Commissioners want new style for hotel

Commissioners want new style for hotel



By MARCIA LANE
marcia.lane@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/19/08

The height of a proposed hotel in St. Augustine Beach doesn't bother city commissioners, but they want a new architectural style for the building - one that's less 1960s and more Key West.

The proposed Marriott courtyard hotel will be the first major building under new architectural styling criteria adopted by St. Augustine Beach.

A city spokesman says the planned unit development is "sort of conceptual" at the moment. However, if it goes on first reading in July and final reading in August, the project could be ready to begin by fall. No start date has been set.

Commissioners said the proposed hotel looked "like something from the 1960s" and "like something (you see) at an airport" when they saw the plans at a commission meeting earlier this month.

Fred Ashdji, who works for Elite Hospitality and MSB Hotels that is planning the project, said Marriott had not yet been approached with the new design.

"It doesn't fit in with our style," Mayor Rich O'Brien told him of the multi-story hotel planned for the west side of A1A Beach Boulevard. The hotel would go between Fourth and Seventh streets.

Commissioners are looking for a Key West or Spanish Mediterranean style, something that fits in to the planned looked of the community.

They were less concerned that a portion of the building is planned to be 42 feet high, seven feet higher than the 35-foot height limit in place.

Commissioner Edward George expects Beach residents to be more concerned about the heights.

"I know there's going to be a ... problem with the height," George said.

Ashdji several times referred to the Castillo Real Hotel that Elite owns as an example of the projects the company does. Commissioners pointed out Castillo Real is built in a style they consider more appropriate for the area.

Commissioners are also concerned about whether there will be adequate parking. Ashdji says studies and experience indicate the parking provided around the structure will be enough.

The company also owns several lots that could be used for overflow parking. Ashdji said they would be willing to allow those lots to be used for two years to handle any additional parking needs. Commissioners aren't certain that will be adequate.

Several residents at the meeting raised questions about the parking, height and architectural elements of the project.

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