Page 65 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2023

“When I purchased the Wells Fargo building, I had no clue what I was going to do with it. But after doing several short- term rentals and knowing the absolute need for downtown accommodations, I felt like
it was a great opportunity,” developer Ivan Spinner says. “The Bella is named for our 14-year-old daughter. My goal was to make a special project for downtown and what’s more special than naming it after your baby girl?”
Known for refurbishing existing buildings and constructing new ones in Gulfport and Biloxi, Spinner saw potential in the bank building. “I absolutely loved the location and that is why I wanted the building. As soon as I saw the bank was closing, I had my realtor reach out to the bank and the day they listed it, I put in an offer,” he recalls.
The Spinners have not been in the lodging business in the traditional sense but have had long-term and short-term rentals. The Bella features 13 suites which have one king bed or two queen beds available. Second floor rooms have balconies with views of downtown, while first floor rooms provide accessibility and a private courtyard.
Talk about atmosphere, The Bella has plenty! “The goal my wife, the designer, wanted to bring to downtown Biloxi
was a cool, South Florida lounge vibe
–– something different giving the guests a reason to stay there and get memorable, great social media pictures,” Spinner said. “The rooms have vibrant pop art and music icons, lots of color stimulation.”
Spinner says two highlights at The Bella are the Mokes that are available to rent and the on-site cafe´. The street-legal, open-air electric vehicles are known for
fun in the sun, and the BrewPaddle Café on the ground floor serves freshly brewed coffee, baked bread, pastries and other offerings for breakfast and lunch. The café space is also available for parties, receptions and other catered events.
Not content to rest on his laurels, Spinner is planning another project for Biloxi. “I’m in the process of designing a project on Howard Avenue in the heart of downtown Biloxi just a block or so from The Bella. It will be named for one of my sons and will be called The Austin,” he said.
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November 2023
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