Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
Channels 8, 10, 13, and 28 Aired Segments From Lake Wales
Lake Wales received a wave of television coverage this week as area broadcasters sent teams to cover the big economic news of the settlement between Dixie Walesbilt LLC and the City of Lake Wales that will return ownership of the landmark hotel to the City after more than a decade.
CRA Chairman Robin Gibson, City Manager James Slaton, and the city's consulting attorney Kevin Ashley (L to R) comprised the negotiating team that achieved a settlement with Dixie Walesbilt LLC to obtain the title to the landmark Walesbilt Hotel in downtown Lake Wales.
Interviews with City Manager James Slaton and Community Redevelopment Agency Chairman Robin Gibson were conducted Tuesday in front of the 10-story structure by four different Tampa Bay area television stations. The resulting stories featuring the hotel were broadcast on WTVT Channel 13, as well as channels 8, 10, and 28. WFLA Channel 8 returned on Wednesday to air a live segment on their 4 p.m. newscast,
The financial impact of the expected redevelopment of the hotel will be huge, affecting surrounding properties and encouraging new investments in the area. According to Skip Alford, economic development director of the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce, the creation of a hotel in the downtown area will have a multi-million-dollar impact to the downtown and the city in general.
"If fully revitalized and operational, the Walesbilt Hotel is anticipated to generate over $100 million in total economic impact during its first five years of operation," Alford said. "It may create more than 100 direct and indirect jobs, increase tourism, expand our tax base, and serve as a cornerstone of renewal that reactivates one of the most iconic and historic buildings in our downtown."
Alford cited six different impacts on the local economy:
• Direct Guest Spending – Over $5.5 million annually in meals, shopping, and entertainment
• Indirect Supplier Activation – An estimated $2 to $3 million in business for local vendors and service providers
• Induced Spending – Over $1.5 million annually from employee wages reinvested into the community
• Property Tax Growth – A 20–30% increase in downtown property values and tax base
• Group and Event Tourism – New traffic from weddings, business retreats, and cultural events
• Community Branding – A major boost to our city's image and long-term investment appeal"
The rich architectural details of the Walesbilt Hotel make it an outstanding candidate for restoration as a high-end boutique hotel. The architecture reflects the sensibilities of Florida's Boom ERa of the 1920's.
"Unique, experience-driven destinations create economic ripple effects that go far beyond their walls," Alford said. "A revitalized Walesbilt Hotel could bring those powerful economic multipliers to life."
The renovation of the hotel will also expand upon the efforts of the CRA to reimagine the pedestrian environment of the downtown area. Park Avenue, which runs along the north side of the Walesbilt property, has seen major investment in the form of a reconstruction that includes lush landscaping, brick pavement, new sidewalks, lighting, and street furniture.
Three stations also interviewed local businessman Robert Connors, part of an investment group that recently opened the Thirsty Dragon tavern nearby. Connors explained that the restaurant was opened with the expectation that the hotel project would follow closely behind. It includes a historic theme in keeping with the area.
The Thirsty Dragon, Smokin' DJs Barbecue, and a new spa are housed in a newly-redeveloped building fronting First Street just north of the hotel. Further related improvements planned by property owner Scenic West include the creation of an outdoor entertainment zone that has been dubbed "St. James Park" immediately behind the new businesses that will echo the design of the Market Plaza.
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