March 04–The Villa by Barton G., which closed last May at the former Versace mansion, is returning to the Ocean Drive compound.
Il Sole, a Mediterranean restaurant from dining and entertainment impresario Barton G. Weiss, debuted last month. A 10-suite hotel is scheduled to open in the middle of this month.
Since the hotel at 1116 Ocean Dr. closed in May, some upgrades have been made to the hotel room interiors, a spokesman said. He added that the team was “also careful to make sure that they preserve the historical character and integrity of the iconic property.”
Fashion designer Gianni Versace bought the mansion in 1992 and spent millions renovating it. He was shot to death on the steps of the home in 1997.
Members of the Nakash family, owners of Jordache Enterprises, are principals of a company that bought the property known as Casa Casuarina for $41.5 million at auction in September. The new owners, whose portfolio also includes the Hotel Victor next door, brought Weiss’ company back to operate the restaurant and hotel and handle private events.
The properties will collaborate by offering the Villa as private event space for Hotel Victor guests.
