VACATIONmode Winter 2020 | Page 6

GRAND SEAS REOPENING The storm’s large wind field resulted in strong winds across the entire state - the strongest reported sustained wind speed was 112 mph while the highest observed wind gust was 142 mph. Over 7.7 million homes and businesses were without power at some point – approximately 73.33% of electrical customers in the state. It was estimated that the cyclone caused at least $50 billion in damage, making Irma the costliest hurricane in Florida history, surpassing Hurricane Andrew. Immediately following the storm, remediation work began to understand the scope of damages to Grand Seas resort which were extensive to both the exterior and interiors. It was over the months that followed the storm when it was discovered - as is the case with many older properties - that significant structural damage, previously undetected, was also present. Through a diligent and unwavering commitment to work through all assessment issues, what then followed over the course of a two year period was a major reconstruction of the resort’s ocean facing exterior along with interior foundational repairs. This included the replacement of all ocean facing unit windows which were damaged by the storm along with replacement of all unit interior hard and soft goods which suffered extensive water damage. 6 WINTER 2020 | VACATIONmode