The Cordova Hotel never prospered and was eventually abandoned , only to be sold and reopened in 1962 as the St . Johns County Courthouse . By the late 1970s , a new courthouse was built and the building was abandoned once more . That is , until Richard Kessler came along . He purchased the property and with his inspired vision , renovated and re-opened the Casa Monica as a luxury , four-diamond hotel .
The design approach for this property pays tribute to its historical roots , from the antique artesian well in the lobby and the hand-stenciled gold leaf beams and arches throughout , to the countless works of art celebrating the history of St . Augustine . In the Flagler Ballroom you ’ ll find southern Renaissancestyle works of art by St . Augustine resident Timothy Murphy . In the Casa Monica Ballroom , several Laura DiNello mosaics are on display along with landscapes by Henry von Genk III and a commissioned painting by Elias Rivera that brings “ Deborah ” to life as a Spanish dancer .
As you wander outside the doors of the Casa Monica Resort & Spa , you ’ ll find yourself planted squarely in the center of the legendary Historic District . Affectionately known as “ The Ancient City ,” the nation ’ s oldest city is filled with historic
Casa Monica lobby
Poseidon Spa
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