It has a
rich history and it is situated in the heart of downtown DeLand. Yet
the Putnam
Hotel has an uncertain future.
In 2005,
the property was sold to a Miami real estate enterprise for $2.72
million.
This
year, in a foreclosure action, the Putnam Hotel was sold to its
former owner for
$100. But with the bargain come problems—an aging building, unpaid
electricity bills and back taxes and the foreclosure itself.
Jerry
Rocco, president of Occor Inc., tendered the only bid for the
property at
auction in February. He has been involved with the hotel in one way
or another for 35 years.
The
Putnam Hotel was established in the late 1800s. At the time it was
known as Grove
House, a small guest house surrounded by an orange grove. Grove
House was owned by Alfred Putnam.
In the
fall of 1888, the property was sold to Garner D. Gould. He changed
the name of the popular country retreat to the Putnam Inn and
managed it as such until 1906 when B. E. Brown became the new owner.
From the
beginning, the Putnam Inn was known for its graciousness and warm
hospitality. Guests were exceedingly loyal to the Putnam Inn,
returning year after year. Many would spend several months at the
Putnam Inn to escape the harshness of the northern winter.
In 1921,
an explosion and fire destroyed the stately structure, which was
crafted entirely of virgin timber. It was a great loss to the
community, which was proud of its popular guest house. Almost
immediately a company was organized to rebuild the Putnam Inn.
The new
Putnam Inn was a grand successor to the former structure. It was
promoted far and wide as a delightful host in a delightful
community. It also was touted as the first fireproof hotel in
DeLand.
The
Putnam Inn remained a preferred getaway throughout the 1930s and was
particularly popular during World War II. In fact, the Putnam Inn
was home to many naval officers since the officer’s quarters at the
Naval Air Base had not been completed. The hotel’s Cypress Room was
DeLand’s first and finest cocktail lounge and was patronized by
guests and residents.
Today,
the Putnam Hotel is a shadow of what it once was. Still, there is
hope of a
renaissance for the place.
The
hotel is in DeLand’s vision, literally and figuratively. As an
historic property, it is in
DeLand’s downtown development plan. The plan includes the hotel and
the surrounding
neighborhood. The plan envisions the area as part of a “hospitality
corner”. Among its
neighbors is the historic Athens Theatre on North Florida Avenue,
whose return to glory
was capped this year with the completion of ambitious renovations.
The fact
that the Putnam Hotel sits on prime real estate is also in its
favor. It is directly
across the street from the new DeLand City Hall, which adds to its
importance on many
levels.
“There
had been some activity that could have led to a major investment in
renovating
the structure,” said Dale Arrington, DeLand’s assistant city
manager. “When the economy began to spiral downward early last year,
the offers evaporated. But with the successful restoration and
opening of Athens Theatre, prospects for the Putnam Hotel improve.
With the right vision, commitment and investment, the hotel can
return to its former glory.”
