History Of The Crystal Bay Hotel
On November 24, 2014, the Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic Sunset Hotel
The Sunset Hotel is located west of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida on Central Avenue, the east-west thoroughfare spanning the width of the city. It overlooks Sunset Park and Boca Ciega Bay at the gateway of the Treasure Island Causeway which leads to the barrier islands and distinctive individual beach communities of Pinellas County. At the time of its construction in 1915, the area was sparsely inhabited with a few scattered residences. The former Sunset Hotel is now surrounded by single-family homes with retail shops and offices extending east along Central Avenue.
The historic Sunset Hotel is a monument of a thriving St. Petersburg past and once hosted celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, Glen Miller, Robert Kennedy and many other acclaimed individuals who frequently stayed here. Standing three-stories high, the hotel was recognized for its glamorous ballroom, dining room, lounges, elegant suites and services.
The historic Sunset Hotel is a monument of a thriving St. Petersburg past and once hosted celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, Glen Miller, Robert Kennedy and many other acclaimed individuals who frequently stayed here. Standing three-stories high, the hotel was recognized for its glamorous ballroom, dining room, lounges, elegant suites and services.
The Beginning
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In 1912, the St. Petersburg Investment Company platted the Davista subdivision, named in honor of Frank A. Davis, at the western end of the Central Avenue. As part of the development, the company donated Sunset Park, situated at the west end of Central Avenue along Boca Ciega Bay, to the City of St. Petersburg in 1913. Across from the park, on the northeast corner of Central Avenue and Park Street, the Company leased land to developer Robert Grigg in exchange for his promise to build a hotel.
Grigg initiated construction of the hotel in 1915 originally called the Bella Vista Hotel, designed by architect George Feltham and built by contractor Hardy William Bryan. In an April 7, 1915 article, the St. Petersburg Times noted that the facility would be a “modern hotel in every particular” with several of the “apartments” already contracted for by seasonal residents. The L-shaped hotel would be “four stories in height featuring the top floor as a roof garden dining area and refreshment parlor of the pergola type.” Each room could be accessed by an elevator, and would feature a folding bed, a telephone and hot and cold running water. Accommodating parties and dances, the facility would also feature a billiard room and tennis and croquet courts.” |
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The Early Days
The hotel opened as the Sunset Apartment Hotel for its first season in 1916 with rates for the entire winter season ranging from $250 to $650. It was the first hotel built beyond walking distance of downtown. The proximity of the Jungle golf course and direct access from downtown via the trolley proved a boom to the hotel. Providing approximately 35 apartments, the building served as a promotional tool to house prospective buyers interested in purchasing lots in the Davista and Jungle subdivisions. “The building, containing about 35 apartments, commands a splendid view of Boca Ciega Bay.”
Following the outbreak of World War I, the real estate market slowed and depression ensued. By 1918, the St. Petersburg Investment Company declared bankruptcy, and the Sunset Hotel was purchased by Edward E. Hanna in 1919 at an auction for almost $30,000. With the onset of the Florida land boom in the early 1920s, the Sunset Hotel underwent a period of expansion. Within the first few years after construction, a one-story porch on the west wing was enclosed and enlarged to form a dining room. In an effort to compete with the newer hotels, the Sunset Inn expanded with a three-story addition to the west wing in 1926, which also enlarged the dining room.
Following the outbreak of World War I, the real estate market slowed and depression ensued. By 1918, the St. Petersburg Investment Company declared bankruptcy, and the Sunset Hotel was purchased by Edward E. Hanna in 1919 at an auction for almost $30,000. With the onset of the Florida land boom in the early 1920s, the Sunset Hotel underwent a period of expansion. Within the first few years after construction, a one-story porch on the west wing was enclosed and enlarged to form a dining room. In an effort to compete with the newer hotels, the Sunset Inn expanded with a three-story addition to the west wing in 1926, which also enlarged the dining room.
The Great Depression
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During the Great Depression, the Sunset Hotel entered a period of financial uncertainty involving changes of ownership and management. An article announcing the 1936 sale to Leland Thorpe noted that the hotel “has 70 rooms and is of stucco construction, attractively arranged with large verandas and attractive public rooms. There is a garage for use of guests, and the grounds are beautified with luxurious palms and flowers.” Building alterations during this period include removal of the roof pergolas, installation of new décor and the refinishing and rearrangements of interior facilities. Open only during the winter season from January through April, the Sunset Hotel operated under both the American and European Plans with the dining room open to the public. The Chamber of Commerce provided the following description for the 1937 season:
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“A Residential Hotel With A Home-Like Atmosphere. Close To All Activities Yet Quiet And Restful. Every Room An Outside Room With Private Bath And Telephone. Every Room Steam-Heated. Northern Chefs To Prepare Your Meals. Moderate Hotel Rates. Dining Room Open To Public.”
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The 40's and 50's
The 1939 completion of the Treasure Island Causeway opened the Gulf beaches to increased traffic which initially improved the visibility of the Sunset Hotel. Although tourism had rebounded to some extent by 1940, the activation of the military, rationing, and travel restrictions during World War II severely curtailed St. Petersburg’s tourism based economy. The Great Depression and governmental restrictions during the war led to a housing shortage following World War 11. Many hotels and boarding houses were again filled with tourists and new residents awaiting the construction of new homes. As development spread westward, motels along the west coast drew new residents and tourists away from downtown St. Petersburg. Located along one of the primary routes to the Gulf beaches, the Sunset Hotel prospered in the late 1940s and 1950s. The Sunset Hotel in a 1955 advertisement touted:
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“A Delightful Vacation Paradise Overlooking Boca Ciega Bay….Perfect Winter Vacation Residence. 70 Outside Rooms With Baths, Steam Heat, Telephone, 10 Minutes From Heart Of City. 3 Minutes From Gulf Beaches Over New Causeway. Beautiful Tropic Grounds. Dining Room (Open To Public). New Fully Automatic Elevator. Sun Bathing, Golf, Swimming, Fishing. American Plan. Moderate Rates.”
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In 1958, owner Leland Thorp decided to open the Sunset Hotel as a year-round residential property. The building was remodeled, which included enclosing some of the open porches, to accommodate the year-round occupancy. With the development of the coastal beaches during the 1960s and 1970s, mainland hotels suffered and declined. The Sunset Hotel was converted to a retirement hotel, remodeled and then sold several times. Throughout the last 10 years under successive ownership, renovation efforts have taken place. The hotel then sat vacant in disrepair, a victim of the economy and a sad reminder of its once former splendor.
Healing & A New Life
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In 2015, marking the 100 year anniversary of the Sunset Hotel, a total renovation has finally been completed and a healing transformation has taken place. This historic resort hotel now breathes with new life as the Crystal Bay Hotel. Lovingly restored as a special place for relaxation, Crystal Bay is a beautiful retreat to unwind and renew.
The Sunset Hotel was listed as a local landmark in 2007. On November 24, 2014, the Sunset Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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