Restoration St. Louis Selected to Revitalize Historic Walesbilt Hotel, Plans Broader Block Redevelopment
LAKE WALES, FL – Restoration St. Louis (RSL) has been chosen by the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to redevelop the landmark Walesbilt Hotel, with ambitious plans extending to the entire city block. The decision,made during a recent board meeting,prioritizes historic preservation and community impact over potentially faster funding options.
The project aims to restore the walesbilt to its former glory, attracting both vacationers and buisness conferences to Lake Wales’ urban core and boosting nearby businesses. A key factor in the CRA’s decision was RSL’s commitment to utilizing historic preservation tax credits,a move praised by board chairman Robin Gibson as providing “quality control for free” due to the detailed past accuracy required to secure them. The CRA has already invested approximately $12 million in infrastructure improvements around the hotel, including the reconstruction of Park Avenue and a section of First Street.
RSL was selected over the Blackmon firm after a thorough review of both proposals. While acknowledging the blackmon firm’s self-funding potential, commissioners highlighted RSL’s demonstrated “passion and purpose,” according to Commissioner Daniel Williams, and “more dedication, a bit more soul,” as stated by Commissioner Carol Gillespie.
The scope of RSL’s vision extends beyond the hotel itself, encompassing the redevelopment of the entire block. Commissioner Keith Thompson expressed hope that both developers will remain engaged in future Lake Wales projects, noting the city’s current momentum.
During the meeting, RSL interior decorator Amy Gill detailed the firm’s successful recreation of a lost stained-glass accent at the Blackhawk Hotel in Iowa, a project that evoked strong community memories. Gibson referred to this as “community memory,” emphasizing the importance of preserving local heritage.
City resident Ann Richards underscored the meaning of the Walesbilt, alongside Bok Tower and the Lake Wales arts Center, in fostering a sense of pride and awe within the community.
