3 minute read
a clubhouse reimagined
BY KAREN MILLER PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANSANA DESIGN
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In 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 brand focused 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 eff orts 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, Th e 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 fi ne 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, Th e Amelia Island Club offers its members and guests the elegance of the newly renovated Ocean Clubhouse and fairway tradition of the Long Point Clubhouse, which is located at the south end of the Omni Amelia Island Resort.
“Milestones and memories, social and business endeavors all are catered to with exceptional attention,” states Bilger-Manken. “Full-service catering manages the details of any event from an intimate family gathering to a large-scale business conference the consummate setting, custom menu options and flawless service of Th e Amelia Island Club enhance the charm and beauty of our members’ celebrations!”
One of the things that sets The Amelia Island Club apart from the rest is their extended family membership, which represents collectively, grandparents, parents, adult children, and grandchildren of an equity member or his or her spouse, and their respective spouses. Th is makes it easy for families to enjoy fun and relaxing vacations together.
“Words alone can’t describe the beauty and serenity of our new Ocean Clubhouse,” says Matts. “The way our designer brought Amelia Island’s ambience into these spaces is magical.”
For more information about the club, please call Donna Bilger-Manken at (904) 277-5933, email bilger.donna@ ameliaislandclub.com, or visit www. ameliaislandclub.com.
