Posts tagged Hotel Ponce
Flagler College announces anniversary celebration to commemorate 125th anniversary of the Hotel Ponce de Leon
Oct 12th
January 10, 2013 marks the anniversary of the opening of the Ponce in 1888. The celebration will include events focusing on the architectural, artistic, recreational and sociological impact the hotel has had on modern society, as well as showcase its historic and architectural highlights.
In conjunction with “Celebrating the Legacy: 125 Years of the Hotel Ponce de Leon,” the college has taken on the final restoration of the hotel, the Solarium. The domed Solarium rises from the center of the building and is flanked by symmetrical roof terraces and twin towers that pierce the St. Augustine skyline. These dramatic outdoor spaces afford unparalleled views of the city, the nearby Intracoastal Waterway and Bridge of Lions, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
The Solarium served as a place where hotel guests gathered for conversation, enjoyed entertainment or watched activities taking place in town. It has been closed for more than 20 years, and the restoration is expected to be completed in 2013.
The anniversary celebration will honor the legacy of Flagler’s entrepreneurship and community-building. The founding partner with John D. Rockefeller in Standard Oil, he launched a resort empire along Florida’s east coast with construction of the Ponce. The Spanish Renaissance Revival hotel incorporated the talents of New York architects John Carrere and Thomas Hastings (New York Public Library) and Bernard Maybeck (Palace of the Fine Arts, San Francisco), interiors and 79 stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany, murals by George Maynard and steam power and electricity by Thomas Edison. The Ponce’s twin towers serve as an anchor to St. Augustine’s historic area.
“Celebrating the Legacy” will include: an opening day tour with period re-enactors leading guests through the Ponce on the same day the hotel first opened its doors; an exhibit of beautifully preserved original blueprints of the Ponce; a “Celebrating the Legacy” exhibit on the hotel’s construction, sports, leisure and arts; a community lecture series by Flagler professors; and a gilded age speaker series.
For more events and details about the celebration, go to www.ponce125.com
Source: Flagler College
Flagler College Receives Tourism Grant from VISIT FLORIDA
Aug 27th
“The purpose of these grants is to help non-profit entities and local governments stretch their tourism marketing dollars in an effort to expand cultural, heritage, rural and nature tourism activities in Florida,” said Chris Thompson, President and CEO for Visit Florida.
“We were pleased that Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida selected us from among a large number of grant applicants, during their most competitive grant cycle to date,” said Holly Hill, Assistant Director of College Relations. “These funds will be used for Flagler’s 2013 Community Lecture Series and will help us better position and market St. Augustine as a desirable destination.”
The 2013 Flagler College Community Lecture Series will be titled “The Hotel Ponce de Leon Deconstructed: Building the Future for Modern America.” The series is part of the 125th anniversary celebration of the Hotel Ponce de Leon.
Visit Florida, a private/public partnership, is Enterprise Florida’s day-to-day operating corporation for tourism.
Flagler College is an independent, four-year, comprehensive baccalaureate college located in St. Augustine, Fla. The college offers 24 majors, 29 minors and two pre-professional programs, the largest majors being business, education and communication. Small by intent, Flagler College has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, as well as a satellite campus at Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee, Fla. U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review regularly feature Flagler as a college that offers quality education at a relatively low cost; tuition is $23,690, including room and board. A relatively young institution (founded in 1968), Flagler College is also noted for the historic beauty of its campus. The main building is Ponce de Leon Hall, built in 1887 as a luxury resort by Henry Flagler, who co-founded the Standard Oil Company with John D. Rockefeller. For more on Flagler College, visit www.flagler.edu.
Source: Flagler College
This Weekend in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, & The Beaches: July 27 – 29
Jul 26th
Dukes of September at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs as “The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue” will perform at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre at 8 p.m. Tickets are $48, $68, and $88. http://www.staugamphitheatre.com 904-471-1965
Stars Flashin’ with Passion for Fashion
A special preview of fashion designers for Stars Flashin’ with Passion for Fashion at 7:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Barn, 259 San Marco Ave in St. Augustine. Tickets are $10 advanced or $15 at the door. 904-325-1530
Saturday: July 28
Uptown Saturday Night
From 5 – 9 p.m. galleries, antique stores and unique shops on St. Augustine’s San Marco Avenue between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios feature book signings, live music, refreshments and more. 904-823-9263
Walk on the Wild Side at Anastasia State Park
A 2.5 mile Ranger-led walk at 9 a.m. through Anastasia State Park, 1340 A A1A, St. Augustine. Participation is free with paid park admission. http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia 904-461-2033
Living History Days at Fort Mose
Experience living history demonstrations as volunteers in period dress offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fort Mose State Park, 15 Fort Mose Trail, in St. Augustine. Admission is $4 per vehicle or $2 per pedestrian or bicyclist. http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose 904-823-2232
Yes to Perform at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre
British progressive rock band Yes performs along with special guest Procol Harum at 6:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A S, in St. Augustine. Tickets are $35, $45, $55, $75, and $100. http://www.staugamphitheatre.com 904-471-1965
Sunday: July 29
Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show
Holiday Isle Oceanfront Resort, 860 A1A Beach Boulevard at St. Augustine Beach, will host this summer’s Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show featuring the best of St. Augustine wedding venues and services. The show takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 in advance and $10 day of show. http://www.BrideandGroom.us 904-366-3700
Local Resident Specials
NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Government House Museum, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed).
NEW: St. Johns County residents who purchase full-price admisssion to the St. Augustine Lighthouse ($9.50 adults; $7.50 seniors and children 12 and under; free for children under 44 inches in height) can now receive a pass good for free admission for an entire year! The Lighthouse is now open until 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.. Also, on the first Monday of each month, St. Johns County residents are admitted free to the Dow Museum of Historic Houses, 246 St. George Street, St. Augustine.
NEW: Tours of Flagler College’s historic Hotel Ponce de Leon are free to St. Johns County residents with a valid I.D. now to July 31st to celebrate the upcoming 125st anniversary of the Hotel Ponce de Leon. Legacy Tours highlight the architectural heritage of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, a nationally designated historic landmark building, built by Henry Flagler in 1887. Tours depart at the top of each our from the college Rotunda, 74 King Street. 904-823-3378.
Source: Visitors and Convention Bureau