The historic Mount Vernon Motor Lodge in West Palm Beach, which suffered from neglect and decline over the years, is being revived for the second time.
The motel, originally built in 1941, is undergoing a $15 million renovation by its new owner, Elizabeth Rad. The renovation will preserve the historic details of the motel while adding modern amenities such as a restaurant, outdoor grill and bar area, and a rooftop deck. The design will incorporate the original architecture and plans obtained from the Palm Beach Preservation Foundation. The exterior will be restored to its original white color, and the number of rooms will be reduced from 44 to 26. The renovation plans were approved by the West Palm Beach Historic Preservation Board in April 2022. The motel's previous revival in 2000 as Hotel Biba, with the help of Barbara Hulanicki, a renowned fashion icon and designer, brought a trendy atmosphere with a stylish bar. The new owner plans to keep the name Biba but has not provided a timeline for the completion of the renovations. The project aims to give the historic motel a new beginning while preserving its unique charm.
