I
a clubhouse
reimagined Despite a year-long remake and a global pandemic, The Amelia Island Club’s renovated Ocean Clubhouse is flourishing, thanks to a creative staff and a close-knit community.
BY KAREN MILLER PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANSANA DESIGN
43 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •
n 2018, The Amelia Island Club closed the doors of its Ocean Clubhouse building for a full-scale renovation. ELM Architecture of Jacksonville and Ansana Design of Winter Park were chosen for the renovations, each selected for their brandfocused hospitality and commercial environments and their strong dynamic architectural presence. It took about a year to complete the project, and the new Ocean Clubhouse was ready to set sail. Until, that is, a global pandemic shut down the world. But unlike many businesses that suffered throughout 2020, the Ocean Clubhouse flourished, and much of their success was due to their creative staff, who figured out how to safely maintain their membership and facilities. “We followed the State of Florida’s and CDC’s guidelines,” says Membership Director Donna Bilger-Manken. “The golf course was kept open, and our pro shop set up outdoors. We saw a huge resurgence in golfers, in fact, in all outdoor activities at the club. And as we were able to open the Ocean Clubhouse again, our membership increased!” Bilger-Manken, along with Communications Director Elaine Matts, General Manager Dave Shepler, and Club President Jim Sweet, began working on innovative ways to keep the Club going strong. “Due to our efforts to keep our staff employed, we were able to attract local and highly talented chefs, such as Executive Chef Sean Woods and Executive Sous Chef Rick Laughlin to lead our culinary team,” says Matts. “We hired other local employees who had been furloughed from their jobs, too.” The Club’s new centrally located from-scratch kitchen allowed for better expedition of all their dining areas, such as the Ocean 5 Dining Room, The Waves Dining Room, and the Atlantic Room Ballroom. A second kitchen on their first-floor services the Driftwood Restaurant and outdoor poolside dining. But The Amelia Island Club isn’t just about fine food; it’s about community and the activities that are important to its members. “We have a good vibe here,” says Bilger-Manken. “We have so much going on, like family cookouts, musical events, wine tastings, and ongoing educational programs. “And beyond the actual clubhouses, our members enjoy all the Omni Amelia Island Resort amenities, including the golf course, pools, fitness center, and tennis courts. We offer full service at the beach, and special activities for children, too. And all of our operations are carried out with the safety of our guests and staff being our biggest priority.” For special events like weddings, family reunions and the like, The Amelia Island Club offers its members and guests the continued on next page
MAY 2021
www.AmeliaIslander.com
