SaveTheBiltmore.com

Shop at our Biltmore Online Gift Shop, it's fun and you will help the Biltmore stand tall for another 110 years! Order a Biltmore calendar and proudly display it at home or at your workplace. Wear a Biltmore T-shirt, carry a Biltmore tote bag., send a Biltmore greeting card, wear a Biltmore charm, become a member of our nonprofit organization or display a Biltmore license plate on your car. All these will stir interest with the people around you and help us promote the Biltmore! An honorary one-year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry! See memberships

Belleview Biltmore Hotel, (Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa) Built 1896, Belleair Florida

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.

A concept design depicts what will be the new entryway of the Belleview Biltmore. To the right a reflecting pool with cabanas.

Rendition of the Starlight Ballroom 2012 A rendering shows the new spa, one story instead of two, in response to the concerns of some neighbors that views of the Intracoastal would be blocked

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RECENT AND PERTINENT NEWSPAPER AND MEDIA COVERAGE (short synopsis)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/economicdevelopment/article1006394.ece   St. Petersburg Times June 1, 2009

Click link for full text.

The pool is modern but the hotel was built in 1897. The resort is now closed for renovations. The plan is to take the hotel back to the way it looked in the late 1930s, both inside and out.

Remodel may be delayed
By Lorri Helfand, Times Staff Writer

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BELLEAIR — Four days before the historic Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa closed its doors to prepare for a $100 million makeover, an appellate panel denied a legal challenge that could have hindered the project.

But the owner's attorney, Thomas Reynolds, says the restoration of the 112-year-old hotel is still somewhat in "limbo" because his client, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, doesn't know if the decision, filed Thursday, will be appealed.

Neither does the attorney who represents three Belleair residents who last summer filed the suit, which challenges the town's approval of a site plan and variances for the project.

"I haven't heard from all of them yet," Alan Zimmet said Monday afternoon. The Palm Harbor lawyer represents the residents, Fred Thomas, Robert Swinehart and Scott Spencer, who own homes within 75 feet of the Biltmore property.

An appeal could delay the restoration for at least another six months, said Reynolds of Rahdert, Steele, Bole & Reynolds in St. Petersburg.

Reynolds said he was confident his client would prevail.

"In my opinion, the case law and statutory law was on our side," Reynolds said.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article1006401.ece  St. Petersburg Times Tuesday, June 2, 2009 Click link for full text

Charlie Evans, left, of Tampa gets a jitterbug lesson Sunday from Tim Gherrieri of Tampa at the Belleview Biltmore Resort’s “Back to the Future” party Sunday. Decked out in an American Jukebox theme, the room was one of several set up to represent different eras of the historic hotel’s past.

One last night to dance with history
By Julie Church, Times Correspondent jchurch@stpetetimes.com

Published Monday, June 1, 2009

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BELLEAIR —

But the more than 500 people who gathered Sunday at the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa didn't care about the current condition of the facilities. They were there to celebrate the rich history of the hotel and raise money for a good cause.

Sunday marked the final event before the historic hotel closes for a three-year renovation. "Back to the Future," a benefit for the Upper Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens, featured tours of the hotel, themed ballrooms with dancing, live bands and an auction.

"The biggest change people will notice on the outside is that there will 700 parking spaces underground and a 22-acre park surrounding the hotel," he said. "Back in 1897 when the hotel was built, there were no automobiles."

Sunday's event raised more than $75,000 for UPARC, and Smith said he promised the board that the first fundraising event held when the hotel opens again will also benefit the agency.

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/pinellas/belleview_biltmore_renovations_060109

Click link for video and full text. Our Save the Biltmore Preservationist vice president Ed Jameson was interviewed for this video segment.

Fox TV News Monday June 1, 2009

By Alcides Segui

Belleview Biltmore closing until 2012

$100 million renovation project set to begin

BELLEAIR - A piece of Bay Area history is about to close its doors.
The Belleview Biltmore is one of the oldest wooden structures in the U.S. and is among 168 historic treasures that have been identified since 1988.

"It's the root of Pinellas County history. It had all the movers and shakers of the people really had influence on the 19th century," said Ed Jameson, the Vice President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists. "It made people aware of Pinellas County."

A local non-profit group heard about the facelift and rented several rooms before it closed.

"We've been working on this for two months. We've got tons of people coming. You can still come at the last minute," said UPARC 's Chris Daily. "And yes we're thrilled."

"It's going to be a turning point in this community. It's going to be a bright shining star," Jameson said. "Something the whole community can be proud of."

http://tbnweekly.com/pubs/belleair_bee/content_articles/052609_bee-01.txt Belleair Bee Tuesday May 26, 2009

Belleview Biltmore says farewell

By CHARY SOUTHMAYD

A photo from the Heritage Village archives and library shows the old Hotel Belleview.

BELLEAIR - The aging White Queen of the Gulf is saying her final farewells in the coming days as she prepares for an elaborate makeover that will restore her to the magnificence of her glory days.

On Monday, June 1, at 1 p.m. guests at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel will be escorted to the door for their last checkout, serenaded by musical recordings reminiscent of bittersweet parting with the promise of reuniting.

"It will be a fun day," said Martin Smith, Belleview Biltmore vice president and managing director.

Special events are planned over the weekend, including a Back to the Future fundraising party to benefit UPARC Sunday, May 31, 5 to 9 p.m., and what is being called The Final Final Tournament, a golf tournament symbolic of a long tradition involving golf club members from the Biltmore and Foxborough Country Club near Boston. It will be the golfing rivals' last chance to stay at the hotel, though the Biltmore Golf Club on Indian Rocks Road will remain open throughout restoration of the hotel.

"We are sticking to the timeline of three years," Smith said. "Defeat is not an option." He promises that what will emerge will be a Victorian-style resort surrounded by beautiful gardens and walking paths in an idyllic 22-acre setting. Absent will be vehicles driving around on the property.

"You are never going to see a car," Smith said, referring to the plan for underground parking accessible through a couple of "rabbit holes" where vehicles will disappear from view at the grand entrance.

"The outside has to be restored to what it looked like in 1937-'38," said Smith.

The same holds true for the entire first floor. The restoration goal is to make the Belleview Biltmore as historically accurate to the 1930s as possible, based on existing drawings and photographs.

"This is a green project," said Amy Maguire of Southern Strategy Group, who handles public relations for the Biltmore. "It will be green, state-of-the-art, and historic, with a beach property as well." Smith and executive assistant Sharon Delahanty, who is also the hotel's historian, have been busily cataloging, photographing, tagging and preparing to store everything of historical significance, right down to the solid brass fixtures and a reservation log from March 17, 1987 that set aside accommodations for Vice President George H.W. Bush and Justice Department officials.

http://www.tbnweekly.com/pubs/clearwater_beacon/content_articles/052009_clw-01.txt Clearwater Beacon

Cabana Club dispute headed to court

By LESTER R. DAILEY

Article published on Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Photo courtesy of R.J. HEISENBOTTLE ARCHITECTURE

A schematic design depicts the proposed Belleview Biltmore Cabana Club in the Sand Key area.

CLEARWATER – Five Sand Key-area residents are hoping that the third time is the charm.

After losing at Clearwater’s Community Development Board and in an administrative hearing, they have filed an action in hopes that a three-judge panel from the 6th Judicial Circuit will prevent the owners of the Cabana Club from building a six-story, 38-room Victorian-style “boutique hotel” and a new, 165-seat restaurant on the land that they lease for their current restaurant.
Belleview Biltmore Spokeswoman Amy McGuire feels that the city should welcome the project because it will provide both temporary construction jobs and permanent jobs in the restaurant and hotel.

“The positive side of this project is that it has a lot of support at all levels,” McGuire said. “Everybody is committed to seeing it become a reality.”

Nobody knows exactly how long it will take for the court to issue its final ruling.

“Depending on the first few steps, it could be six to eight months,” McGuire said.

http://www.sandkeysun.com/SKS_04_19.pdf Click link for full article

April 23, 2009 to May 6, 2009 issue Sand Key Sun Front Page

Status of Belleview Biltmore Renovation Makes Town Mayor "Nervous"

By Renatta Valere

Business will cease at the 1897 Victorian Style Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa on May 31, 2009 .

"We will close as planned," confirmed Martin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director of the Resort who has been working on getting the Resort and its original 300 member staff ready for renovation during his five year tenure.

In commemoration of the event and to celebrate ongoing efforts to ‘save’ the Biltmore, a Gala Reception dubbed ‘Back to the Future’, to benefit an organization that serves individuals with disabilities is being planned for May 31, 2009.

During an interview with the Sand Key Sun, Mayor Katica said that he was personally pleased that the Biltmore had been ‘saved’ , "…but with legal action to contend with amidst a change in our economic times, I am nervous."

"I would feel much better if we were ‘good to go’ and that the actions of a few were not of a threat to the restoration of this historic place, its present and future staff, a community and a country as a whole," Mayor Katica confided.

Katica recalled the many public opportunities and hearings that were made available to Belleview residents to air their concerns and noted that the investors, the architects involved and other key players "made great compromises to the original plans for the Resort to satisfy the needs of the people here."

Because the issues raised are before the Court, the Sand Key Sun opts to withhold the names of the residents filing the law suit and the details surrounding their case. However, many bloggers on www.SaveTheBiltmore.com have expressed their personal thoughts and readers can gain much insight into the efforts that were made to preserve the property which has earned its right to be listed among ‘The National Register of Historic Places’.

DT Minich, Pinellas County Director of Tourism, explains that the Belleview Biltmore once renovated would be an even greater asset to the local tourism industry. He is particularly excited to market the Resort among business planners who he thinks would jump at the combination of offerings the Resort would serve – conference facilities together with world class amenities including golfing and spa services.

"The Biltmore just can’t be replicated anywhere. Its historic value from a tourism stand point makes it absolutely unique and a priceless asset to its community," he adds.

Minich says that during the planned three year renovation period there would understandably be a drop in tourism figures for Pinellas County but he’s quick to add that "in the long run, any renovation work done to this Grand Lady would be worth the wait and the return."

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20081204/biltmore.html Front Page Clearwater Gazette, Thursday December 4, 2008

Belleview Biltmore’s Tree Wins Award at Clearwater’s Festival of Trees

Belleview Biltmore’s nonprofit organization, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, created a Belleview Biltmore Hotel holiday Christmas tree for the 2008 Festival of Trees in Clearwater. This was their first entry. The Biltmore tree won a second place red ribbon in the seven-foot tree division for hand-crafted ornaments. The tree had 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 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 were 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.

Belleair Bee Front Page Thursday December 4, 2008

Biltmore Christmas

"The Belleview Biltmore Hotel 1896-Renovated 2012" Christmas tree, decorated by Save the Biltmore Preservationists and depicting the historic journey of the Biltmore, earned a second place ribbon at Clearwater's Festival of Trees.

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20081126/obama.html Clearwater Gazette Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Wouldn't the Belleview Biltmore Make a Great Winter White House?

By Renee Burrell

Photo courtesy of the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa
Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa staff had a photo op with Senator Barack Obama last September before he won the election

A few presidents have already slept at the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa in the past and last September it seemed like old times when President Elect Barack Obama hunkered down there with his entourage and secret service agents while campaigning and to prepare for the Mississippi debate.

"Maybe those days will be back," said Martin Smith the Resort's Manager. "We hope to host many more presidents, vice presidents and presidential nominees in the future."

A spokesperson for the campaign told Smith that they chose the resort as a retreat for Obama's debate preparation because they liked the seclusion the 111-year-old Victorian hotel offered.

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/letters/article657178.ece St. Petersburg Times, Thursday July 3, 2008
Letter to the Editor
Get involved, save Pinellas' history

The historic 1897 Victorian-style Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa was saved from demolition because of widespread Tampa Bay community support both inside and outside of Belleair, Belleair commissioner support and G. Michael Harris finding buyer Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, which will return the "White Queen of the Gulf" to its original splendor.

Unfortunately, three historic Pinellas County properties have been demolished over the past two years, another will be partially demolished and one other building's fate is in question. History once demolished can never be recreated.

In February 2008 Pinellas County established a countywide historic preservation program and declared historic preservation as public policy. Pinellas County can slow demolition of historic buildings once a historic preservation ordinance is passed. However, people need to be aware that this depends upon the acceptance of the Pinellas preservation ordinance by each individual city, in a timely manner.

Citizens need to contact their representatives to ensure their cities agree to historic preservation. Otherwise, more of Pinellas County's history will fall under the wrecking ball of development.

If one of your valuable historic structures is under threat of demolition in your city, contact local preservation societies, speak out at city commission meetings, and if necessary, start a grass roots effort and organize a nonprofit organization with a Web site to try to save a building from demolition.

We encourage Tampa Bay residents to further participate in saving our valuable history.

Diane Hein, president, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, (www.SaveTheBiltmore.com), Clearwater

Hotel Online Special Report    June 25, 2008

Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 41

Hotel Developers Take Note

By Stanley Turkel, MHS, ISHC
June 2008
1. A Landmark Hotel is Saved - The final Belleview Biltmore renovation plans proposed by the new owner, Legg Mason were unanimously approved (with some minor changes) by Bellaire town officials on May 20, 2008. 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; more meeting, convention and ballroom space; a new poolside café, a new spa and a new underground parking garage. Congratulations to Diane Hein and all the "Save-the-Biltmore" preservationists.

Rendering of Restored Belleview Biltmore Resort
25 Belleview Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida 33756
http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/restoration

ST. PETERSBURG TIMES  (our vice president of our nonprofit organization Ed Jameson was also interviewed for this article)

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
Click link above for full story September 21, 2007

GRAND HOTEL, GRAND PLAN
"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."

Richard Heisenbottle, president of Heisenbottle Architects of Coral Gables, said there would be selective demolition "of noncontributing structures." When he announced that the pagoda- style lobby built in the 1990s was on the hit list, the crowd cheered and applauded. 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.
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.
After the presentation, Belleair Commissioner and local architect Stephen Fowler praised Heisenbottle's presentation and his award- winning firm, which has been praised by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.
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Thanks to Kay Norred of our local Pinellas County TV station for interviewing our nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists at the Biltmore entrance in regards to the new renovation plans.  Click here http://www.pinellascounty.org/inside_pinellas.htm and then click on
Inside Pinellas streaming video.   The Biltmore segment is about five minutes into the show.
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http://www.creativetampabay.com/newsletter   Creative Tampa Bay August 6, 2007

Now that the Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa is saved, the nonprofit organization, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, Inc. will work towards promoting and preserving this beautiful Victorian hotel both in and out of our community. Save the Biltmore Preservationists is offering a variety of memberships that will enable them to continue to preserve and promote the Biltmore in the future with your help. Save the Biltmore has been dedicated to saving all four wings of the Belleview Biltmore Spa and Resort since 2004 and will continue do so in the future. In saving the golden treasures of the past, we bank on enriching the present and the future. To find out more visit http://www.savethebiltmore.com.

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

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

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

New ownership has big plans for the Belleview Biltmore, which has stood for more than a century.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preservationist Edward Jameson said the Belleview Biltmore was the place to be in the 1890s.

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

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

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

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

Carol Minn, reporter for Bay News 9 did the interview

Belleview Biltmore sale finalized   Belleair Bee June 22, 2007

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

By CHARY SOUTHMAYD

File photo by

CHARY SOUTHMAYD

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of SAVETHEBILTMORE.COM

The Belleview Biltmore charm is available at http://www.savethebiltmore.com/

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/070606_bee-03.txt For full article July 6, 1006
Capturing the charm of the Belleview Biltmore
By WAYNE AYERS
BELLEAIR – Located in an area that many say is losing its charm to over development, the Belleview Biltmore has stood as an ageless symbol of beauty, style and casual elegance.
With developers eyeing the classic hotel for possible demolition, one tiny, classically elegant piece of jewelry may play a role in its salvation.
The piece is a charm, a decorative pendant which has enjoyed periods of popularity in the form of a charm bracelet. Charms were collected to capture memories of treasured life experiences … places visited, associations, relationships. It is said that Queen Victoria wore charm bracelets.
Prices set for the hand crafted charms are $75.00 for sterling; $100 for gold over sterling vermeil; and $400 for 14kt gold. Charms may be viewed and ordered at our online store. Since all charms are custom made to order, a time period of 4 to 6 weeks must be allowed for creation and delivery.
         Biltmore charm         Biltmore Key Chain
     Available at our online store.

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/120105_bee-03.txt

Photo courtesy of http://www.savethebiltmore.com/
Tony Blue displays three of his eight Biltmore mixed media art series including, from left, “Gardenias on the Veranda,” “Victorian Charm” and “The White Queen of the Gulf.”
Artist’s work to benefit Belleview Biltmore preservation effort
Photo courtesy of http://www.savethebiltmore.com/
Tony Blue displays three of his eight Biltmore mixed media art series including, from left, “Gardenias on the Veranda,” “Victorian Charm” and “The White Queen of the Gulf.”
BELLEAIR – Local artist Tony Blue has created a series of eight beautiful, mixed media art pieces showcasing the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. He will donate 20 percent of sales proceeds to the nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists.
Blue is offering the art as limited edition (150 maximum) giclée prints on canvas. They come stretched, signed by the artist and numbered, mixed media and ready to frame. Photos of the remaining five of the series may be found at http://www.savethebiltmore.com/ and any or all of them may be purchased at the online store.
Save the Biltmore bookmarks, year-at-a glance calendars, greeting cards fine art photography, are also being sold online to help raise money for the hotel’s preservation.
ART OF TONY BLUE
Click here to see the new posting of the beautiful Belleview Biltmore Hotel series by local artist Tony Blue. Total of eight.

"The White Queen of the Gulf"       "Gardenias on the Veranda" For all eight series click: Tony Blue
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/110305_bee-04.txt    Belleair Bee (for full article) November 3, 2005

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

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

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/894155301.html?MAC=5f27f30b60a30785cdd9969931a8a638&did=894155301&FMT=FT&FMTS=FT&date=Sep+9,+2005&author=LORRI+HELFAND&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&printformat=&desc=Effort+to+save+the+Biltmore+energized
"Regardless of the ordinance, Stroud and Belleair leaders claim the town's comprehensive plan, adopted in 1999, already protects the Belleview Biltmore, which is referenced about a dozen times. "

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050620/NEWS/506200373
Attorneys with expertise in preservation and municipal zoning laws are now advising town officials that they are on solid legal ground if they want to fight the demolition.
Tearing down the hotel, they said, is contrary to the town's long-range comprehensive plan and therefore would not be allowed by law.
"The city is not legally entitled to issue permits which violate its own comp plan," said Stephen Helfman, a Miami land use and zoning lawyer hired by the town.

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

"She concurred with town leaders, who said existing town rules require an extensive review of the proposed demolition by officials and the public and that the town's comprehensive plan might not allow the hotel's destruction.
The existing rules protect the Biltmore, Stroud said, but she added that it would be better protected with an ordinance that has the details and procedures for preservation outlined."

Now that the Biltmore is saved, the purpose of this web site is to gain community, county, state and national awareness and attention to promote and preserve this historic Victorian hotel, the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, largest continuously occupied wooden structure in the world, built in 1896, Belleair, Florida, Pinellas County. The Belleview Belleair Biltmore Hotel was built in shingle architectural style, Queen Anne, by Henry Bradley Plant and is on the National Historic Register. Many famous dignitaries have been guests at this hotel including President George Bush, President Jimmy Carter, President Gerald Ford, the former King of England, (the Duke of Windsor) the Vanderbilts, the Pew family of Sun Oil, the Studebakers, the DuPonts, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Lady Margaret Thatcher.

Join us and become a member to help preserve and promote the Biltmore. Memberships include beautiful gifts and a certificate.

Belleview Biltmore closing until 2012

$100 million renovation project set to begin

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20081204/biltmore.html Front Page Clearwater Gazette, Thursday December 4, 2008

Belleview Biltmore’s Tree Wins Award at Clearwater’s Festival of Trees

Belleair Bee Front Page Thursday December 4, 2008

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20081126/obama.html Clearwater Gazette Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Wouldn't the Belleview Biltmore Make a Great Winter White House?

By Renee Burrell

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

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

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

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