The Treasure Island was built in the 70’s, but it’s history goes even farther back than that. It was built on the site of the old Treasure Island Motel. It was a glorious, tropical themed resort with a tiki bar, 2 pools, convention center, and a super-cool Polynesian entry way.
But in the infamous 2004 hurricane season where central Florida got hit 3 times, it sustained damage and had to close. The plan was to make repairs and reopen the next year, but what followed is an almost 2 decade long story of various owners, failures, contractor disputes, city fines, and bankruptcy.
What’s next? Well starting on Monday, March 28th, the long-awaited demolition begins. What’s being torn down is literally millions and millions of dollars that have been put into the building to try to save it and reopen. And guess what?!?! The city’s throwing a party! 🙂
What’s coming in it’s place? Well proposals include apartments, hotel rooms, commercial space and parking… but don’t put your deposit down on your vacay quite yet… the developers have 8 years to get their permits and 15 years to complete construction under the plan approved by the city.
For some fun backstory and pictures, check out https://www.abandonedfl.com/treasure-island-inn/