NASCAR birthplace Streamline hotel sold and to be renovated: The
Streamline Hotel, the 1940s-era beachside inn known as the birthplace of
NASCAR, has sold, and the new owner plans to renovate the property.
Eddie Hennessy, son of cosmetic company Pevonia International founders
Phillippe and Sylvie Hennessy, bought the property at 140 S. Atlantic
Ave. late last month for $950,000. He intends to restore the art deco
building and turn the hotel into an upscale South Beach-style boutique
inn. "My goal is to clean up the hotel, the block, the drug stuff going
around," Hennessy said. "We're bringing the hotel back to its original
state, only more modern." Since buying the hotel, Hennessy has
installed new management and has started some work on the facelift. He
said he doesn't yet know when the major renovation work will begin, but
added he looks to get started "as soon as possible." Hennessy said he
plans to start the restoration with the hotel's rooftop bar, which is
where in 1947 Bill France Sr. met with race drivers and track owners to
form NASCAR. The hotel has a second bar on the ground floor that
Hennessy said he intends to turn into a NASCAR-themed lounge. The
Streamline will stay open while renovation work is done, Hennessy said.
After renovating the rooftop bar, Hennessy will start work on the
lobby, the hotel's ground-level bar, then the guest rooms. He said he
isn't yet sure how much he will invest in the hotel's renovation.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(4-18-2014)
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