Frequently Asked Questions
The Plan
What is your vision for Jekyll Island?
Our vision is to work with the public and the Jekyll Island Authority to create a unique recreational and learning destination for all Georgians and other visitors to the island, ensure the long term viability of the island, and create a model worthy of emulation by other coastal areas of Georgia and the Southeast. Our proposal for the revitalization of Jekyll offers an early interpretation of how that might occur, but is subject to significant input from the public and the Authority.
Tagged: vision, recreation, revitalization, jekyll island
Why does this type of town center fit with the character of Jekyll Island?
Jekyll is a blend of developed and preserved land - by a combination of three state laws, 75 percent of Jekyll is protected from development. We believe that developed areas of Jekyll are logical places to entertain and accommodate visitors so that they can enjoy the majority of the island that is not developed. By consolidating our development – even within the allowable areas – we can include significant green space and wetlands as part of the revitalization plan. The Jekyll Island Village, as proposed, will encourage walking, biking, and alternative transportation, limiting emissions and allowing visitors, residents, and the public to access amenities without multiple car trips.
Tagged: jekyll island, revitalization, access
Will any of the buildings be high-rises?
We are not planning to have any buildings higher than the current 54-foot height restriction at Jekyll. We believe that buildings at Jekyll should be built to conform to the architectural traditions of the island.
Tagged: jekyll island, development
What will happen to the existing convention center and retail area?
Both will be torn down. The existing convention center will remain through Phase I of our development process. The existing retail area will be replaced, with its parking area largely transformed into green space as a part of Hyde Park. The strip retail center will be replaced by new retail that will serve visitors and residents in the Horton Square area.
Tagged: jekyll island, development, revitalization
How will the golf courses be affected?
We expect them to benefit from additional fees generated by an influx of visitors and conventioneers and the additional revenues generated for the Jekyll Island Authority, which maintains the local courses.
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How will this fit in with the Jekyll Island Club and the Historic District?
We believe that the maintenance and preservation of the Historic District is critical. We propose re-routing some of the street grid to more closely tie Jekyll Island Village to the Historic District. We are also taking our architectural cues from the Historic District and other coastal islands. We expect this project to bring more visitors to the island, produce more revenue for the authority, and strongly support preservation of the Historic District.
Tagged: jekyll island, revitalization
Have a picnic at Horton Square. Walk along the beach. Enjoy a bike ride on improved paths. And much, much more. Once people pay their parking fee upon entering the island, they will be able to access the beach at six different points (each with a bathroom) in the Jekyll Island Village alone, utilize an improved network of hiking and biking trails, enjoy the marshes and green space of the island, and all other current Jekyll amenities.
Tagged: jekyll island, recreation, access
What types of retailers do you see coming to Jekyll?
We anticipate a mix of convenience retailers that will provide everyday needs to vacationers and island residents, specialty retailers typical in a beach community that may focus on the tourist market, and dining destinations at a wide variety of price points.
Tagged: jekyll island, revitalization, economic impact
What is your vision for the undeveloped areas of the island?
Jekyll Island’s natural and cultural resources must be preserved and enhanced (and appropriately highlighted) in order to provide a unique visitor destination and to meet our goal to create an environmental gateway island for Georgia’s coast. Our plan proposes a way to achieve the benefits of environmental and economic sustainability in a manner that protects and enhances the Island. It is fitting that 75% of the island is undevelopable, as determined by a combination of three state laws. It is critical that investments in the island are made in a comprehensive fashion that knits the assets together into a whole cloth – a place that resonates with visitors who value environmental integrity, historic landmarks, education and cultural amenities. Our approach presented in the master plan for the Village is part of a much larger strategy and management plan that responds to the Authority’s request for a long term, island-wide vision of a public private partnership. It is critical that the initial phase be seen in context with the current investments and facilities and how those will evolve over time. While our specific plans do not focus on areas outside of the RFP footprint and adjacent land, our ideas about the rest of the island include 1) the consolidation and reorganization of the development areas to create a mid-island greenway that reconnects the inland marsh, freshwater wetland and woodland habitat; 2) responsible restoring and expanding of the Historic District to create additional amenities and public education opportunities; 3) redevelopment of the water park area into an environmentally responsive attraction with perhaps additional recreational components; 4) conserving, enhancing, and providing appropriately sensitive access to the southern and northern conservation zones. We intend to work in close concert with the JIA and the public on these and our future efforts.
Tagged: jekyll island, revitalization, development, environment, economic impact, jekyll island authority, public
What kind of water park do you envision for the future?
Any decisions about the water park will be made in conjunction with the Authority at a later date. We believe that visitors will expect the island to have a variety of recreational amenities to serve visitors of all ages, and we will work with the Authority to plan for such expectations.
Tagged: jekyll island, jekyll island authority, recreation