Sun Coast
NEWS
St Petersburg Bayfront
T
Photography: Tampa Bay CVB VisitTampaBay.com
he Birchwood, a boutique hotel, has recently opened on the St. Petersburg Bayfront. The former historical Grayl's
Hotel was purchased two years ago by Chuck and Dr. Kathy Reilly Prather for $1.85 million. In addition to extensive
renovation, two floors have been added to the original 1924 structure, creating spectacular over-the-tree-tops views
of the North Straub Park Bayfront. The 230-seat Birch & Vine restaurant opened first, with casual outdoor dining on
the sidewalk and terrace. Moving inside, one finds a cozy lounge and formal dining room, the Canopy lounge, a ballroom, and
guest rooms. About 100 people have been hired to work at the Birchwood and management plans to add about 20 more.
The Hillsborough County Aviation
Authority Board has unanimously
voted to move forward with an
updated master growth plan for
Tampa International Airport.
The update outlines a 20-year
blueprint for growing the airport based on Federal Aviation
Administration-approved passenger projections.
Gulf Coast Commercial LLC,
a commercial real estate and
business brokerage firm, has relocated from St. Petersburg to a
new 4,000-square-foot office in
Ybor City. The company is also
hiring new employees to account
for new business which has picked
up tremendously this year.
The Museum of Fine Arts, in St.
Petersburg is getting a $300,000
facelift in preparation for its 50th
anniversary in 2015. "I feel passionate about this collection, said
director Kent Lydecker. It should
be shown in an environment that
is consistent with it and the new
Hough Wing."
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