A rendering of Mad beach Inn, a planned 11-unit boutique hotel with a ground-floor cafe coming to Madeira Beach | rendering provided

A flood-damaged retail building is set to be demolished, making way for a new three-story mixed-use boutique hotel in Madeira Beach.

The existing one-story structure at 15227 Gulf Boulevard, vacant since sustaining severe damage during Hurricane Helene in 2024, is slated for demolition in the coming weeks.

In its place, developers plan to construct Mad Beach Inn, a Key West–inspired boutique hotel featuring 11 guest rooms and a ground-floor café, Perky Bean Cafe.

The project will provide at least 11 on-site parking spaces, meeting city requirements.

The 0.22-acre site sits just behind a shopping plaza formerly anchored by a Winn-Dixie, which is being redeveloped into an Aldi, and a short walk from Archibald Beach Park.

Construction is expected to begin early next year, with completion targeted for summer 2027.

The existing building, which previously housed a nail salon and a restaurant, will be demolished in the coming weeks | loopnet

“This location is close to the beach and easily accessible for visitors,” said owner Dave Wonsick, who acquired the property in September for $780,000 through his company St. Pete Beach Investments LLC.

Originally constructed in 1969, the building most recently housed a nail salon and the French restaurant Gulf Bistro, which relocated to Largo after last year’s back-to-back hurricanes.

Wonsick, a local developer with experience rehabilitating coastal properties, said the project reflects both a personal and professional investment.

“My wife and I are locals and love Madeira Beach,” Wonsick said. “We want to bring something unique and special to the area.”

Wonsick previously renovated The Lofts at St. Pete Beach, an 11-unit coastal-style hotel at 601 71st Avenue formerly known as Crystal Sands Motel, which he sold earlier this month for $3.53 million.

Design cues and guest experience elements from that project will inform Mad Beach Inn.

Mad Beach Inn will be built at 15227 Gulf Boulevard in Madeira Beach just behind a shopping plaza formerly anchored by a Winn-Dixie and a short walk from Archibald Beach Park | Google Maps

“We added a second story and redeveloped it into a Key West-style hotel with themed rooms, including a Jimmy Buffett room,” Wonsick said. “That project really helped shape what we’re doing here.”

Designed by St. Petersburg–based Bodziak Hayes Architects and built by Tom Smith of TA Smith Homes, Mad Beach Inn will feature a bright coastal aesthetic, including a blue exterior with shutters and sunset-orange interior accents.

A rooftop deck with covered lounge seating will offer Gulf views overlooking the public beach across the street.

“Due to FEMA rules, we can’t have hotel units on the ground floor, so we decided to activate that space with a café,” Wonsick said.

The 2,500-square-foot Perky Bean Cafe will also function as the hotel lobby, allowing guests to check in, access the elevator, and move seamlessly between the café, rooftop deck, and pool area.

“Guests can walk in, grab coffee or lunch, then head straight to their room or the rooftop,” Wonsick said. “Everything flows together.”

mad beach inn will have a key west-style design similar to the lofts at st. pete beach property | the Lofts at st. pete beach

The café will feature locally sourced baked goods and coffee, along with a curated retail selection including beachwear, merchandise, and work from local artists. Vendor partnerships are still being finalized.

The menu is expected to include croissants, muffins, cookies, sandwiches, chicken salad, paninis, and avocado toast, alongside specialty coffee, espresso-based drinks, and teas.

Wonsick also plans to add beer and wine in the future.

An app will allow guests to order food and beverages for poolside delivery, with future plans to extend service to beachgoers across the street.

Earlier this month, the Madeira Beach Board of Commissioners approved reductions to the front and side yard setbacks in the C-3 Retail Commercial zoning district, allowing the development of the Mad Beach Inn to proceed.

Wonsick is currently finalizing permits, with demolition underway and vertical construction anticipated to begin within the next 60 days.