Construction on the planned Clearwater Beach Resort & Hotel at S Gulfview Boulevard and Coronado Drive is expected to start some time next year.

 

CLEARWATER — Dynamite imploded the nine-story Spyglass Resort in roughly six seconds. It will take much, much longer to build its replacement. But the new building — two 150-foot tall towers and an armament of amenities — will be much, much grander.

Some time next year, construction will begin on the more than 900,000-square-foot Clearwater Beach Resort & Hotel, a megaproject that will include 250 hotel rooms and suites, as well as, another 200 weekly time-share rooms.

"We're hoping this really transcends Clearwater Beach," said Eric Fordin, vice president of development for the Related Group, a partner to Tampa's Dr. Kiran Patel in the planned development.

The resort also will feature a massive spa, super-sized pool area, grills, a bar, 500 parking spaces and a major restaurant. Additionally, some 25,000 square feet of retail, a ballroom and an outdoor public area with fountains, palm trees and benches will be included.

The resort, which will cost at least $180-million, will replace a handful of mom and pop motels, including the recently imploded Spyglass on S Gulfview Boulevard and Coronado Drive.

It will comprise two 15-story towers on the north and south end, connected by a 95-foot tall building that will feature the pool.

The resort will take about two years to complete.