Sunset Hotel
About this property
The Sunset Hotel is a historic hotel located at 7401 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida. Designed by noted local architect George Feltham and completed in 1915, it exemplifies the Mission and Mediterranean Revival architectural styles popular during St. Petersburg’s early 20th-century boom. It operated through several real estate booms and busts and is now known as the Crystal Bay Hotel. The Sunset Hotel was developed by Robert W. Griggs as a centerpiece for suburban development along the trolley line built in 1913. Originally named the "Sunset Apartment Hotel", it opened in 1916 with approximately 35 apartment-style units. Seasonal winter rates ranged from $250 to $650 per unit. In 1918, the St. Petersburg Investment Company went bankrupt, and the property was auctioned. It was purchased by Edward E. Hanna in 1919 for $30,000. In the 1920s, the hotel expanded with a new dining wing and a three-story rear addition in 1926. During the mid-20th century, the hotel adapted to changing travel patterns. In 1958, it was converted into a year-round residential hotel, with major remodeling by then-owner Leland Thorp. By the 1970s, it operated as a retirement facility, eventually closing and falling into disrepair. In 2007, the Sunset Hotel was designated a local historic landmark by the City of St. Petersburg. On November 24, 2014, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural integrity and historical significance in the city’s development. In 2013, renovation efforts began to restore the building while maintaining its historic details. In 2014–2015, the building reopened as the Crystal Bay Hotel, a boutique bed-and-breakfast featuring restored interiors, a butterfly garden, and an outdoor pool. The hotel is a representative example of Mission and Mediterranean Revival styles, characterized by stucco walls, red tile rooflines, arched loggias, and enclosed porches. Many of these elements remain intact thanks to restoration efforts guided by the building’s National Register documentation. According to historical accounts, the hotel hosted several prominent figures during its heyday, including Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, and Glenn Miller. National Register of Historic Places listings in Pinellas County, Florida
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Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).
Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
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Questions about this property
When was Sunset Hotel listed on the National Register?
Sunset Hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 24, 2014.
What type of historic resource is Sunset Hotel?
Sunset Hotel is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.
What is the period of significance for Sunset Hotel?
The period of significance for Sunset Hotel is recorded as the industrial era.
Can I research the history near Sunset Hotel?
Yes. Aubrey Research reports search National Register listings, battlefield records, land patents, and other primary historical sources within any radius of a US address. A report for an address near Sunset Hotel will include this listing and all other historical records in the area.
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