Construction on the $800 million St. Regis Longboat Key project began in 2021 and had been highly anticipated since 2010. That is when The Colony Beach Resort, which was founded in 1952, closed after years of legal challenges and financial issues. The former resort, which in the 1970s included a tennis academy founded by Nick Bollettieri, hosted everyone from U.S. Presidents to Hollywood celebrities and had been a cornerstone of the region’s tourism industry.

The Colony was demolished in 2018 and planning for the new resort was well under way.  A five-star hotel features 168 guestrooms, and three six-story buildings include 69 residences. It is the largest development on the island in over 50 years. Luxury abounds with four full-service restaurants, a saltwater lagoon with live fish and sea life, a spa, a bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and business meeting facilities among the many amenities. 

Incorporating the Gulf of Mexico into the design from different vantage points was a key part of the project. “Florida landscape is very lush, so our goal is to make sure residents and guests don’t feel they are in this concrete-built environment, but a more seamless exterior environment that marries the landscape with the architecture,’’ says Pinar Harris, the lead architect on the project.

COOL POOLS

Water features abound throughout the 18-acre development. A meandering stream and a saltwater lagoon sit between the residences and the hotel. Harris said there are more than 60 water features on the property.

Infinity pools were installed in 26 luxurious condominiums at the new mixed-use resort. The sleek and modern design of infinity pools make it appear there is no separation between the water and surrounding landscape.

Contractors, however, face some formidable tasks in their construction. The contractors needed a solution to access the mechanical equipment to keep the pools operating at peak efficiency.

There are different structural and mechanical needs for the catch basin, which makes the installation more complicated. The piping network for an infinity pool is also elaborate, but is crucial for maintaining water quality, ensuring efficient circulation, and creating the important visual effect.

The pools are on the deck areas near the front of the residence and are one of the first things visitors notice when they enter the home. One of the concerns that the architectural team faced was providing access to the important mechanical equipment for the pool while simultaneously concealing it. 

HIDDEN SOLUTION

Harris says terrazzo doors from Bilco, a manufacturer of specialty access products, were specified for their ability to accept material on top of the hatch. 

“We went with the Bilco hatch because it has an inlay option where you can have a paver or tile placed on top of it,’’ Harris says.  “We can make that hatch disappear as much as you can within the deck. We wanted to have the functionality that we could access these spaces that are below the floor, but at the same time, we didn’t want them to be eyesores.”

Bilco’s terrazzo doors can be used with an assortment of architectural materials and are engineered with lift assistance for easy, one-hand operation. They are constructed with corrosion-resistant materials to provide years of dependable service. 

“The corrosion resistance and availability of the product made them a good choice for this project,’’ says Nassim Habib of Reinforced Structures, whose company installed the doors from Bilco’s manufacturer’s rep in Florida, FG Building products. “They used a nice finish, and the project came out very nice.”

Moss served as the general contractor for the project. Enea Landscape Architecture, RSM Design, Hirsch Bender Associates and Marc-Michaels Interior Design also worked on the design team.

PICTURESQUE

Even before construction began, half of the new condos were sold with prices ranging from $2 million to $20 million. The resort opened in August, bringing new energy and architectural sophistication to one of The Sunshine State’s most picturesque areas.

“What once existed only as an idea has become a memorable experience for all to enjoy,” Harris said at the opening in August.  

about the author

Thomas Renner writes on building, construction, and other trade industry topics for publications throughout the United States.