Return to the past: The Biltmore Hotel. A Gatsby-era National Landmark. 

Regarding Agenda Item F.-2. 24-8283 Update and possible action regarding alterations at the Biltmore Hotel. 

 Coral Gables City Commission Meeting November 12, 2024

On behalf of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables, please accept this letter in support of a remedy to restore the Biltmore Hotel’s lower lobby [and all other affected areas] to their historically-significant 1926 design aesthetics “true to the intent to its original designers” and sympathetic to the character and authenticity of the 1926 “Gatsby-era” hotel — a national landmark.  

The Biltmore management refers to the recent unpermitted work as “latest enhancements” not in “areas that are historic”.

There should be no question about the historic significance of the property. No carving out nor separating one area of the historic hotel from another area. A renowned documentarian, preservationist, and author observed, “historical significance and subsequent preservation efforts must extend to the interior spaces and finishes, as well.” The entire hotel is designated a national landmark. All areas “are historic” Inside, outside, lower, upper, interior furnishings, tilework, stenciled ceilings, etc.  Any “enhancements” must follow national preservation guidelines that adhere to and complement the design philosophy of the 1920s hotel.  It can be said, the Biltmore Hotel is a “living museum”.

From the book by Ellen Uguccioni The Biltmore Hotel: An Enduring Legacy, project manager Joseph Herndon, who oversaw the 1980s renovations of the iconic hotel, observed, “We plan to redevelop a landmark, whose guests could believe that this was one fine Gatsby-era hotel that had been maintained in pristine condition and true to the intent of its original designers since its inception” [p. 140]. Mr. Herndon went through great lengths to return the grand hotel to its design origins. Seaway Corporation stated its intended stewardship of the landmark hotel in 1992, observing “Respecting the Biltmore’s age and landmark status, Seaway understands the new must look as if it belongs to the old…as though George Merrick could have planned them” [p. 173].

The Biltmore Hotel by Ellen Uguccioni [p. 140, 143]

 The Biltmore Hotel by Ellen Uguccioni [p. 173]

“One of the few remaining examples of the Golden Age”

As a matter of fact, in 1996, Seaway CEO Gene Prescott supported the City of Coral Gables in its efforts to nominate the hotel to national significance. In Mr Prescott’s letter to Florida State Historic Resources, he notes several “defining characteristics” which include point #1: The Biltmore is an exceptional example of Mediterranean Revival architecture with extraordinary interior public spaces; and point #3: The Biltmore “complex” is one of the few remaining examples of the Golden Age… 

Coral Gables Gazette, 1996

A contradiction

The “latest enhancements” at the hotel contradict Seaway’s original intentions made at the time the company was awarded its long-term lease in 1992.  These “latest enhancements” were done without permits and in violation of Sec. 11.3 of the City of Coral Gables lease agreement.  This situation could potentially place the hotel’s national landmark status in jeopardy.  Let’s respect the historical integrity of this exceptional 1920s landmark and restore it back to the past. To close with Seaway’s own words, restore “as if it belongs to the old…as though George Merrick could have planned them.” Seaway owes it to the world.

 The Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables promotes the understanding and the importance of history and the importance of preserving and celebrating our collective cultural heritage.