The Historic Peninsula Inn – Energy efficient upgrades, new chef, revitalize Gulfport’s favorite “staycation”
Veronica Champion (pictured right) is an adventurer. The New England native spent much of her adult life as an ex-pat, working in hospitality and food service in the Virgin Islands, Africa and the tiny Indian Ocean territory of Diego Garcia. But when she tired of friends and family complaining that they never saw her, she considered her options back in the USA. One of them was to use her training and expertise to run an inn of her own. Two sets of friends mentioned that a hotel in Gulfport, Florida was on the market.
Champion visited in 2015 and fell in love with the town and the Historic Peninsula Inn. She then embarked on her next adventure – putting her stamp on the pale yellow, three-story grand old edifice at the corner of Beach Blvd. and 30th St. in Gulfport’s Historic District. The owners, Alexandra and Jim Kingzett, had several interested parties, “but wanted to sell to the right person who would fit the town and property,” Champion said. They liked what they saw in Champion, and by January 2016 the world traveler was the proud new owner of the Inn. One reason the match clicked was that both the Kingzetts and Champion recognized the 100-plus year-old property needed work, and both sides thought it should be accomplished in a sustainable, energy-efficient manner. Jim Kingzett mentioned the upgrades might be eligible for a financing program called PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy). “Jim was instrumental in getting the Commercial PACE program implemented in the city of Gulfport. It was always understood that work was needed, and Commercial PACE would be an ideal financing method for that type of work.”
Picking up the PACE
PACE is a national program that provides low-cost, long-term funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation projects. It’s not a typical bank loan; PACE financing is paid back through property taxes. “The difference is I pay it back through my tax assessment,” Champion said. “If I sell the property in 5 or 7 or 10 years the tax goes with the building, so I don’t have to worry abouT settling a 2nd mortgage.”
After an energy audit of the building and multiple bids, Champion chose St. Pete Beach’s Wind, Water & Energy Conservation (WWEC), which prioritized the projects into those that would provide the most bang for the buck.First up, the 26 window air conditioners, which were not insulated and poorly installed, according to WWEC’ who managed the inn project. “It took a lot of design and thought on our part. Other AC contractors came out and nobody wanted to touch it,” they said. WWEC replaced each 9-SEER window unit with a 22-SEER mini-split, a wall-mounted combination AC/heat pump/air hander. Before, each unit was plugged into a 110-volt circuit, and with the new system four or five units can share one circuit, providing both more efficient heating and cooling and more efficiency on the electrical system.
In public areas, Champion can monitor the AC via Wi-Fi on her phone. “I can control common area thermostats at anytime from anywhere,” she said. “If the upstairs is cold or hot, I can start looking for a reason, like an open door.” Guest room mini-splits are equipped with in-room remotes so guests can control the temperature themselves.
Next the roof, which was leaking both water in and energy out. WWEC designed and installed an insulated, Energy Star-approved roof over an impervious rubber membrane. The GAF Timberline Architectural system is rated to withstand hurricane-force winds and has a lifetime guarantee. “We considered a metal roof, but it proved impossible given the roof design,” Collins said. “Plus, it only came with a 40-year guarantee.” On the flat parts of the roof, WWEC used a “cool roof,” a material that reflects sunlight, keeping the interior cooler.
Since the upgrades required much carpentry, Champion decided it was a good time to complete the unfinished paint job, which had left the hotel two shades of yellow. “We got such good feedback on the bright yellow ground floor we painted the other stories the same color,” she said. As is traditional in the south, she used “haint blue” – which is said to deter wasps, and, according to folklore, ghosts — under the eaves.
Moving the AC compressors to the second floor not only got them out of the way of potential flooding, it made it possible to rearrange space behind the restaurant to install a new walk-in cooler. The old cooler was not well-insulated and had leaked, rotting the floor. WWEC put in a high-efficiency cooler with a door separating the refrigerator from the freezer. “You walk in the front and close the door behind you before opening the door to the freezer,” he said. “It acts like an airlock to keep the coldest air from escaping.”
Brunch at Isabelle’s
There’s more to the Historic Peninsula Inn’s “reawakening” than energy efficiency. The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Isabelle’s, is now headed up by Chef Thierry Reverse, a Belgium native who brings 20 years of experience cooking in restaurants and hotels along the Gulf Coast in Mississippi and Florida. While he directs the kitchen, his wife, Naomi, manages the front of the house. “They are doing a great job creating a welcoming atmosphere,” Champion said. Using the new walk-in, Reverse is launching a new menu, keeping favorites while adding some vegetarian and gluten-free options. The bar and restaurant are more comfortable because of the improved air conditioning, Champion added.
Champion enjoys knowing locals as well as out-of-towners stay at her inn for a “true getaway” in walkable Gulfport. Gulfport is one of the few communities where people feel the “Old Florida” charm from the moment they first arrive. Whether people come to Gulfport for the great dining, Art Walks, numerous festivals, fun shops, aquatic activities at the Marina, fishing from Williams Pier or a great night of dancing at the Gulfport Casino guests never need to worry about getting around. Everything is a comfortable walking distance from the Inn and once you take away need to drive the entire experience becomes remarkably relaxing.”
Champion said those who don’t or can’t walk can always catch the GetGO, a free jitney ride anywhere within Gulfport city limits. The all-volunteer service is operated by the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation and sponsored by local businesses through ads on the vehicles. “The GetGO is helping a lot,” Champion said. In fact, Champion and her brother, Tom, who also works at the inn, both are volunteer drivers.
Locals can look forward to “Isabelle’s Pajama Party and Sleepover” in July, Champion said. The party is an evening of appetizers and games followed by a sleepover at a discounted rate, then breakfast. “The Pajama Party is a fun evening and the sleepover is an affordable way for people to experience the rooms and what staying at the Inn is all about. It always surprises me that so many people from the immediate area have never been inside of the Inn” said Champion, “the sleepover is a great way for them to see what it is really like.”
Veronica opens vacant rooms in the off-season so visitors and locals can see how cute and comfortable they are. “Even if you don’t want to stay today, we have found that most people who have visited want to come back for a stay,” she said.
When Champion purchased the property in 2016, it was known as the Historical Peninsula Inn and Spa. She closed the spa immediately, turning the space into a suite. “It took up space, plus it required licensing and fees,” she said. Instead, depending on what services they are requesting, she recommends Maddy Spa, a 10-minute walk or 5-minute GetGO ride away.
Although they are just a 10-minute ride away, the Gulf Beach communities of St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island are really resort towns that are often inundated with tourists, cars, kids, and a lot of noise. The Peninsula Inn offers a refuge, an alternative for those looking for something else on their vacation or “staycation.” As it turns out, there is almost no bad time to visit Gulfport’s Historic Peninsula Inn. There are a quaint selection of shops and restaurants within a short, shaded walk. For more info or to make reservations, historicpeninsulainn.com or call Veronica or Tom at 727-346-9800.
Gulfport – An Arts and Entertainment Community
Champion may reopen the spa in a few years, but contends it’s not a priority. “I find that one of the benefits of owning an inn in Gulfport is that I am able to help my guests visit the other Gulfport businesses when they are here. The Inn is in the heart of the community and our guests really enjoy getting out and visiting and supporting the other establishments,” Champion said. “If they stay more than one night they will eat at other restaurants and do other things. And hopefully our guests will experience all that Gulfport has to offer.”
Gulfport has a lot to offer. There’s an evening Art Walk twice a month from 6-10 pm on the first Friday and third Saturday each month year-round. Tuesday Fresh Market, (also year-round, thanks to the ample shade from the towering grandfather oaks that form a canopy over Beach Blvd.). The Historic Gulfport Casino has a great dance floor that hosts one form of dancing or another most weeknights and often a musical event on weekends too. Then there are annual events, like Gulfport’s Get Rescued from 10-6 on Saturday, Feb. 24, the Pink Flamingo Home Tour on March 3, weekend festivals like Springfest Garden Art and Faerie Festival on April 7 and 8. And who can forget Gulfport’s wacky Geckofest (geckofest.com), which takes place around Labor Day weekend each year. For more visit the Gulfport Merchants Association website, www.gulfportma.com.The cozy Catherine Hickman Theater is home to the Gulfport Community Players (gulfportcommunityplayers.org) who are staging “Becky’s New Car” March 15-25, with evening shows at 8 and weekend matinees at 2 pm.
There’s the Gulfport Historical Museum (gulfporthistoricalsoci
Gulfport – Pinellas County PACEmaker
Pinellas County recently approved PACE financing for commercial entities. To date, Gulfport is the only municipality in Pinellas County that has embraced PACE, and only for commercial properties. Hillsborough only allows PACE in unincorporated areas, while Pasco County has approved both commercial and residential PACE projects. It is a shame, really, as the unavailability of affordable financing is keeping a lot of energy-saving projects from getting implemented. One would think that supposedly “green cities” like St. Petersburg would embrace the concept.
The Historic Peninsula Inn is Pinellas County and Gulfport’s first PACE project, and it is working out very well for the quarter-million dollars’ worth of upgrades and repairs the Inn desperately needed, according to Veronica Champion. Hillsborough only allows PACE in unincorporated areas, while Pasco County has approved both commercial and residential PACE projects.
Ygrene Energy – Florida’s largest PACE Funder PACE financing for the Peninsula Inn renovations were facilitated by Amy Elliott of the Ygrene Energy fund. Ygrene (Energy spelled backwards) is a nationwide company offering project financing based on the equity in homes and business structures, currently in Florida, California and Missouri for:
• Energy Efficiency
• Renewable Energy
• Water Conservation
• Wind Protection
PACE investments are secured by the equity in homes or businesses, and are repaid over a long period of time at affordable interest rates with payments payable through real estate taxing authorities. The funding for the payments typically comes from savings on utility bills and reduced insurance premiums, due to the improvements. However, the borrower’s ability to make the payments is critical, as PACE lenders generally come before even mortgage lenders in payment priority, and unpaid payments can quickly lead to a loss of the property.
It is 100% financing, with no money down and no payments for up to 12 months. There is no minimum credit score needed to qualify, just verifiable equity.
Ygrene financing is available for projects that make your property more safe, comfortable, energy efficient and climate resilient. Chances are, the improvement you want most is
eligible, although qualifying projects vary by state. So, check in online at www.Ygreneworks.com to see if your project qualifies for Ygrene PACE financing or call 866-634-1358.
Wind Water & Energy Conservation
A small St. Pete Beach based, family-owned company with expertise in cutting clients’ utility bills, Wind Water & Energy Conservation (WWEC) has built a reputation nationally by saving money for Public Housing Authorities around the country, which has built and operated buildings full of subsidized rental units. WWEC would look at an Authority’s utility costs and fashion projects that would reduce water use by installing new water-flow devices and efficient new toilets, more efficient methods of heating and air conditioning, and insulating to staunch leaks in the older buildings. Their energy-saving estimates are conservative, so the company often outperformed their expectations on these projects. Given its background, WWEC was perfectly appropriate for the Peninsula Inn renovation project. With over 24 years of energy management experience, WWEC has learned that each client is at a unique place on the “green” map. The company’s goal is to provide a tailored package of energy services that recognizes where you are now and how far you want to go.
• Reduce utility costs
• Cut operations and maintenance costs
• Update aging facilities
• Find funding for your project
• Improve indoor air quality and occupant comfort
• Develop a sustainability plan
Whether you’re looking for the shortest journey with the fastest payback, seeking a path toward long-term energy-efficient capital improvements, or aiming to achieve deep green status, WWEC wants to be your partner.
One local project detailed on WWEC’s website is St. Petersburg Catholic High School, where in 2010 the company installed a $268,500 project with estimated annual savings of $32,000. In 2011 Father Michael Conway called WWEC “A very reliable company with outstanding performance.” John E. “Gene” Overmyer is the President/Owner and you can reach WWEC at
We would love to hear from businesses in the Tampa Bay area that can benefit from WWEC’s expertise, especially those who would qualify for PACE financing.
“Financing is still the biggest roadblock in solving some of these issues,” Overmyer said. “Many paybacks take longer than banks are interested in loaning money for. The PACE program provides a lower risk mechanism that allows the payback to more accurately match the life of the improvements.”
Photos by Bob Schlesinger
Article by Caron Schwartz