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Built in 1916 by George E. Sebring, in foreclosure litigation since 2012, and condemned for occupancy two years ago by the former fire chief, Kenilworth Lodge still sits on the shore of Lake Jackson, but it is buried in layers of lawyers. The hotel sustained more than a half-million dollars in damage by Hurricane Irma last year...but the windstorm insurance payment is in dispute... and may have been claimed by the bank that holds the mortgage. It gets even more complicated from there.
That condemnation sucker-punched them twice. First no guests and now the insurance company is saying no coverage because the building was condemned. Having worked in the insurance defense industry many years ago they will use whatever crowbar they have to pay less than the claim and they have a pretty good crowbar with the condemnation.
A shame. I remember when that was the only decent place to stay near the track. Before the Chateau, the chains moved in and the IOTL upfit. It’s all relative, though. Wouldn’t pass muster now in any reasonable way, even if it hadn’t been condemned.
BTW, the original “condemnation for occupancy” was because the sprinklers on the upper floors had been painted over so many times that the fire marshal shut them down after his inspection...
The first time I went to the 48Hrs in 1995 I attended a private dinner at The Kenilworth which left me less than impressed. The place was pretty worn out then.
Harder Hall is the one I would like to see reopened. It sits right behind the Inn on the Lakes. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harder_Hall
I remember splitting a room for 35 bucks on the top floor with no A/C when I was Flagging SCCA Skippy and SVRA/HSR. The key was drinking heavily...
But I'll always have fond memories of sitting on the porch, in a rocking chair, having a beer and looking at lake Jackson.. and thinking about how many racers had sat on this porch enjoying the view, and thinking about the next day at the track..
I remember splitting a room for 35 bucks on the top floor with no A/C when I was Flagging SCCA Skippy and SVRA/HSR. The key was drinking heavily...
But I'll always have fond memories of sitting on the porch, in a rocking chair, having a beer and looking at lake Jackson.. and thinking about how many racers had sat on this porch enjoying the view, and thinking about the next day at the track..
Hah! I must have found the same key, to look at it with such rose-colored glasses! Cause I had the same room, I’m sure...
Yeah, the Kennilworth is part of the race tracks history. Just like the broken concrete in T17.
It has a great location too. Built on the top of the hill, with the best view of the lake, plus the natural breeze, and a straight shot to the track. *I hope someone develops the property!
In the Winter, when it was cold it was actually half decent. They'd light the large fireplace and a large wood stove.
Then in the evening everyone would hang out, make excuses and tell lies! LOL!
11-26-2018, 09:03 AM
Kenilworth Lodge Update - Sebring
