Preserving Dunedin’s Historic Past
The Fenway is the largest and most recognizable historic building in Dunedin. It MUST be preserved as a symbol of Dunedin's past. Rebuilt and revitalized, it will be an asset to the community and a vital part of its present and future economy.

The Independent, a St. Petersburg newspaper in an article on January 20, 1941 stated that 15% of the guests who stayed at the Fenway became permanent home owners in Dunedin and  according to the Dunedin Times article of July 10, 1924  “the hotel will be one that the towns people will be proud to point out to their friends.” 

The New Hotel's Positive Impact on Tourism & the Local Economy
Tourism is still Pinellas County’s top industry.  With the loss of hotel rooms throughout the County, the revitalization of the Fenway will mean a boost to Dunedin’s economy with estimates of nearly $40 million being spent in the local area each year. This increase in income will be very welcome by local merchants.

Benefits to the Neighborhood and Property Values
The Fenway sits at the southern gateway into Dunedin. It is an interesting phenomenon in real estate that if you live near a historic hotel, property values rise.  Many residents now consider these historic buildings as assets to their communities. As of this writing, 161 advertisements of homes for sale in Pinellas county boast “walking distance to the Vinoy”, “close to the Don CeSar”, “overlooking the Belleview Biltmore”. With the restoration of the Fenway, a new era of gracious living will be again ushered into Dunedin, to the benefit of all in the community.

Next: Dunedin City Commissioners Link

ABOVE TOP: A satellite photo of part of the Dunedin area (the Fenway Hotel is just to the left of the C in Community).

ABOVE: Rendering of the front of the newly restored Fenway.

“I think the conversion of the former Schiller International University to a hotel is a wonderful idea.”  — “Sparky” Sandra Jones, Dunedin resident

“Sometimes you just have to go with your heart.  And I believe in this in my heart”. 
— Commissioner Deborah Kynes

“I have fallen in love with your Fenway Hotel”. 
— George Rahdert, Developer

“This is an opportunity to save a jewel of Dunedin”.  — John Espey, Dunedin resident

“The City needs landmarks and this is the best that Dunedin has.” 
— Dr. Walter Leibrecht, Dunedin resident

“I urge you to not throw away the hotel.  She has survived hurricanes,  World War II and the Depression.  She cannot be replaced.” 
— Trudy Kelly, Schiller Librarian

“All 37,000 Dunedin residents have to be considered, this project would be an asset to the entire community.” 
— David Meadows, Dunedin resident

“The Dunedin Historical Society is in full support of the proposed project.” 
— Susan Littlejohn, President Dunedin Historical Society

“The building is an asset to the whole of Dunedin and is a big part of the City’s heritage and it would be a shame to lose it.” 
— Jeff Ricketts, Dunedin resident

“I remember when the Hotel was a place for social tea parties and events.” 
— Vivien Grant, Dunedin resident since 1913

“I am willing to fight the traffic to save the hotel.”  — Jeff Gentry, Dunedin resident

“This will have lasting impact on the community, that is all 37,000 people”.  — Mayor Bob Hackworth

“This might be the last opportunity to save what has been described as the diamond on Edgewater Drive.”  — Carl Krave, Dunedin resident

YOU CAN HELP: Contact the Dunedin City Commissioners Office and express your support for restoring the Fenway Hotel to its original glory.

WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK: Click to use our Contact Us form and let us know your views on how restoring the Fenway will affect our community.