The board of directors of the Jekyll Island Authority reviewed revised plans Monday from Greensboro-based Linger Longer Communities for a beach village that will be a key part of the island’s overall revitalization effort.
The proposed plans will be submitted as an amendment to the island’s master plan as the final step in approval of the village. The revised plan includes renovations and additions to the island’s convention center, two new hotels, 30,000 square feet of retail space, a vacation ownership community and a new linear park and greenspace. Upon adoption, the JIA and Linger Longer anticipate that the beach village will be ready in time for summer 2011.
“Getting to this point in the revitalization of Jekyll Island has taken dedicated study, thorough planning, and a lot of listening,” said Jones Hooks, executive director of the Jekyll Island Authority.
“The Jekyll Island Authority Board has set policy that will protect the character and natural beauty of the island, and we feel like this team has created a plan that Georgians deserve.”
The JIA has undertaken a comprehensive revitalization effort for the island, which includes approximately $350 million in private sector investment and encompasses several redevelopment projects.
In addition to the beach village, projects include three oceanfront properties: Jekyll Ocean Oaks, with a new Hampton Inn and Suites already under construction, Canopy Bluff, and the Jekyll Oceanfront Resort. The existing Jekyll Island Club Hotel is also spending $4 million on renovations and the addition of 5,000 square feet of meeting space.
“There are a lot of moving parts,” Hooks said. “And we are pleased that everything is on track.”
“We are taking the necessary steps to balance the environmental protection of the island with the need to create a self-sustaining affordable destination that will serve Georgians for years to come,” said Bob Krueger, chairman of the JIA Board of Directors.
The Beach Village
Linger Longer’s new beach village plan reflects input provided to the company and the JIA from Web sites, e-mails, phone calls and individuals at more than 70 public presentations and forums during the past 11 months. Key issues addressed with the new plan include public and visitor parking, building locations, ocean views, overall size and environmental impact.
“We have taken a hard look at the wishes of Georgia’s citizens, including those who currently reside on or visit Jekyll, those who used to visit and those who never have,” said Jim Langford, project executive for Linger Longer. “The resulting plan balances the needs of the island’s environment with those of Georgia’s citizens, who want affordable hotel rooms, competitive convention facilities, shopping options and convenient beach access.”
The new plan scales back the overall size of the village from the earlier concept. Fewer hotel rooms and less retail development are planned. An economy and mid-scale hotel will offer a total of 350 rooms, steps from the ocean.
The convention center will mix renovations with new construction for a total of 76,000 square feet. Total retail space will be 30,000 square feet, with the potential for 70 for-sale lofts above retail. A central plaza near the planned retail and convention center will serve as a focal point and public gathering space with an ocean view. Plans call for 160 vacation ownership units on what is currently the south public parking lot.
Just to the north of the new village, on a parking lot once considered for redevelopment, a new beachside public park is planned that will provide convenient beach access for day-visitors.
Next steps and related efforts
The JIA also has several other active initiatives to support the overall revitalization of Jekyll Island, including finalizing a conservation guidelines and a rebranding effort.
“We want to promote Jekyll Island as a sanctuary with substance; an eco-destination and recreational escape,” said Eric Garvey, the JIA’s senior director of marketing. “With the revitalization efforts taking shape, we can say with confidence that Jekyll Island is a reachable retreat for everyone.”
An ordinance passed this summer outlined beachfront lighting practices to protect the island’s endangered sea turtle habitat from light pollution. The Authority also developed new design guidelines articulating standards of future building and landscaping in order to maintain the integrity of Jekyll’s unique history and new conservation guidelines to protect Jekyll’s natural resources. Both items have been presented to the board and are under review.
A public question and answer session on Linger Longer’s revised beach village is scheduled for Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. A public hearing for the proposed master plan amendment will be held Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Jekyll Island Convention Center.
