By Kip Kirchberg

In a significant step toward revitalizing downtown Lake Wales, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has selected Restoration St. Louis as the preferred developer to restore the long-vacant Walesbilt Hotel. The decision, made during the CRA meeting on October 13, 2025, marks the culmination of a months-long process to breathe new life into the iconic 10-story structure that has stood empty for decades.

The Walesbilt Hotel, originally built in 1926 as the Grand Hotel, has a storied history as a centerpiece of Lake Wales’ downtown. Once a bustling hub for visitors and locals alike, the Mediterranean Revival-style building fell into disrepair after closing in the 1990s. Renamed the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel in later years, it has been the subject of multiple failed redevelopment attempts, including a prolonged legal battle that ended with the city regaining ownership in April 2025 for $450,000.

City officials issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in June 2025, inviting developers to submit proposals for the hotel’s restoration. By July, four bids were received, which were narrowed down to two finalists in September: Restoration St. Louis Inc. and the Blackmon and Andoniades Families. Both teams presented their visions during a special CRA workshop earlier in October, with Restoration St. Louis proposing to transform the hotel into a Marriott-branded property while redeveloping the surrounding block to include retail and residential spaces.

During the October 13 meeting, the CRA board voted to select Restoration St. Louis as the top choice, citing the company’s extensive experience in historic restorations and its comprehensive plan for the site. “This is a pivotal moment for Lake Wales,” said City Manager James Slaton in a statement following the vote. “Restoration St. Louis brings the expertise and vision needed to not only preserve this historic gem but to make it a vibrant economic driver for our community.”

This selection is widely viewed as a positive move for downtown Lake Wales, poised to revitalize the area by drawing tourists, boosting local foot traffic, and attracting new businesses to the surrounding district. The addition of a branded hotel and ground-floor retail is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall vibrancy of the community, turning a long-neglected eyesore into a cornerstone of prosperity.

Restoration St. Louis, based in Missouri, specializes in rehabilitating historic buildings into modern hotels and mixed-use developments. The firm has successfully restored properties like the Cheshire Inn in St. Louis and has a track record of partnering with major hotel brands. Their proposal for the Walesbilt includes restoring the building’s original architectural features, adding 100-120 guest rooms, and incorporating ground-floor retail to enhance downtown foot traffic. The project is estimated to cost between $30 million and $40 million, with potential funding from historic tax credits and city incentives.

The competing bid from the Blackmon and Andoniades Families, local developers with ties to the area, focused on a boutique hotel concept with community-oriented amenities. While praised for its local flavor, the board ultimately favored Restoration St. Louis for its scalability and proven financial backing.

With the selection made, City Manager Slaton will now enter negotiations with Restoration St. Louis to finalize a development agreement. If successful, construction could begin as early as mid-2026, with the hotel potentially reopening by 2028. Residents and business owners in downtown Lake Wales have expressed optimism about the project, viewing it as a catalyst for further economic growth in the area.

The Walesbilt’s revival is part of a broader effort to preserve Lake Wales’ historic charm while fostering modern development. As one local historian noted, “This hotel isn’t just a building; it’s the heart of our city’s story.”