WMG Volume 4 • Issue 11 June 21, 2017
Wilton Manors Gazette
Community
A Wilton Manors Hotel Has Broad Support By Michael d’Oliveira More information is needed, but the Grape, said a hotel should have been built business owners, residents, and tourists years ago and that it would be an asset for interviewed about the hotel that might the community, as long as it’s not “a huge be built at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors monstrosity.” He added that he thinks a said they are generally supportive of the lot of groups, especially LGBT ones, would choose Wilton Manors as the place to hold project. In a previous interview, the developer, their conventions. “That’s a great thing. It’s Coconut Grove-based Grass River Property, a total boon to tourists who want to spend said plans right now are to build a hotel time in Wilton Manors.” Ed Lugo, owner of Ed Lugo with 120 to 125 rooms. Resort, said he’s confident The hope is to start the hotel wouldn’t hurt his construction in 2018. The business. “It’s going to attract city manager’s office is also a different kind of person [who generally supportive of the wants to stay in my kind of project because getting a lodging and not a traditional hotel built is one of the hotel]. They want something city’s economic goals. special.” But Lugo, who “We would love to build opened his doors 10 years ago, a hotel. We’re considering doesn’t think developers will a lot of different things,” ever build one at the Shoppes said George Spillis of of Wilton Manors because Grass River Property. “My there isn’t enough demand. partners and I desperately “There are six of us [small want to build a hotel on the - George Spillis resorts and bed and breakfasts property.” Grass River Properties in Wilton Manors] and we’re Many business owners not 100 percent occupied. On on Wilton Drive support weekends, yes, there’s enough demand. the project. “It’s just going to bring everyone more But not during the weekdays. I wish it business. As long as it’s not too high, how could be Key West or Miami, but it’s not.” Nick Berry, co-owner of Rumors Bar can it be bad?” said Anthony Dumas, owner of To The Moon. “Nothing works & Grill and Courtyard Café, said that the back there. Something needs to be there,” hotel would create more visitors who he said, referring to the empty shops on the would spend their money here in the back half of the property. “It’s just going to daytime. Encouraging daytime shopping on Wilton Drive is something the city has bring in more tourists.” Tim Slivinski, co-owner of Naked been trying to do for years. “We absolutely
“We would love to build a hotel. We’re considering a lot of different things.”
need it. They’re going to be spending their money here.” Jennifer Santos, who lives in Brazil and has attended multiple Stonewall festivals, including the one held Saturday, said she would most likely stay in the hotel if it was built. “I love Wilton Manors. I come for the gay community.” At a recent commission meeting, resident Ruthanne Stadnik said the city needs to diversify its lodging accommodations. “We really need some lodging places other than vacation rentals.” “As long as the hotel is up against the
Drive and no taller than the Gables I am okay with it. But if they plan to put up a tall building right up against the houses [behind the Shoppes of Wilton Manors] I am sure they will get quite a fight from neighbors,” said Kevin Knorr, who lives near the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. In a previous interview, Paul Rolli, president of the Central Area Neighborhood Association, who lives directly behind the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, said the support or opposition by nearby residents would depend on the plans when and if they are presented. WMG
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