Once the 'Grand Lady' of Hollywood, Historic Beach Resort Now Sits Empty as Its Fate Hangs in the Balance

Once a beacon of South Florida's coastline, the historic Hollywood Beach Resort now stands silent, its grand past overshadowed by an uncertain future.

 

Constructed in 1925 by city founder Joseph Young, this 500-room establishment was Broward County's inaugural resort, affectionately known as "The Grand Lady." For decades, it served as the vibrant heart of Hollywood Beach.

 

During World War II, the hotel transformed into a naval training school and later housed the Florida Bible College, reflecting its dynamic history.

 

Today, the once-bustling resort is deserted, enclosed by chain-link fencing after being deemed unsafe for occupancy. The absence of formal redevelopment plans has left the community in limbo.

 

Clive Taylor, president of the Hollywood Historical Society, expressed the community's frustration: "This hotel is sitting here with an ownership that has not submitted formal plans to the city, so we can't comment on if we're for or against anything. We are in a state of limbo, just like somebody who is on life support."

 

Efforts to contact the property's owners for comment have been unsuccessful.

 

Preservation advocates, led by Taylor, emphasize the resort's significance to Hollywood's identity. "If Palm Beach gets to have their Breakers preserved and saved, if Miami gets to have their Biltmore, doesn't Hollywood deserve to have our signature hotel restored and preserved and opened up again for the public to enjoy?" Taylor questioned.

 

Conversely, some residents believe it's time for change. Longtime resident Greg Domas reminisced, "Back in the early 90s there was an arcade over here. I used to come here and play." However, he now suggests, "Maybe a new hotel or something."

 

As Hollywood celebrates its 100th anniversary, the timing is pivotal. Taylor emphasized, "There just isn't another building that is more important right now in this moment in time, on the 100th anniversary of our city, than the Hollywood Beach Hotel. We hope that it doesn't disappear from the landscape."

 

A city spokesperson indicated that the property's owners are collaborating and that the city is "excited for what the future holds for the historic structure."

 

Whether restoration or redevelopment lies ahead remains to be seen. For now, the "Grand Lady" of Hollywood Beach waits in silence, her fate suspended between history and hope.