Friends
of the Belleview Biltmore’s goal is to save one of the National Trust for
Historic Preservation’s 11 Most Endangered Properties
Friends
of the Belleview Biltmore is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that has been battling
to save the Belleview Biltmore hotel for ten years. The Belleview Biltmore
which is located in Belleair, Florida is one of the last remaining grand dame
hotels in America. Built in 1897 by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant, she’s
reported to be the largest wooden structure in the world - making her also the
largest Victorian hotel. The National
and Florida Trusts for Historic Preservation recognized the historical
significance of the hotel by designating it as one of the their 11 Most
Endangered Properties.
Our
goal is to see this faded beauty restored.
We’ve come close twice, but forces beyond our control thwarted these
efforts. The hotel is located in Pinellas County, the most densely populated
county in Florida. This makes her a prime target for demolition and condo
developers. To overcome the pressures being exerted on the Biltmore we must
ensure that the town commission adheres to it's own ordinances that were put in
place specifically to protect the Biltmore and keep her out of the hands of
condo developers.
In May 2014 "Friends" and two residents adjacent to the hotel property filed a suit in Federal Court to stop the wrongs that are occurring in regard to the Belleview Biltmore property. The town and property owners have circumvented the law. The suit is asking the court to take three courses of "Action" which are to:
- Issue an injunction halting any property sale related to "H" district property (Belleview Biltmore property) until the town complies with Section 106 of the National Preservation Ordinance, Belleair's Preservation Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan requirements related to zoning changes.
- To provide financial restitution to Doris Hanson and Lou White for home value losses suffered as a result of zoning violations that have caused the property to become a nuisance.
- To restore the building as required under the preservation ordinance before it can be sold.
Once
the property is out of harm's way our intention is to partner with preservation
experts to restore the "White Queen of the Gulf" to it's original
beauty. "Friends" involvement
will help to ensure that hotel is properly restored and the donations we hope
to realize will be used to help keep the White Queen safe for current and
future generations to enjoy. You support
is needed to achieve our goal.
FRIENDS
OF THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE, INC. is a nonprofit institution registered as a
501(c)(3). Your contribution to Friends
of the Biltmore is tax deductible under section 170 of the code.