Sunset Hotel
| Sunset Hotel | |
|---|---|
 Historic postcard of the hotel | |
  Sunset Hotel Location in Florida  Sunset Hotel Location in the United States | |
| General information | |
| Status | Operating as Crystal Bay Hotel |
| Architectural style | Mission/Mediterranean Revival |
| Location | St. Petersburg, Florida |
| Address | 7401 Central Avenue |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 27°46′17″N 82°44′28″W / 27.771305°N 82.741007°W |
| Opened | 1915 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | George Feltham |
| Designations | St. Petersburg Local Landmark (2007), National Register of Historic Places (2014) |
The Sunset Hotel is a historic hotel located at 7401 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida. Designed by noted local architect George Feltham and completed in 1915, it exemplifies the Mission and Mediterranean Revival architectural styles popular during St. Petersburg’s early 20th-century boom.[1] It operated through several real estate booms and busts and is now known as the Crystal Bay Hotel.
History
[edit]The Sunset Hotel was developed by Robert W. Griggs as a centerpiece for suburban development along the trolley line built in 1913. Originally named the "Sunset Apartment Hotel", it opened in 1916 with approximately 35 apartment-style units. Seasonal winter rates ranged from $250 to $650 per unit.[2]
In 1918, the St. Petersburg Investment Company went bankrupt, and the property was auctioned. It was purchased by Edward E. Hanna in 1919 for $30,000.[3] In the 1920s, the hotel expanded with a new dining wing and a three-story rear addition in 1926.
During the mid-20th century, the hotel adapted to changing travel patterns. In 1958, it was converted into a year-round residential hotel, with major remodeling by then-owner Leland Thorp.[2] By the 1970s, it operated as a retirement facility, eventually closing and falling into disrepair.
Historic Designation
[edit]In 2007, the Sunset Hotel was designated a local historic landmark by the City of St. Petersburg.[4]
On November 24, 2014, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural integrity and historical significance in the city’s development.[3][5]
Restoration and Reuse
[edit]In 2013, renovation efforts began to restore the building while maintaining its historic details. In 2014–2015, the building reopened as the Crystal Bay Hotel, a boutique bed-and-breakfast featuring restored interiors, a butterfly garden, and an outdoor pool.[6]
Architecture
[edit]The hotel is a representative example of Mission and Mediterranean Revival styles, characterized by stucco walls, red tile rooflines, arched loggias, and enclosed porches. Many of these elements remain intact thanks to restoration efforts guided by the building’s National Register documentation.[3]
Notable Guests
[edit]According to historical accounts, the hotel hosted several prominent figures during its heyday, including Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, and Glenn Miller.[2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Secretary Detzner Announces Recent Designation of Florida Properties on National Register of Historic Places". The Florida Department of State. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Sunset Hotel". Clio. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Sunset Hotel". National Park Service. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ "Former Sunset Hotel designated a local historic landmark". WTSP. Retrieved June 20, 2025. "St. Petersburg Register of Historic Places" (PDF). City of St. Petersburg. 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ "Secretary Detzner Announces Recent Designation of Florida Properties on National Register of Historic Places". Florida Department of State. February 9, 2015. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ "Despite Neighborhood Skepticism, Renovation in Full Force for Old Sunset Hotel in St. Petersburg". Hotel Online. February 14, 2014. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
External links
[edit]- NPS Nomination Form – Sunset Hotel
- Clio Entry: Sunset Hotel
- Florida Department of State Press Release
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- Buildings and structures in St. Petersburg, Florida
- Hotels in Florida
- Mission Revival architecture in Florida
- Mediterranean Revival architecture in Florida
- Hotel buildings completed in 1915
- 1915 establishments in Florida
- Hotels on the National Register of Historic Places in Florida
- National Register of Historic Places in Pinellas County, Florida
- Defunct hotels in Florida
- Florida building and structure stubs
- United States hotel stubs