By Steve Huettel, Times Staff Writer In Print: Sunday, March 20, 2011
CLEARWATER BEACH — For years, Michael “Frenchy” Preston kept his eye on the ’60s-era Olympia Motel next door to his office. A real period fixer-upper.
Then came inspiration: a stylish cable TV drama soaked in 1960s society and culture. “It seemed the time was right with Mad Men getting so big,” Preston said. It also didn’t hurt that the 15-room Olympia and an adjacent property were available for just $1.6 million in a bank sale.
