The Gulfview Hotel Relocation and Rehabilitation Project is the recipient of the 2019 Florida Redevelopment Association Outstanding Rehabilitation Renovation or Reuse Project and President’s Awards. The Florida Redevelopment Association Awards program recognizes the best in redevelopment in Florida.
“The Gulfview has always been special to the City of Fort Walton Beach. This project is the perfect example of foresight, preservation and revitalization, and it fits perfectly into our Downtown Master Plan. It is also quite spectacular to look at,” said Mayor Dick Rynearson. “We are honored, and not at all surprised, that the Gulfview project caught the eye of the FRA and is being recognized statewide for its significance.”
Focused on preserving the oldest remaining building in Fort Walton Beach, the Gulfview Hotel Relocation and Rehabilitation project encouraged members of the City to advocate for the importance of the hotel’s history and culture. After many debates weighing the upfront costs versus the potential revenue, the City of Fort Walton Beach was able to collaborate with other organizations to renovate the building and provide a variety of building uses. The well-known historic building is now used as a visitor’s center, historical exhibit, gift shop and as commercial office space.
The project also proved the value of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) District by allowing the historic building to be preserved and renovated, rather than destroyed. The Gulfview Hotel Relocation and Rehabilitation enables future generations to be able to enjoy the history and cultural importance behind the Gulfview Hotel.
Each year, FRA accepts entries for the annual awards from its members in a variety of categories, ranging from annual reports to cultural enhancement. The entries are examined for effectiveness and completeness – including the narrative, supplemental material and compliance with the submittal instructions. A cross section of Florida redevelopment professionals, individuals and business organizations judge and rank all the entries and select the winners.