Former U.S. Marine Ross Janke, known for bringing the iconic DeLand Hotel back to life, has been appointed by the DeLand City Commission to the Historic Preservation Board.
The board is charged with the responsibility of updating the official inventory of cultural resources and submitting to the City Commission recommendations and documentation concerning the updating. It is also charged with advising the City Commission concerning the effects of local government actions on cultural resources.
Janke purchased the hotel at 442 E. New York Ave. in 2016, and initiated a full restoration of the property originally built in 1925. He personally conducted and supervised remodeling activities, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical projects.
Under Janke’s care, The DeLand Hotel achieved the highest ranking for a historic property: placement on the National Register of Historic Places. After achieving that goal, Janke moved on to phase 2 of his vision for the hotel, opening a 1920s-themed bar named Hemingway’s 442.
“This has been a labor of love,” stated Janke. “The remodeling of the hotel has shown how important preserving our historic jewels is to our community culture and how, despite their age, the properties can still play a role in the future of DeLand.”
Janke will be one of seven members on the Historic Preservation Board, and will serve a three-year term expiring October 2025.
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— Compiled by Business Editor Joe Crews
Ross Janky is a bully and a thief.