Two finalists have emerged from a list of four applications submitted by firms interested in redeveloping the Walesbilt Hotel in response to the Request for Qualifications issued by City of Lake Wales. The redevelopment of the historic 10-story structure, which will turn 100 years old next year, has been a long-standing goal of community leaders.
The historic Walesbilt Hotel has been a local landmark for nearly a century even as it has stood vacant. A newly-refurbished facility ablaze with light and life is the goal of the City of Lake Wales as they enter negotiations with two finalists seeking the rights to redevelop the hotel.
A committee consisting of city staff has named Restoration St. Louis as the top respondent, scoring 96.8 of a possible 100 points. A submittal by the Blackmon and Andoniades Families notched a close second with a score of 93.4.
Earlier this summer the Community Redevelopment Agency hired the engineering firm of Kimley-Horn to conduct an evaluation of the hotel that included a structural property condition report and a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. That information was provided to the respondents.