Feb. 25–Jekyll Island’s revitalization efforts continue to move forward, members of the board of the Jekyll Island Authority were told Monday.
Addressing the board, Jekyll Island Authority Executive Director Jones Hooks said the Westin Hotel is expected to open in December 2014.
The $41 million, 200-room Westin, adjacent to the soon-to-be retail village, is now 42 percent complete.
Construction of the hotel has reached its highest point and to commemorate the occasion, officials with Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel LLC and the Pinkerton-Laws construction team are planning a “topping off” ceremony for 10 a.m. Friday.
Hooks said civil construction is 90 percent complete and utility construction 40 percent complete at the retail beach village. The project is advancing to the final designing phase.
Five tenants moved forward with a lease agreement during Monday’s meeting — Tonya’s Treasures, Kennedy Outfitters, Jekyll Island Seafood Co. Restaurant, Fuse Frozen Yogurt and the Club Cafe.
Much to the appreciation of the island’s residents, Hooks said the U.S. Postal Service office will continue its lease on the island but will move to another location by the end of the year. The authority, which has been working with the postal service, said it is likely the office will extend its hours, opening from to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
Those who have appreciated the Beachview Hotel in the past can look forward to a newly renovated hotel. Shan Pollachi, chief executive officer of the company representing the new owner, Resort Club LLC, said the company is keeping the hotel’s original staff and adding a few more.
It’s also thinking green. The company is using environmentally friendly products and will donate $2 per room for each night stay to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
The $2.8 million renovations will take place over the next three years, starting in March.
The limited service Hyatt Place hotel could be moving forward as well. Hooks said a newer company has stepped in and financial transactions are going forward.
Two other things to know about the Jekyll Island Authority meeting Monday:
The JIA and College of Coastal Georgia are finalizing their agreements for the use of Villa Ospo and Fins restaurant by the college. The college will be moving its culinary program from Camden County to the restaurant after April 9, when classes will be through for the semester. By the beginning of May, Hooks said the college is expecting to have soft opening functions and a grand opening May 19. The college foundation made a hefty donation — $150,000 — to get the program off the ground. Mike Hodges, a JIA board member and foundation board member, says the college is very excited about the opportunity.
Big updates are on the way for the Jekyll Island 4-H Center. Construction bids for new buildings will soon go out that will include a dining hall that will seat 300, cabins with rooms for 64 or 32 beds and a new auditorium. Construction will be completed in phases so that existing facilities can continue to be used as to not disrupt ongoing camps and student usage.
— Reporter Sarah Lundgren writes about education and other local topics. Contact her at slundgren@thebrunswicknews.com, on Facebook or at 265-8320, ext. 322.