The Villa Marine Hotel was erected in 1912 by W.L. Sweet, and its construction provided a sorely needed boost for Melbourne Beach as a vacation resort at a time when other well known resorts to the north and south were outstripping the community in growth, prosperity, and renown. The concrete block for the building were manufactured on the site, where a deep pit was dug to provide sand for blocks and mortar, and lumber and other materials were brought by boat across from Melbourne. The Villa Marine operated on the American plan. Although it provided the best accommodation in Melbourne Beach, the meagerness of its servings at mealtime were legendary. For a number of years it successfully catered to tourists, until changing times in the 1950's and 60's led it to become, in succession, a rooming house for space boom workers, a co-op retirement home, and a fraternity house for a local college. In 1987 the structure was extensively remodeled to become a dental office.