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Pennsylvania firm acquires the waterfront Magnuson Hotel
A Pennsylvania real estate firm that has made significant investments in Tampa has scooped up the Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove resort in St. Petersburg.
Willner Realty and Development Co., under the WRD LLC entity name, purchased the 18-acre waterfront resort at 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane S. and several adjacent parcels, totaling over $17 million in transactions, according to property records.
Willner and its related companies own retail complexes, mid-rise office buildings, hotels and apartments in Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The group previously acquired several large properties in Tampa Bay, including the 320-unit downtown multifamily building at 112 N. 12th St. at the southern end of Tampa’s Channelside District.
The St. Pete properties purchased include the actual resort, the private 32-boat slip marina behind the property, the tennis/shuffleboard courts, and a vacant triangular property located on the corner of the Sunshine Skyway Lane S. and Pinellas Point Drive S.
The 144-room Magnuson closed in 2020 following a mass layoff of 55 employees; however, a May 6 post on its Facebook account states the hotel is open, but the Nepa Hut bar remains closed.
The hotel offers a small private beach, two pools and two on-site restaurants: Periscopes, a casual eatery that serves classic American food and seafood, and the Banyan Tree Deli.
Private vendors also surround the property, including Island Adventures, which operates dolphin watch tours, and the Island Jet Ski Rentals.
The Magnuson General Manager Steven Springman and representatives at Willner Realty and Development Co. were not immediately available to comment on the deal.
This isn’t the first Magnuson hotel that was sold in the area. Last year, the 118-room Magnuson Hotel Clearwater resort sold in a $6 million deal to Jacksonville-based U.S. Highway Hospitality Associates LLC entity.
Cynthia
September 13, 2023at12:27 pm
My family has stayed here for 30+ years. We have hosted several family events.
Very laid back which is why we loved it here.
I can only hope it does not become condo’s.
Patty
June 3, 2023at9:34 pm
When will it be reopened? Loved staying here.
Susan
March 4, 2023at8:29 am
Since I practically grew up here, I can’t wait to see people there again. Love that the colors from Sun Spree were kept💛💙.
Not a fan of the weird pink/red umbrellas. One thing we are all waiting for …..Nepa Hut!!!!!! ASAP!! We’ve watched from across the inlet, waiting and waiting.
Also, heard a rumor that the woods we all cut through as kids, will be mowed down for a convenience store and gas station???? Omg!! No!! Please no!! Traffic, smell, noise, crime!! Leave that to 54 Ave s exit!! Please!!
Angela
January 12, 2023at4:45 pm
When does it plan to reopen, looking to book a block of rooms in September 2023.
Katherine MCKinney
June 7, 2022at1:35 pm
We stayed here frequently in the 1970’s back when it was the Sheraton Bel Air. It was one of my family’s favorite places in Florida. They had a sailing school back then, and the bathroom/utility hut next to the larger pool had a moat around it, and little arched bridges to cross to get to the doors. I cherish a little wisp of hope that the new owners will restore it to its original style and decor.