Belleair city leaders have voted to issue a demolition certificate for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, clearing the way for a new condo development.
A last ditch effort to save the historic hotel took place Tuesday. Those against demolition pleaded their case for six hours.
St. Petersburg developer Mike Cheezem plans to save a single wing of the original hotel and build condos and townhomes around it. He said the plan will boost property values in the neighborhood and improve a site that has become an eyesore.
The vote finally expedites movement on the property which has been in limbo for several years. Demolition should begin sometime in March.
The hotel was built in 1897 by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant. The building is 820,000 square feet. It's the last remaining grand historic hotel of its period in Florida.
It has hosted at least four presidents and the likes of Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.