May 21--The Jekyll Island Authority broke ground on the widely anticipated Westin hotel Monday, exactly one year after it opened the new convention center to the public.

The Westin is the next major piece of Jekyll's revitalization.

Jekyll officials hope the $41 million 200-room hotel will provide the visitation boost needed to bring in larger conventions, some of which have bypassed the island because of its lack of facilities.

Expected to open in September 2014, the Westin will be the second hotel built on the island in 40 years.

"It has been difficult," said Jones Hooks, executive director of the Jekyll Island Authority. "It was been difficult during some tough economic times that really hit the hospitality industry."

The hotel hit a roadblock last September when Gov. Nathan Deal announced it would not qualify for a new tourism tax credit, which the hotel was counting on initially.

The hotel is now back on track.

Also planned are a 120-room limited service Hyatt Place hotel and a smaller suites lodging facility.

Jekyll officials hope that combining the hotels with a Beach Village retail complex will create a town center feel.

"The Westin Jekyll Island will be a catalyst that allows the Jekyll Island revitalization to realize its full potential," Hooks said.

Construction on the retail center has been on hold because a provision in the authority's loan to self develop requires ground to be broken on the Westin before the retail complex can be built.

"The Westin Jekyll Island is pivotal to the entire Beach Village development," said Dave Curtis, managing partner of Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel, LLC that is developing the hotel. "It's the perfect complement to the wonderful new convention center and the island's relaxed and gracious ambiance."

A bid could be presented to the authority board as early as its June meeting.

"We're tee'd up and ready to roll on that," Hooks said.

Construction is expected to generate 365 jobs and a one-time economic benefit estimated of $47 million to the state, with $37 million of that going to the local Glynn County economy.

Ongoing operations of the new hotel will generate $40 million annually to the state, with $33 million annually accruing to Glynn County.

The hotel, the land of which will be owned by the authority and leased to operator Newcastle Hotels and Resort, will give more Georgians a chance to experience what is known as "Georgia's Jewel," said board chairman Richard Royal.

"This development project is the perfect example of a public-private partnership that will allow countless visitors to have the Jekyll experience," Royal said.

Bart Gobeil, chief operating officer for the office of Gov. Nathan Deal, called the project a "tremendous state effort."

A number of state officials attending the groundbreaking, including Sen. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler, and Rep. Joe Wilkinson, R-Atlanta.

-- Reporter Nikki Wiley writes about government, business and other local topics. Contact her at [email protected], on Facebook or at 265-8320, ext. 321.

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