Westin Hotel Project on Jekyll Island Moving Forward

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga.—The Westin Jekyll Island will now move forward, thanks in part to the Jekyll Island Tourism Development Fund.

The Jekyll Island Authority board voted on Monday to approve the several enabling agreements, including tapping for the first time the new Jekyll Island Tourism Development Fund. The fund was established in September to promote tourism product development on the island. The commitment of funds to The Westin Jekyll Island enabled the developer to secure final bank financing for the $40 million hotel.

“Today, we are pleased to announce that Jekyll Island’s revitalization is on track,” said Bob Krueger, chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority, in an announcement. “The beachfront Westin will play a significant role in attracting businesses and leisure guests from across the country to Jekyll Island and the coast of Georgia.”

Construction of new hotel space is essential to the Jekyll Island revitalization project known as Beach Village. The mixed-use, public Beach Village plan includes the new, 128,000-square-foot Jekyll Island Convention Center, which opened spring 2012, along with adjacent hotels, a variety of retail shops, restaurants, and park space along a beachfront promenade.

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The construction cost of the property will create a one-time economic benefit estimated at $47 million for the State of Georgia, with $37 million of that benefit going to the local Glynn County economy. Once complete, ongoing operations of the new hotel will generate $40 million annually to the state, with $33 million annually accruing to Glynn County.

The 200-room hotel will feature both meeting and banquet facilities alongside a full suite of Westin’s signature amenities and services. It will include a full-service restaurant and the brand’s signature WestinWORKOUT gym experience.

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