The moment never fails when I’m going downtown or passing the I275 exit for downtown and the first thing I see is the iconic Floridan Palace Hotel sign. My mind takes me back in time and wonders what it was like a century ago to see the sign against the night sky and during the daytime.

According to a press release, the hotel is joining the other 75 hotels in the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand and undergoing a huge $25 million renovation. 1754 Properties LLC hired Jane Finked Levin as retail leasing broker for the renovations.

 “The Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand is a natural fit, giving our guests the consistency, reassurance and benefits of Hilton’s reservation system, rewards program, and globally recognized brand, but also preserving the unique, independent hotel experience so many modern travelers value,” said Joe Smith, CEO of 1754 Properties. “As the renovation moves into full swing, we’re excited to have Levin Investment Realty working to build a retail presence that supports and reflects the Floridan’s spirit.” 

Levin will curate a collection of retailers, restaurants, and other services that’ll be added to the list of amenities hotel guests can enjoy.

 “Jane’s very creative in her positioning of properties in the marketplace and has been a force in retail leasing in Tampa for 20 years,” said Alexander Galewicz, one of the principals of 1754 Properties. “With the locations fronting Florida Avenue, new retailers will benefit from the more than 25,000 vehicles that pass by each day and the hundreds of new residences being developed around the hotel by top quality developers.” 

Floridan Palace Hotel’s news comes just as Visit Tampa Bay reports its highest ever hotel collections month for May with a total of over $6 million dollars, a 51.7% increase over last May’s record during the fiscal year 2021. May’s hotel occupancy in Hillsborough County came in at 73%, a 7.8% increase from last year.

“With the United States now 100% open to international audiences, Tampa Bay is in a very strong position to see a continual rise in visitation numbers throughout the summer months, especially with some large conventions already planned and our summer advertising rolling out,” says Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “We are a premier destination in a world-class region. With new attractions, luxury hotels and Michelin recommended restaurants, our potential visitors are inspired to travel.”

Any retailers interested in leasing, Levin can be reached at (813) 997-6004 or [email protected]. To follow along with Floridan Palace Hotel’s renovations, visit their website or call (813) 225-1700.

Photo c/o Floridan Palace Hotel Facebook