TAMPA | The Epicurean Hotel (by Bern's) | 5 stories | 145 Rooms | U/C - Page 2

moxwax · July 2nd, 2007, 10:17 AM

So the hotel is basically going to hide the parking garage?

FloridaFuture · July 2nd, 2007, 02:30 PM

^If you're standing where I was at the entrance of Bern's, then yes the hotel will be built right in front of the parking garage.

dmpeek77 · July 2nd, 2007, 10:27 PM

The Garage looks huge.... It does not look like there is enough room for the Hotel.

Catmendue2 · July 5th, 2007, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmpeek77

The Garage looks huge.... It does not look like there is enough room for the Hotel.

Don't need much space for 75 rooms

jonknee · July 5th, 2007, 05:07 PM

It's going to be a fairly large facility. In addition to the 75 suites, the wine shop will be moving in. And another restaurant. The site is larger than you think, Google Maps satellite view is a good look. The parking garage is so big because it will be for Bern's as well.

dmpeek77 · July 7th, 2007, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catmendue2

Don't need much space for 75 rooms

I say that because the parking garage is very close to Howard, even at 75 rooms there is hardly enough room for anything. Just curious how this hotel is going to be positioned

JBrisco · July 7th, 2007, 11:01 PM

What is the location of this place?
I've passed it before but I don't remember the exact location.

FloridaFuture · July 7th, 2007, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBrisco

What is the location of this place?
I've passed it before but I don't remember the exact location.

One block to the west of Bern's, on S. Howard.

FloridaFuture · September 19th, 2007, 10:52 PM

In today's Trib, on the front page of the "Flavor" section is a large article on this project. There is a larger more detailed rendering of the exterior along with renderings of a guestroom and of the rooftop pool deck. I'm not going to lie, it looks and sounds pretty sharp.

jonknee · September 19th, 2007, 11:07 PM

Here are the renderings from that article:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9439343...7601589294424/

FloridaFuture · September 20th, 2007, 01:43 AM

One key point from the article is that it will be a timeshare hybrid. The article explains that each unit will cost in the mid-$200,000. However these "owners" only become "members" and can only live there for 45 days out of the year. The rest of the year the "owners" will rent our their rooms as hotel rooms through Coral Hospitiality. In affect, its aimed toawrds tourist and snowbirds.

Also, thae article mentions that there will be a 3rd Berns establishment along with cooking classes, spa and an expanded wine shop as the retail.

The parking garage will have 380 spaces.

tamparican · September 20th, 2007, 02:35 AM

The pics do look good...its a lot more promising than i thought it would eventually look like..Curious as to how this timeshare hybrid is going to work out.. I mean mid $200ks is alot to ONLY be able to live 1 1/2 months out of the year, or do they get to rent out the hotel room and keep the profit?... in that case it wouldn't be bad at all.

FloridaFuture · September 20th, 2007, 02:40 AM

^Yea the owners along with the renter company (Coral Hospitiality Inc. of Naples) share the profits to my knowledge.

It's an interesting concept. It's definitley trying to get the developer max money by selling them off a condos getting that upfront cash. But then they bank on the the "owners" renting to tourist that will spend money at the spa, bern's, and cooking classes as a attraction that normal residents wouldn't do as often.

tamparican · September 20th, 2007, 02:49 AM

Thats def a real good idea, and i think a great way to keep an investment maximizing itself

.. Not only do you "OWN" the condo, but you get to reap from the profits, with Coral doing mostly all the work...i wonder how long before some of these other condo projects around the area start doing the same thing, to secure cash upfront and bank on retail profits too..

jonknee · September 20th, 2007, 04:23 AM

Condo hotels seem like a great way to own a vacation home. For example, some friends of mine own a condo on the beach that sits empty most of the time. With this kind of set up they could have someone else pay for the taxes and HOA and still be able to spend quite a bit of time at the beach house.

I first heard about this in our area when Aqualea was announced. It was going to be run by Hyatt but I'm not sure of the status.

Jasonhouse · September 20th, 2007, 06:36 PM

^Smart people who own a condo on the beach like that sign up to a service where the unit is filled much of the rest of the year by vacationers, with the owner and the management company getting a cut... It's basically the same thing as a condotel, but it's one unit, not the whole building... Note that this cannot occur in many newer projects, because they restrict your rights with your own property with all sorts of ridiculous rules..

FloridaFuture · January 12th, 2008, 06:32 PM

Any update on this project?

jonknee · January 12th, 2008, 06:55 PM

The garage is complete and currently being used for Bern's valet. There was a big disagreement with the project that caused Jeannie (the executive chef) to leave. But as far as I know it's still going to happen, just without Jeannie.

Atl Dan (via Tampa) · February 4th, 2008, 07:02 PM

Just saw an article on a SoHo news site that they are having trouble with getting investors to stay invested and perhaps re-thinking how the project is financed. Though I like new condo and office towers, I think that this project would have been one of the best for the city. It works well with the neighborhood (vertical scale and sidewalk interaction) and it gets rid of an old surface parking lot. If this thing dies or gets put on indefinate hold we will get stuck with an old ugly surface parking lot and an ugly kind of awkward parking deck. Thank you lending community for hopelessly screwing the development market.

http://www.sohotampa.com/onthestreet/

FloridaFuture · February 26th, 2008, 01:14 PM

Bern's hotel project on hold
By Sharon Ginn and Alexandra Zayas, Times Staff Writers
Published February 26, 2008

The Epicurean Hotel will be a luxury, condominium hotel which will include 24-hour room service, bar service at the rooftop swimming pool, workout facilities, full-service day spa, and business meeting space.
[Artist rendering]

TAMPA - Last year, Bern's Steak House owner David Laxer stood in an air conditioned tent before his Winefest VIPs to unveil a sexy plan: a luxury condo-hotel focused on food, just across the street from the legendary restaurant.

The Epicurean Hotel would house a new restaurant, upscale wine and cooking demonstrations, a culinary school, rooftop pool, bar and a spa, he said.

It would be the first of its kind, Laxer touted. All on what had long been the restaurant's unassuming main parking lot.

But Laxer's timing couldn't have been worse.

Bern's has been unable to secure financing for the project, and it is on hold indefinitely, said Heather Sherer-Berkoff, the restaurant's public relations director.

The project is the latest victim of a sagging real estate market and credit crunch. Although initial interest was high, only a few buyers signed contracts, said Rick Scherer, the real estate agent handling sales of the proposed hotel's 75 rooms and suites, offered for $200,000 and up.

"The whole idea of the condo-hotel was to help with financing," Sherer-Berkoff said.

Under the condo hotel concept, owners buy units, get access to them for 45 days a year and then get a percentage of room rental profits. Some in the industry say the concept is either too new to Tampa or just a bad fit for the SoHo area. Others say it could work with better timing.

"During times when there's somewhat of an insecurity in the market, buyers flee for tried and true products and locations," said Joel A. Cantor, who is developing the Signature condo tower in downtown St. Petersburg. For instance, condo buyers may not be as likely to invest in a unique concept like the Epicurean, or up-and-coming areas like the Channel District or downtown, as they would on Bayshore Boulevard or St. Pete Beach.

The plan was to have the Epicurean completed by February 2009, in time for Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa.

Alexandra Zayas can be reached at azayas@sptimes.com or 813 226-3354.

[Last modified February 26, 2008, 00:14:24]

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/26/Hi...project_.shtml

January 12th, 2008, 06:55 PM	#38
jonknee Downtown resident Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,293 Likes (Received): 0	The garage is complete and currently being used for Bern's valet. There was a big disagreement with the project that caused Jeannie (the executive chef) to leave. But as far as I know it's still going to happen, just without Jeannie. __________________ What I've been up to in the kitchen

February 4th, 2008, 07:02 PM	#39
Atl Dan (via Tampa) Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Atlanta Posts: 150 Likes (Received): 0	On Hold??? Just saw an article on a SoHo news site that they are having trouble with getting investors to stay invested and perhaps re-thinking how the project is financed. Though I like new condo and office towers, I think that this project would have been one of the best for the city. It works well with the neighborhood (vertical scale and sidewalk interaction) and it gets rid of an old surface parking lot. If this thing dies or gets put on indefinate hold we will get stuck with an old ugly surface parking lot and an ugly kind of awkward parking deck. Thank you lending community for hopelessly screwing the development market. http://www.sohotampa.com/onthestreet/

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July 2nd, 2007, 10:17 AM	#21
moxwax Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tampa, Tallahassee FL Posts: 288 Likes (Received): 0	So the hotel is basically going to hide the parking garage?

July 2nd, 2007, 02:30 PM	#22
FloridaFuture Former Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tampa/Gainesville Posts: 5,238 Likes (Received): 1	^If you're standing where I was at the entrance of Bern's, then yes the hotel will be built right in front of the parking garage.

July 2nd, 2007, 10:27 PM	#23
dmpeek77 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago also Tampa Bay Posts: 206 Likes (Received): 0	The Garage looks huge.... It does not look like there is enough room for the Hotel.

July 5th, 2007, 05:07 PM	#25
jonknee Downtown resident Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,293 Likes (Received): 0	It's going to be a fairly large facility. In addition to the 75 suites, the wine shop will be moving in. And another restaurant. The site is larger than you think, Google Maps satellite view is a good look. The parking garage is so big because it will be for Bern's as well.

July 7th, 2007, 11:01 PM	#27
JBrisco USF Architecture Student Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Tampa, FLA Posts: 1,525 Likes (Received): 0	What is the location of this place? I've passed it before but I don't remember the exact location.

September 19th, 2007, 10:52 PM	#29
FloridaFuture Former Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tampa/Gainesville Posts: 5,238 Likes (Received): 1	In today's Trib, on the front page of the "Flavor" section is a large article on this project. There is a larger more detailed rendering of the exterior along with renderings of a guestroom and of the rooftop pool deck. I'm not going to lie, it looks and sounds pretty sharp.

September 19th, 2007, 11:07 PM	#30
jonknee Downtown resident Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,293 Likes (Received): 0	Here are the renderings from that article: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9439343...7601589294424/

September 20th, 2007, 01:43 AM	#31
FloridaFuture Former Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tampa/Gainesville Posts: 5,238 Likes (Received): 1	One key point from the article is that it will be a timeshare hybrid. The article explains that each unit will cost in the mid-$200,000. However these "owners" only become "members" and can only live there for 45 days out of the year. The rest of the year the "owners" will rent our their rooms as hotel rooms through Coral Hospitiality. In affect, its aimed toawrds tourist and snowbirds. Also, thae article mentions that there will be a 3rd Berns establishment along with cooking classes, spa and an expanded wine shop as the retail. The parking garage will have 380 spaces.

September 20th, 2007, 02:35 AM	#32
tamparican Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa Posts: 112 Likes (Received): 0	The pics do look good...its a lot more promising than i thought it would eventually look like..Curious as to how this timeshare hybrid is going to work out.. I mean mid $200ks is alot to ONLY be able to live 1 1/2 months out of the year, or do they get to rent out the hotel room and keep the profit?... in that case it wouldn't be bad at all.

September 20th, 2007, 02:40 AM	#33
FloridaFuture Former Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tampa/Gainesville Posts: 5,238 Likes (Received): 1	^Yea the owners along with the renter company (Coral Hospitiality Inc. of Naples) share the profits to my knowledge. It's an interesting concept. It's definitley trying to get the developer max money by selling them off a condos getting that upfront cash. But then they bank on the the "owners" renting to tourist that will spend money at the spa, bern's, and cooking classes as a attraction that normal residents wouldn't do as often.

September 20th, 2007, 02:49 AM	#34
tamparican Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa Posts: 112 Likes (Received): 0	Thats def a real good idea, and i think a great way to keep an investment maximizing itself .. Not only do you "OWN" the condo, but you get to reap from the profits, with Coral doing mostly all the work...i wonder how long before some of these other condo projects around the area start doing the same thing, to secure cash upfront and bank on retail profits too..

September 20th, 2007, 04:23 AM	#35
jonknee Downtown resident Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,293 Likes (Received): 0	Condo hotels seem like a great way to own a vacation home. For example, some friends of mine own a condo on the beach that sits empty most of the time. With this kind of set up they could have someone else pay for the taxes and HOA and still be able to spend quite a bit of time at the beach house. I first heard about this in our area when Aqualea was announced. It was going to be run by Hyatt but I'm not sure of the status.

September 20th, 2007, 06:36 PM	#36
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,317 Likes (Received): 8	^Smart people who own a condo on the beach like that sign up to a service where the unit is filled much of the rest of the year by vacationers, with the owner and the management company getting a cut... It's basically the same thing as a condotel, but it's one unit, not the whole building... Note that this cannot occur in many newer projects, because they restrict your rights with your own property with all sorts of ridiculous rules..

January 12th, 2008, 06:32 PM	#37
FloridaFuture Former Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tampa/Gainesville Posts: 5,238 Likes (Received): 1	Any update on this project?

February 26th, 2008, 01:14 PM	#40
FloridaFuture Former Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tampa/Gainesville Posts: 5,238 Likes (Received): 1	Bern's hotel project on hold By Sharon Ginn and Alexandra Zayas, Times Staff Writers Published February 26, 2008 The Epicurean Hotel will be a luxury, condominium hotel which will include 24-hour room service, bar service at the rooftop swimming pool, workout facilities, full-service day spa, and business meeting space. [Artist rendering] TAMPA - Last year, Bern's Steak House owner David Laxer stood in an air conditioned tent before his Winefest VIPs to unveil a sexy plan: a luxury condo-hotel focused on food, just across the street from the legendary restaurant. The Epicurean Hotel would house a new restaurant, upscale wine and cooking demonstrations, a culinary school, rooftop pool, bar and a spa, he said. It would be the first of its kind, Laxer touted. All on what had long been the restaurant's unassuming main parking lot. But Laxer's timing couldn't have been worse. Bern's has been unable to secure financing for the project, and it is on hold indefinitely, said Heather Sherer-Berkoff, the restaurant's public relations director. The project is the latest victim of a sagging real estate market and credit crunch. Although initial interest was high, only a few buyers signed contracts, said Rick Scherer, the real estate agent handling sales of the proposed hotel's 75 rooms and suites, offered for $200,000 and up. "The whole idea of the condo-hotel was to help with financing," Sherer-Berkoff said. Under the condo hotel concept, owners buy units, get access to them for 45 days a year and then get a percentage of room rental profits. Some in the industry say the concept is either too new to Tampa or just a bad fit for the SoHo area. Others say it could work with better timing. "During times when there's somewhat of an insecurity in the market, buyers flee for tried and true products and locations," said Joel A. Cantor, who is developing the Signature condo tower in downtown St. Petersburg. For instance, condo buyers may not be as likely to invest in a unique concept like the Epicurean, or up-and-coming areas like the Channel District or downtown, as they would on Bayshore Boulevard or St. Pete Beach. The plan was to have the Epicurean completed by February 2009, in time for Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa. Alexandra Zayas can be reached at azayas@sptimes.com or 813 226-3354. [Last modified February 26, 2008, 00:14:24] http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/26/Hi...project_.shtml