Bishop Hotel Gets Historic Designation

One of downtown St. Petersburg's most notable buildings became officially designated as a historic property Thursday following a unanimous vote by city council.

While preservationists and many local residents supported the designation, one person did not ... the Bishop Hotel owner.

Jannus Bishop Group manager Anthony Amico said he is losing his rights as the building's property owner.

He told council Thursday he was not going to debate the historical merits of the building,

"I don't have a lot of reasons why (it) shouldn't be designated historic, because it is," he said.

Amico said he bought the property, which was zoned for redevelopment, not knowing the building would be classified as historic.

He said not be able to demolish/redevelop a portion of the property means less property taxes collected downtown.

Kim Hinder, a city historic preservationist, said making the Bishop Hotel a historic designation does not hinder redevelopments.

She said it just adds an extra layer of review for plans of major renovations and demolitions to historic properties.