Is there perhaps some impropriety going on here?? Has any Governmental agency recently investigated of the financial affairs of the Commissioners or of their families that could possibly be the recipients of a "gift", bribe, or gratuity??
 

If the Biltmore loses, I believe that the citizens of the State of Florida should DEMAND a Federal Investigation into racketeering. Maybe then, Justice may prevail.

Name withheld

I am a native Floridian, born in Indian Rocks, and lived in Pinellas County for most of my life so far. I've seen the devastation wreaked on our history, the disregard for our old buildings and cherished places. The veneer of transient, touristy Florida belies our true history and obscures our historical sites.

If we are going to change this then all Floridians - native, new, year-round, snowbird - everyone who feels a connection to and a love for the state must work together to raise national awareness of our unique cultural heritage.

I realize that even if it is not demolished for condo construction, the Belleview faces many challenges in her future. Saving it from the bulldozers is only the first step. Continued devotion to finding ways to protect and preserve the hotel will be required in perpetuity.

Would it be possible to model the Belleview preservation after that of the Callenwolde estate in Atlanta, GA? That lovely mansion and at least a portion of its original grounds were rescued from destruction and now serve the community as an arboretum and school of the arts. Dance classes, stage performances, pottery classes, horticulture classes, painting, sculpting, woodworking and other arts events are held there to draw attention and bring revenue to help support the upkeep of Callenwolde (also partly a museum). I know the Belleview is vastly larger, but perhaps a similar program would breathe life and functionality back into the Grand Old Lady.

Whatever happens in the future, we must not allow another piece of our past to be crushed under the developers' heel. We must save her.

Rene Llewellyn

THIS MAY SOUND LIKE A CRAZY IDEA, HOWEVER, I THINK ANY IDEA IS WORTH A TRY !  HOW ABOUT CONTACTING "THIS OLD HOUSE", THE HAVE ALOT OF EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH HISTORICAL STRUCTURES, AND JUST MAYBE THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO HELP YOU IN THIS MATTER, ALSO WOULDN'T THE EXPOSURE BE FANTASTIC IF THEY CAME TO TOWN !

GOOD LUCK

EDWARD HOAG

(side note...we have contacted This Old House, but because the Belleview Biltmore is a hotel, they could not help us)
 

I want to help in any way that I can to save the Biltmore!  I even wrote a letter to the Tampa Tribune earlier this year to protect this historical structure (published)

Shellii Martin

To Whom It May Concern,

   I am writing this letter to voice my concern over the fate of the Historic Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair, Florida. She opened her doors to us on January 15, 1897 and has been creating memories ever since. This building holds a tremendous amount of history for us in Pinellas County. From the time she sheltered our servicemen in 1942 who walked her hallways wondering what their fate would be during the War, to the countless dignitaries she has hosted through the years, to the thousands of couples who began their lives toghther there, of which I am one of them, she has meaning. She is an ageless beauty and a priceless treasure and her charm cannot be experienced through photographs alone. We need to be able to walk down her hallways and hear her creaky floors and smell her musty smells to really experience the wonder of this glorious Grand old Dame. Our heritage is very valuable and our historic buildings should be left in tact for future generations to experience and enjoy. The Belleview Biltmore is truly extraordinary and should not be reduced to something so ordinary. Please try and find a way to preserve this wonderful landmark. The memories she holds within her walls should not be lost to the wrecking ball.

Sincerely,
Angie Begleiter
Concerned Pinellas County Resident

I don't want to see the Biltmore razed!!  There has been too much destruction in the area in regards to the almighty dollar. Is nothing sacred anymore? Look at our beaches and all the condominiums over casting the beaches. All the vacant land taken up so 'we can build more houses and make more money'. Tell these investors or vultures to go elsewhere and make their money. One of our last historic buildings will be destroyed along with many others. Please cast my vote to save the Biltmore!!

Cyndi Niemeyer

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."  Let it not be said "you did nothing"

Honeywell and Debatolo have not relented and neither can we. Channel 10 reports 70% of our community want the Belleview saved.  Based on this we should expect 700,000 people to come out in support of the Belleview Biltmore. Let's create our own 1,000,000 man walk right in Belleair - that will get the attention we need!  Come show Honeywell and Debartolo we will not let them destroy the Belleview Biltmore and community without a fight.

Three important meetings are happening next week. You are needed at them. The first is Sunday at 6:30. This is an organizational meeting.  The other two will be held at the Belleair Town Hall, 901 Ponce del Leon.  These two are May 3 at 5:30 P.M and May 5 at 4:00 P.M. The first is a general meeting. Honeywell's pension fund manager is expected to be present. The second is the Historical Preservation Commission meeting where the demolition permit will be discussed.  Come show Honeywell - Debartolo is not wanted here.

Your physical presence is necessary. So is your financial assistance.  We began a fund raising drive yesterday with a $10,000 kick off donation from Bernie Powell.  For those of you who don't know Mr. Powell, he owned the Belleview Biltmore from 1947 until the early 90's.  He has generously given substantial donations to the community over the years. Morton Plant Hospital and the Salvation Army are two major benefactors. In February Mr. Powell was honored as "Mr. Clearwater" for a life time of service to us.  He is now retired.  His health is failing. But he is still there to help when needed. It would be tragic if allowed his beloved Belleview Biltmore to be destroyed.

For his stake, as well as our own, please support "Bill$ for the Belleview" and join us at all upcoming events.

Thank you,

Rae Claire Johnson

P.S. Look for the party bus outside town hall. Stop by and sign the Friends of the Belleview Biltmore banner.  Go down in history as someone who made the effort to make a difference.  See you there!

Save the Biltmore build around it.

Peter Mitchell

This is a historic sire and needs to protected

Jeffrey J. Prokop

SAVE THE BILTMORE!!!

Melody and Giorgio Aristo, International opera singers, Belleair, FL

Diane,
As a member of the NTHP and a lover of old Florida hotels, I will do what I can to support the cause. Here in Perry, Taylor County we once had a grand hotel called the Hampton Springs Hotel. It has been gone a long time, due to a fire. However, the county government has secured grants to preserve the site (the old mineral springs swimming pool is still there) and history is being brought back to light and life from the dead.

I'm sure your group has thought of this but let me just speak my piece: IF, IF, IF you lose the war on preserving this grand old structure, at least fight the battle for preservation of the "artifacts" through making the developer save historically important pieces (just as the stained glass ceiling, doors, fireplace mantles, etc.), in other words, a type of recycling. No wrecking ball until the place is gutted. It may be only a partial victory, but at least you haven't lost everything!

Pardon my diatribe, now let me get to the letter writing.

John Singer

I am a commercial real estate analyst and a former member of the City of Tampa’s Architectural Review Commission.  I am an advocate of historic preservation I am also a VERY strong proponent private property rights.  I would like to see the Biltmore saved, in an economically sound manner.  I would use the National Trust’s http://www.historichotels.org web site to try and identify similar, economically successful historic hotels in the US (Hotel Galvez, built in 1911 and the Jekyll Island Club Hotel built in 1888 come to mind).  I would contact their general managers who may have a good idea of the economic potential of the Biltmore (in addition, and perhaps more importantly, the ownership groups of successful grand dames of the hospitality industry could individually, or collectively, become a new white knight ownership group for the Biltmore, since they have experience in both historic properties and the historic hospitality industry).  The two largest hotel real estate valuation & consulting boutiques that I am aware of are HVS International (http://www.hvsinternational.com) [Stephen Rushmore, MAI has written text books on the subject] and PKF Consulting (http://www.pkfc.com).

You can also search http://www.appraisalinstitute.org.search.asp using Advanced search, Business Services (feasibility studies and market analysis), and/or Property Type (hotel/resort).  Most likely there is an economically viable way to save the Biltmore, in the event that there is a financial gap between the value of the Biltmore as restored historic hotel and the market value of the site for development, the city, or the county could then analyze incentives (be it a property tax abatement for a number of years to allowing a zoning density transfer of development rights elsewhere in the county).  Seven of Florida's universities have real estate professors on staff (I do have a complete list).  Florida State University and the University of Florida are the two lead real estate programs in the state (both have Web sites that can be found using the search engine http://www.google.com).  Good luck!

 Bruce Cumming

I love the Biltmore, I live in Largo, just a little south of the Biltmore, and every time I think of it being destroyed it sickens me..Did you see the Parade in this weekend newspaper? It is doing a Preservation Contest, for any historical and cultural sites in communities across America. This contest is sponsored by the Parade Magazine and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and they want us to Tell America's Story", Preservation Award Contest. It can be anyplace in the our communities where history may have happened. It can be connected to individuals, groups, or events that helped shape our history and culture in visual and performing arts, science, government, sports, business, innovation, the law, public affairs, education, pop culture, buildings, parks, streets, etc...any place that has a story to tell about our nations rich past will be considered. See this website www.parade.com for an entry form and contest rules.
If you need to be help, I would love too.
Thank You,
Shelly Cannon

My family lived in Belleair for 35 years at on W. Rosary Road and I never in my wildest dreams would have believed this could or would happen!

PATRICIA MC GEE-ELLIS

Please look at the May 8th Parade Magazine in last Sunday's St Pete Times! They want people to submit American Historical Places to be saved. I sent info about the Biltmore through their website (www.parade.com). If enough people do this , They may take notice. This is a national magazine.

Cindy Hale

Why is it that PARADE MAGAZINE's Mother's Day issue features an article asking Americans to "tell us about your historic place"....yet the Biltmore's being torn down?   Doesn't anyone find it ironic that VISIT FLORIDA  is allocating millions in advertising dollars to feature "quaint downtowns and points of unique history" (rather than theme parks) as the latest Florida tourism attractor...yet the Biltmore is being demolished rather than renovated?
 

I have not yet heard these issues raised.  I'm a former resident of Belleair, still living nearby, and I frequently use the hotel for services and guest lodging.  I have found that the hotel is frequently booked, and think the "doesn't turn a profit" story to be quite unbelievable.   I would like a contact number and name for possible RADIO INTERVIEW --soon!  Thank you.

Marti Ryan

BELLEVIEW BILTMORE COMMENTS – 5/3/05

THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT PRESENTLY RESTS ON YOUR SHOULDERS CANNOT BE OVEREMPHASIZED. WE ARE IN THE ELEVENTH HOUR OF POSSIBLY LOSING A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE HEART AND SOUL OF BELLEAIRE AND A VALUABLE PIECE OF OUR LOCAL AND STATE HERITAGE. THIS IS AN AWESOME OBLIGATION FOR YOU AS ELECTED LEADERS AND IT IS AN OBLIGATION THAT YOU OWE TO THE PEOPLE OF YOUR TOWN TO DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THE PEOPLE AS A WHOLE, NOT THE FEW SELF-SERVING SPECIAL INTERESTS. DUE TO THE MANY IMPROPRIITIES SURROUNDING THIS SALE AND DEMOLITION PERMIT I REQUEST THAT YOU CANCEL THE DEMOLITION PERMIT AND ALLOW PROPER TIME FOR PRESERVATIONISTS TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE OWNER TO PURCHASE AND PRESERVE THIS VERY SPECIAL PROPERTY. IT IS UNLIKELY THERE WILL BE A LAW SUIT SINCE THE DEVELOPER HAS ALREADY GARNERED SUCH ADVERSE PUBLICITY FOR THEIR BULLDOZING POSTURE VS. A VISION OF COMPROMISE. IF THEY SUE, LET THEM BRING IT ON. THIS WOULD BE A SMALL PRICE TO PAY TO DELAY LONG ENOUGH FOR POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES. IT WOULD BE UNCONSCIONABLE FOR THIS BUILDING TO BE DESTROYED PRIOR TO ANY INDICATION OF THE FUTURE PLANS FOR THIS PROPERTY. FAR TOO

MANY LANDMARKS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED ONLY TO FIND LATER, THE GRANDIOSE TALK PRIOR TO DEMOLITION NEVER MATERIALIZED. THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE IS A LIVING LEGEND AND ICON THAT BRINGS HAPPINESS AND MEMORIES TO THOUSANDS WHO ENJOY THE AMBIANCE OF ANOTHER ERA. ANOTHER GATED COMMUNITY WILL EXTINGUISH THIS INVALUABLE ASSET FOR THE CITY, COUNTY, STATE AND NATION. FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL LOOK BACK AT YOUR DECISION AND EITHER LAUD YOU FOR YOUR VISION OR THEY WILL CHASTISE YOU FOR YOUR LACK OF COURAGE AND YOUR SHORT SIGHTEDNESS. IF THIS STRUCTURE IS DESTROYED ON YOUR WATCH CAN YOU REALLY HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH IN THIS TOWN? YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE WATCHING THIS EPISODE AND EAGARLY AWAITING THE VERDICT OF WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS ANY HOPE LEFT IN THIS COUNTRY FOR OFFICIALS TO STAND UP FOR PRESERVING SUCH IRREPLACIBLE HISTORIC CROWN JEWELS VS. SUCCUMBING TO POLITICS, PARANOIA, AND MONEY.

THANK-YOU

Bill Stokes

Letter from Jeff Francis, May 6, 2005   He is one of our core supporters who so generously donated money towards the large newspaper advertisements in the St. Petersburg Times May 1 and May 3, 2005.
  Greetings:

I am appalled at the travesty that is unfolding in this community with regards to the proposed demolition of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair.

This 1897 Henry Plant built hotel is the largest and perhaps the most significant landmark in Florida's industrial history era.

The desire to save this important structure will not be won with letters and yelling alone. It will take money, lots of it, which is the only language that big corporations understand.

May I suggest to Urdang Corp to offer the Biltmore to a new owner who will preserve and operate the hotel as it is, or give this community a reasonable time to assemble a private or private-public partnership to buy the hotel at fair market value. To the Debartolo Development Corp, you would be wise to stand down on this deal. You have made millions in the Tampa Bay Area, and will continue to make millions on your projects here. Do you really want to alienate this community by destroying one of the last pieces of history that remain here?

Maybe this community should consider at a mass boycott of Debartolo and Urdang related businesses until they guarantee that this historic landmark will not be demolished.

If I was a Belleair homeowner, I would be talking to my neighbors and town commission about an assessment to help the town get involved in a public private partnership to keep these proposed condos and traffic out of my backyard.

Community support for preservation has been demonstrated, over 70% of the residents of St. Petersburg have voted to tax themselves to save Sunken Gardens and Albert Whitted Airport. An informal poll shows 70% support to save the Belleview. Not the best option, but an option.

Community and corporate leaders, philanthropists, local and statewide politicians, and to the millions that make up this community, please get involved and do not let this jewel be lost for the sake of a few more condos.

As a 42 year old lifetime resident of this county, I will be forever ashamed if this community sits back and allows the Belleview Biltmore Hotel to be demolished.
The time is now to act.

Sincerely,

Jeff Francis

Town of Belleair Meeting  June 13, 2005

Dear Council Members,

My name is Ed Jameson.

Over 400 people in the town of Belleair signed two petitions sponsored by the
Friends of the Belleview Biltmore in May of 2005.   These were never submitted to my
knowledge to the town of Belleair for a vote but are still in the possession of the Friends of the
Belleview Biltmore.  These petitions if passed either by a vote or the town council
would guarantee the preservation of the north and south wings of the Belleair Biltmore HOtel
by changing the zoning laws.

It is very important to remember that 400 people in Belleair wanted to SAVE these
 two historically significant wings of this beautiful Victorian hotel.   They signed petitions
to ensure that this would be pursued.  Yet the Friends of teh Belleview Biltmore continued
to push towards destorying these two wings with developers
while they were continuing to have people sign what appears now to be worthless
petitions.  This makes absolutely no sense.

What happened to these petitions and where are they?

To use an analogy, it is like foxes going out to get petitions signed by farmers to provide
protection for hen houses, and then the foxes keeping the petitions without getting a vote
by the farmers!

The second topic I would like to bring up is that the St. Peteresburg Times reported that
developers associated with Friends of the Belleview Biltmore said it would cost $12 million
to tear down the north and south wings and replace with reconstructed condo/hotel units.
These developers  also said it would cost three times as much or $36 million dollars to repair and save the
north and south wings.  Yet Friends of the Belleview Biltmore were quoted in the St. Petersburg
Times that it would cost HUNDREDS of millions to renovate the south and wings.   This
information is ridiculous if one compares the statements of the developer's quotes of $36 million
to save the historically significant north and south wings.   Misinformation is being spread
to the public by the Friends of the Belleview Biltmore who want to destroy  history.

We must continue to pursue all efforts to save the entire Belleview Biltmore Hotel.

To give another analogy, if the Statute of Liberty needed refurbishing, to save some money
would New York destroy this expensive bronze statute and replace it with fiberglass to save a little money!!
NO WAY!

Thank you,

Ed

I stayed at the Belleview Biltmore Resort with my family two years ago. It was by far the best hotel I have ever stayed at, and turned out to be the best vacation I have EVER experienced!!! I had never had such a relaxing, pampering, fun-filled and memorable vacation before! Anyway, I am now a sophomore in high school, and I recently decided to do the Belleview Biltmore Resort as the topic for my informative speech. So I began to research it online, and I found out about this website. I was SHOCKED when I realized that it's possible that my beloved resort could be destroyed! It nearly took my breath away. If I had not started researching about the resort for speech class, I wouldn't have even known about this! I can't believe that anyone would want to destroy this beautiful place. It's beyond my comprehension. Well, being 16 years old, I don't have a lot of money, but I hope there's something I can do to help out with rescuing the resort. Let me know if you have any ideas. I live in Wisconsin, by the way. I guess, in a way, I'll be promoting the resort through my speech-- but if there's anything else I can do, please let me know a.s.a.p.!

Catrina Bogdan

We are interested in the status of the Belleview Biltmore, as we are considering holding one of our shows there this fall.  Our last show was in April at Sunken Gardens.  It is the "Florida Collectibles & Vintage Memorabilia Show" and all of our exhibitors sell and display old Florida kitsch, furnishings, memorabilia, etc.

Is there anyone who can give me a brief explanation re if the Biltmore will actually be around in October?  The sales department says we have to wait until Memorial Day for a letter of guarantee stating whether the hotel is to be demolished.

Thank you.

Annette  Ross

"Appears repairs and upkeep on the Belleview Biltmore have been strategically delayed.  This failure to maintain presumably was to support demolitions, discourage restoration and increase the cost of historic preservation.  No problem, it is hard to be disheartened when you’ve tromped through the Vinoy before restoration and visited the Don Cesar when the windows and doors were boarded over.  The Biltmore is in good shape for a grand old lady and she has tales to tell."   Geneva Forrester

This has been the common thread of owners of thousands of demolished Theaters!  Don't fix anything when it breaks.  Let it deteriorate to the extent it is beyond refurbishment, then think they have reasonable justification to demolish it!  Looks like that is exactly what has happened to the Belleview Biltmore.  How long have those blue tarps been on the roof now because of leaks?  About a year now, if not longer.  Why hasn't the roof been repaired?  Makes one wonder, huh?

No one is asking Mr. Urdang to give the property away.  He deserves Just Market Value, as a landowner.  However, I think it is most reasonable for his group to give the community time to put together financial plans to make a purchase of the Belleview Biltmore and give them right of first refusal.

How about it, Mr. Urdang?  You could come out of this smelling like a "rose", by making people across this town, state and entire nation very jubilant, by a single compassionate decision!

Name withheld upon request

Vickie Hunsaker

STOP the insanity!!  Please oh please keep this wonderful resort open.  Too many good memories to throw away.  Florida is a tear down and re-build.  We should repair and hold on to our precious history.  Good luck all involved to keep the Belleview Biltmore the way it is!

 LynnMarie Boltze

By destiny' choice I stood at the Biltmore on Mothers day. For some reason we could not find one room available anyplace else and one of the girls at the Marriot directed us to the Biltmore.
Needless to say I fell in love. Then as I read the sunday news I found that the Parade has a Contest about americas historical places. Please enter this contest I truly Believe that this is a blessing for this hotel. I know you will win.
WWW.Parade.com/history/entry_form.html
Please contact me if I can do anything at all to help save this place.

Tina Irizarry

My wife and I are native Floridians and have enjoyed celebrating our anniversary at the hotel every August.  Last year, we missed our stay due to the hurricanes, and have been looking forward to returning this year.  We are horrified to hear talk of possible demolition of the Belleview Biltmore and plan to send a donation to the friends of the Biltmore fund.  Please keep fighting!  The historical significance of this resort, not just to the town of Bellaire, but to Florida as a whole, must be protected.

Dan and Janice Robertson
Oviedo, Florida.

I THINK WE SHOULD ALSO LOOK FOR A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL , FOUNDATION OR CORPORATION WHO MAY HAVE AN INTEREST IN PRESERVING OUR HISTORY.
SOMEONE - POSSIBLY LIKE DONALD TRUMP - WHO HAVE BECOME INTERESTED IN OUR AREA.  MR. TRUMP NOT ONLY IS BUILDING A BEAUTIFUL STRUCTURE HERE IN TAMPA, BUT ALSO DONATED FUNDS TOWARDS THE NEW ART MUSEUM. MAYBE SOMEONE- OR ALL OF US-COULD PERSUADE HIM TO SAVE THE BILTMORE.  ALSO - MAYBE WE THE LOCALS WOULD BE ABLE TO COLLECTIVELY PURCHASE THE BILTMORE.  JUST A THOUGHT - THINK ON IT!

DELINDA KRUTULIS

Osama bin Laden wishes to destroy America from without and developers wish to destroy America from within.  It is obvious that there is not much difference between the two because the word destroy is synonomous with both.  Our history was built by the strength of American resolve by people who had both pride in their work, beauty in their hearts, and pride in their country.  Alas the idea of destruction of these ideals is un American and a spineless method of money mongering at it highest.  I cannot beg because the developer won't listen but brute force of this country is what it will take to stop the destruction of the Biltmore.  To curtail Al Queida the U.S. goes after its finances because that is their engine.  Considering that developers and terrorists are one in the same the U.S. must go after their same engine.

The Biltmore must live on.  If it is destroyed the terrorists will have won.  Their first target will be the developer to see who is the big man on the block; can't have two destructive forces competing with each other can we?

Erich Strong

Historic architecture is part of our culture. If we destroy the architecture created in the past, we are creating a world which has not regard to life's lessons or past treasures. If the mighty dollar is the sole source for directing development decisions in the future, we are building a shallow future for us and our children.
SAVE THE BILTMORE!

Robert Bendixen

Thank you for all your help. I want to give special thanks to Diane Hein who started, owns and maintains this web site. This has been invaluable as our primary means of communication with both Belleview supporters and among us. While we have had glitches, given the speed at which things have been coming at us, everyone has done quite well. I also want to thank Chris Carter, Sam Casella, Lil Cromer, Molly Demarest, Ed Desmarais, Jeff Francis, Laurie Adams, Julie Kleckner, Midge Hathaway, Jo Houck, Cecily Kenny Bernie Pickett, Karen Platt, John Rich, Lyn & Owen Schlaug, Bill Stokes and the host of other organizers who have helped with community efforts.

We have received 1000’s of signatures on the Save the Belleview petitions. T-shirt and sign sales are strong. We are trying to find an easier way for supporters to buy these items. We have limited inventory, and it is difficult for financial reasons to spread them around to retail locations. We hope to soon be able to post locations where they can be purchased throughout the community.

A major battle was won Tuesday afternoon when the Historic Preservation Committee voted to accept the resolution to deny Urdang's demolition request. The town's new attorney, Nancy Stroud, advised the committee to take this action. We cannot get complacent -- the war is not yet won. Urdang has threatened to appeal this decision so this may turn into a protracted battle. Our best course of action is to buy the building and bring it back to its former grandeur. We are working on this possibility.

The Belleview needs your continued support. Our goal is for every household member to donate $25 to the cause and for each donor to spread the message to 10 other people. More would be even better. One Belleview supporter asked her children to donate in place of birthday presents. What a great idea! Not only this, both her children's names and her will go down in posterity as people who stepped forward to save this magnificent building and grounds.

Wouldn't it be wonderful for future generations to see how their relatives made a difference in saving this grand dame? Wouldn't children enjoy seeing their name in a book of donors? We have chosen a donation target that will make it possible for everyone to participate. Donations should be made to Friends of the Belleview Biltmore. This is a not for profit corporation. Donations are tax deductible. Please note on the check if you want it to go to the general fund or building fund. All donations will go to the general fund if they are not specifically allocated to a specific fund. You can also make a donation on this site.

We are also looking for people to help in other ways too. We are looking for people who can get this effort in front of civic organizations and other community forums. We are also looking for data input assistance, office support and marketing expertise. If you have any of these or any other skills you think can help, please contact us. The more help we have -- the more successful we will be.

For those of you who saw Parade magazine Sunday, you've seen where citizens can make a difference in preserving their communities. Due to the size of the Belleview Biltmore and the various properties, our challenge is a bit bigger than most. But the gains made in the past few weeks show that by banding together you can make a difference. Every one of you who have gathered signatures, signed a petition, showed up at a meeting, helped compile lists, brought a T-shirt or yard sign have helped. We wouldn't be where we are today without all of these activities. You are to be applauded -- but we need you to stay on board with your continued support. We are looking into the idea of having a biweekly get together, every other Friday night. This will be a fund raiser and a chance for us to bring people up to date on where things stand. Let us know what you think of this idea. Would you be interested in participating in this type of affair?

On Thursday, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, will be announcing the placement of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel on the State’s 10 Most Endangered list. This recognition reflects the importance of this building on the State level. Once again thank you for your support and please send your donation today or donate on line!

Rae Claire Johnson

Thanks-It may seem that I am pretty rough in my statements but the same problem seems to surface over and over again.  I think the attitude of eliminating dignity and other such intrinsic human values is what attracts people like bin Laden and other such vermin.  Not being a student of history can spell disaster.  If it not be the perpetrator that gets nailed up along the Apian Way, it shall surely be their children.

Sincerely
Erich B. Strong, R.A.

We've stayed at the Belleview Biltmore numerous times, and I must say I love the old fashioned ambiance. Reminds me of Churchill Downs in Louisville. Let's preserve some of our past traditions and architecture before everything look