In the historic district the origional clubhouse and croquet court are now part of the Jekyll Island Club Resort .
added and hotels began to spring up along the ocean side of the island . In 1968 the state initiated a major renovation of 34 buildings in what is now known as the Jekyll Island Historic District . The old clubhouse opened as a hotel in 1985 offering visitors the opportunity to vacation in the “ millionaires ’ retreat .”
Time took its toll and by the early 2000 ’ s the state park was showing its age and suffering from declining visitation . In 2008 the authority began a revitalization of the beaches and historic district , along with replacement of the convention center and several hotels . Utilizing a combination of public and private funds , new structures were constructed on footprints of original buildings in order that the island remain 35 % developed and 65 % natural .
We hadn ’ t visited Jekyll Island for over two decades until an October trip to explore the island and note its many changes . An attractive shopping , restaurant and hotel area is located beside the new $ 38 million convention center . Most pub-
52 January 2024 | Thomasville Scene