Gulfstream Hotel work resumes, on track for late 2026 opening, owners say
'We are really at the mercy of the general contractor meeting deadlines, and then we find out something is delayed in shipping and it has a domino effect.'
AFTER NEARLY THREE weeks with no construction, work has resumed at the Gulfstream Hotel, which is still aiming to open by the end of 2026, said Amy Gill, executive vice president of Restoration St. Louis, the company overseeing the multi-million dollar renovation.
While Gill said she could not get into details about the work stoppage that started late last month and ended July 13, she said it stemmed from “an issue with our contractor” over delays in the arrival of custom windows.
“They were supposed to be delivered in September,’’ she said of the windows. “Then March. As of the second week in June we still didn’t have them and then we got some of them. But we need all of them to finish.’’
She said she expected the work to continue with no further delays and that the hotel at the east end of Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth Beach will open “this year for sure. We can’t wait any longer. He’s got to finish.’’
The contractor, Hogan Brothers Construction, did not respond to an email request for comment.
In an interview in June, Lawrence Cassenti, the hotel’s general manager, said the windows must be installed before other work inside the hotel can be completed.
“Once the building is sealed up and we get our permanent power turned on, we can fully air condition the building and finish things like wallpaper and other elements more sensitive to moisture,’’ he said.
Video shows construction worker at the Gulfstream Hotel on July 14, 2026.
“We are really at the mercy of the general contractor meeting deadlines, and then we find out something is delayed in shipping and it has a domino effect,’’ he said.
“We already had furniture delivered to the rooms. It’s all still in boxes. We don’t want to unpack yet because of heat and moisture until we are ready.’’
The six-story hotel, built in 1925 but shuttered since 2005, has been under renovation since May 2024.
The hotel refurbishment is part of a $134 million project that includes an addition to the west side of the hotel. Work on the addition will start next year, after the hotel opens.
Last month, City Commissioner Sarah Malega suggested the City Commission tour the building so they can share updates on the progress with constituents. But Gill said no tours can be offered because they are not covered by the company’s insurance policy.
Meanwhile, Restoration St. Louis is preparing to help renovate another historic Florida hotel, the Walesbilt Hotel in Lake Wales, Fla. Work is expected to start early next year and end in 2028 or 2029.
Looking forward to the Grand Re-Opening!!