1897 Belleview Biltmore Hotel
In 1897 the railroad tycoon Henry Plant built this largest and oldest wooden structure in the USA to entice the very wealthy to a season of leisure and good health in the Florida sunshine. His railroad would deliver passengers as well as private train cars directly to the hotels' front door. Until 2009, visitors could still stay in the original rooms, bathe in the pool, and have meals in the restaurants. And now, after over 110 years of service, this beautiful old hotel is being allowed to fall apart by its current owner, despite local citizens and the town working with the owner to save it from ruin. The roof has remained patched but not fixed for several years now, allowing rain and vermin into the beautifully built and decorated building, including solid wood moldings and real Tiffany skylights. In January 2012, the owner submitted a permit for Demolition, despite being on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.
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