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Memo reveals plans for Biltmore site

Developers presented a plan to build 600 condominiums and a boutique hotel on the site of the Belleview Biltmore resort, according a memo obtained by the St. Petersburg Times.

By AARON SHAROCKMAN AND LORRI HELFAND
Published April 29, 2005

BELLEAIR - Days after a first round of talks to flatten the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa broke down, developers returned to the town with a new concept to demolish the historic hotel for 600 condominiums.

DeBartolo Development also talked about a 100-room boutique hotel, maybe a Ritz-Carlton, as part of a conceptual plan, according to a Jan. 7 memo written by the town's attorney and obtained this week by the St. Petersburg Times. The resort's off-site 18-hole golf course could be leveled for 310 estate-sized homes, the memo said.

Written by town attorney Joel Tew after meeting DeBartolo president Ed Kobel, the memo unveils the first thoughts of the Tampa firm, which again has a contract to purchase the 19th century hotel.

Kobel and other company officials have refused further comment. The resort's current owners, who this month filed plans to demolish the 244-unit hotel, have been similarly quiet.

But just the thought of the hotel's demise has engendered scores of preservationists from far outside the town's walls. They've blindly pledged $40-million to save the Biltmore, its sinuous green roof and 19th century charm.

In public, town officials say that like everyone else, they have been left in the dark.

But behind the scenes, Mayor George Mariani and Tew each secretly met with developers and discussed redevelopment concepts. Members of the town's exclusive country club have also debated a multimillion dollar land swap with developers.

See tomorrow's Times or sptimes.com for the full report.

[Last modified April 29, 2005, 18:34:13]