William “Bill” Fuller, founder of the Barlington Group, has played a transformative role in the revitalization of Little Havana by restoring and activating some of South Florida’s most iconic historic spaces.
Under his leadership, beloved destinations such as Ball & Chain and the Tower Hotel have been thoughtfully restored and reimagined while maintaining their historic character and cultural significance. Bill is widely credited with helping lead Little Havana’s resurgence as a major cultural and tourism destination. This effort contributed to the neighborhood’s 2017 designation as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Many of his properties are also home to some of the neighborhood’s most iconic businesses, including Azucar Ice Cream and Little Havana Cigars, reflecting his intentional approach to preserving the community’s authenticity and spirit.
His impact extends well beyond Little Havana. More recently, Bill led the restoration of the famed Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale and Snappers in Key Largo, continuing his commitment to preserving destinations deeply rooted in South Florida’s cultural identity and history.
Bill has also been a passionate advocate for preservation through his longtime leadership with Viernes Culturales. This monthly cultural festival has celebrated and sustained Little Havana’s cultural heritage for more than 25 years.
His work reminds us that preservation is not simply about protecting buildings — it is about sustaining identity, storytelling, and a true sense of place.