Major project at the Vinoy will require St. Pete voter approval
By Janelle Irwin
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Jun 21, 2017

A portion of the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club's $50 million renovation plan will need voter approval before construction can begin.

Hotel owners announced Wednesday its one-story parking garage with eight tennis courts on the roof will go before voters for a vote on Nov. 7 alongside St. Petersburg mayoral and City Council candidates.

If approved, the garage would be built immediately behind the hotel where eight existing tennis courts are located. A 1984 city charter requires construction on historic locations in downtown St. Pete to receive voter approval. A similar rule forced the Tampa Bay Rowdies to put its renovation plans on downtown waterfront land before voters, which was successful earlier this year.

The garage won't require taxpayer funding and will not change the hotel's overall footprint or impede on St. Pete's waterfront park system, according to hotel owners. It will provide approximately 270 new parking spaces for hotel guests, guests of on-site events, Vinoy facility members and people dining at one of the hotel's restaurants, which are open to non-members.

While the parking won't benefit patrons of other downtown St. Pete businesses, the garage is expected to alleviate on-street parking in areas surrounding the hotel, which could free up valuable parking for general use.

The overall renovation plans include updates and expansions to the resort's spa, fitness center, golf course, clubhouse and public restaurants including the Florida-themed Paul's Landing at the Vinoy marina.

"Hotel ownership is committed to the long-term health of The Vinoy and ensuring it continues to be an iconic part of downtown St. Petersburg,” said Debra Feldman, vice president of capital transactions for Vinoy owner FelCor Lodging Trust (NYSE:FCH.) "We look forward to answering residents' questions about the project and continuing to ensure that The Vinoy is a good neighbor."

The overall renovation plans are aimed at maintaining The Vinoy's historic look and feel while incorporating modern amenities with a hip vibe.

Janelle Irwin is a reporter for the Tampa Bay Business Journal. FEATURED JOBS VP of Franchise Operations Planet Fitness Houston Director, Business Development The David H Murdock Research Institute (DHMRI Executive Assistant to the President (CEO) Conservation Law Foundation Post a JobSee More Jobs