National Trust Urged Belleair to Save Biltmore

A last-minute effort by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to save the historic Belleview Biltmore failed.

The town commission in Belleair opted against following the trust’s advice, instead voting unanimously to approve a developer’s plans to raze most of the historic structure to make way for a town home and condominium development. A portion of the National Register of Historic Places-listed hotel will be saved for the creation of a boutique hotel.

In a letter dated Dec. 8 – one day before the vote – the National Trust’s John Hildreth, vice president for eastern field services, and Elizabeth Merritt, deputy general counsel, urged commissioners to save the structure that was built by railroad tycoon Henry Plant in 1896.

See Also:

• Historic Belleview Biltmore Slated for Demolition
• Time Running Out for Belleview Biltmore

The full text of the letter, sent to Patch.com, follows:

Dear Town of Belleair Commission and Historic Preservation Board:

The Belleview Biltmore Hotel is once again on the brink of demolition. Unfortunately, this time there is a willing developer who has somehow convinced both you and many members of the community that the hotel cannot be saved. That statement is directly contradicted by qualified preservation architects and engineers who have found the structure sound and able to undergo a total restoration. Several alternate groups of developers agree, and are willing to fund such a restoration. Please do not give up on your town’s most important landmark when sound preservation plans and funding are available.

It is our view that that demolishing all or part of the hotel would violate your own 2005 Historic Preservation Ordinance and your comprehensive plan, which places “ensuring the preservation of the Belleview Biltmore Resort Hotel” as part of Goal 1 in future land use planning. Approving demolition under these circumstances would leave the Town vulnerable to litigation that may challenge the project based on violations of local law, as well as claims based on citizens’ due process rights.

In addition, demolition would endanger the Town’s recently awarded Certified Local Government status. This would not only eliminate the Town’s eligibility for federal funding under the Historic Preservation Fund, but would also leave the Town vulnerable to potential sanctions for misrepresentation in its application to achieve Certified Local Government status from the National Park Service.

Furthermore, you should be aware that demolition of the hotel would potentially jeopardize any future federal assistance relating to the development project under the “anticipatory demolition” doctrine. This risk could apply to a wide range of potential federal assistance, including approvals that may be necessary in the future, such as an Army Corps of Engineers permit, in addition to federal financial assistance such as loan guarantees or other federal financial assistance that might otherwise be sought for the project. Section 110(k) of the National Historic Preservation Act prohibits federal agencies from approving any permits or financial assistance when an applicant (or those under its control) has intentionally adversely affected a historic property in an effort to avoid federal review.

But there are more reasons to save the Belleview Biltmore than following the law and preserving community memories of proms, weddings, and other celebrations held at the hotel. The Belleview Biltmore was, and can be again, an enormous heritage tourism draw. Ask yourselves what would bring in the most tax revenue—condos, or a hotel that draws heritage tourists (who spend more and stay longer than average tourists, according to studies). The renovation of the Belleview Biltmore would provide a much stronger economic return to the Town of Belleair than a residential development. The renovation would also produce jobs during and after the restoration.

We urge you to follow your municipal code, which allows you to take up to 365 days after the demolition order, depending “upon the relative significance of the structure and the probable time required to arrange a possible alternative to demolition.”

As you know, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has been a strong supporter of the Belleview Biltmore and the Town of Belleair’s efforts to save it for nearly a decade. We are still committed to saving the Belleview Biltmore. As stewards of the White Queen, we ask that you make the same commitment.

Thank you for your consideration. Please call if you have any questions or need assistance.

Demolition of the property is expected to begin sometime in March.

What are your thoughts on the decision to raze the hotel? Share them by commenting below.

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