Three 50-foot hotels planned for US-1

George Gardner
St Augustine Report

Three 5-story hotels are planned along US-1; one approved several years ago, and two more going before the City Commission Monday for Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning.

Commissioners will decide whether to move the proposals to public hearing at a later meeting.

“The accompanying rezoning to Planned Unit Development redefines how height is measured to allow for a hotel 50 feet in roof height and an additional 15 feet of height for parapets and decorative towers for a total height of 65 feet.”

Commission memo from Planning and Building Director David Birchim

Hoteliers Kanti Patel and Farid Ashdji won Planning and Zoning Board approval to exceed the long-standing 35-foot height limit, persuading the board that the greater height is expected by top tier hotel franchisers.

Hotelier Alexander Samardzich, won approval for his design in 2008. He said he had to wait out the economic downturn to begin construction. He told the Florida Times-Union in an interview last year that he will build a Wyndham Garden; targeting guests who seek a recognizable, upscale hotel.

Samardzich doesn’t see Wyndham Garden as major competition with luxury hotels like the Casa Monica or Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront. It also provides a different experience from that of the city’s popular bed-and-breakfasts.

In the Times-Union article, Richard Goldman, executive director of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau, said the interest of developers has risen in the last four years as the economy has improved overall. He said the tourism industry in St. Augustine area is booming and that there is clearly a demand for modern, upscale hotels near downtown and the beaches.

Alexander Samardzich’s Wyndham Garden will be constructed at 333 S Ponce de Leon Boulevard on the former Nation’s Rent site, south of King Street on the east side of US-1.

Farid Ashdji’s Hyatt Place will replace the Quality Inn on the west side of US-1 at 1111 North Ponce de Leon Boulevard.

The third hotel, Kanti Patel’s Ponce, whose franchise has yet to be selected, will be built on the former Bozard Ford lot. Patel’s design will go to 65-feet for parapets and decorative towers.