Crist lauds project at Belleview Biltmore

By RITA FARLOW, Times Staff Writer
Published November 20, 2007

---

BELLEAIR - The new owners of the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa are taking steps to make the renovation of the 110-year-old landmark environmentally friendly.

At a news conference Monday, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles announced its plans to seek "LEED" certification for the resort.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The designation is supplied by the U.S. Green Building Council for buildings that meet a lengthy set of environmentally responsible standards.

Legg Mason paid nearly $30.3-million for the landmark in June. Renovations will take about 21/2 years. The cost is likely to exceed $100-million, said Joe Penner, the managing director.

Gov. Charlie Crist was at the news conference at the hotel's original entrance to thank the key players for their desire to preserving the structure while protecting the environment.

"I grew up in Pinellas County," Crist said. "This is home. And, you know, when you grow up in a place as pretty as this, you want to try to make sure it's protected, that you take care of it, that you do the right thing in the process."