What's New at Melrose and the Daufuskie Island Resort?

The following report was written by a, Melrose homeowner and POA Board member. All names have been removed from this report to keep them confidential. This is to let you know that the board members are working diligently with the owners of Melrose, the Inn, and the Club to get everything up and running as quickly as possible for all homeowners, club members and guests.

John Doe  and I met with several other board members and island business executives, and three or four others from Pelorus Group (The current owners of the Daufuskie Island Resort) for about an hour on Saturday afternoon. I asked them to tell us about their progress, plans, and schedules with information that we could pass on to other property owners. The following are my notes.
 
·        There will be a soft opening of the Beach Club on Memorial Day weekend. There will be tours, information, and food provided to the public, and a separate area set aside for members. There is water in the pools, the new logo on the bottom of the large pool, and much construction underway.
·        Following the meeting, Pelorus took John and me on a Beach Club tour. While there is a lot of work remaining, both John and I were impressed with the changes that have been made and those described to be made. It will definitely be “high end” in terms of facilities and décor. The old fitness center will be a spa, and the fitness center will be where the children area used to be. Gazebo, fire pit, indoor and outdoor food, and special facilities for members will be in place according to Pelorus.
·        Pelorus hopes to complete Jack's within 60 days of Beach Club completion. The porch roof at Jacks should be completed next week. The main roof and new A/C are complete. The plan is for a “full service” restaurant, the pro shop, a special area for women, outdoor movies at night, etc.
·        Pelorus contracted with a law firm in Florida to work on a membership plan. Also, Colleen Edwards is a new hire to be the member coordinator. We were assured that there would be discussion and an opportunity of members to provide feedback on the plan. During our discussion we were also assured that existing members “will be very happy” with the plan. They hope to complete this process within 30 days. Members will have pool and equestrian center access.
·        Mark Edwards, whom we met following the meeting, has been hired as the food and beverage director.
·        They received the state permit for the sea wall repair this past Tuesday and are now ordering materials. They hope to begin repair of 720 feet within two to four weeks.
·        Pelorus entered into a transportation LLC (that includes Bloody Point) and will provide service starting in mid-July between Daufuskie, Savannah, and Hilton Head. The LLC is called GSM (for Georgia, South Carolina Maritime).
·        They have two Chevy Suburban’s to bring golfers and other visitors to Melrose.
·        They hope to clear the large brush piles (at the Inn and by the existing pro shop) soon. John offered to work with them in securing the most reasonable contractor.
·        The plan is to allow only electric carts and bikes on the ocean side road along the beach. In fact, they prefer to allow only electric carts and needed service vehicles inside Melrose.
·        They plan to use a “swipe card” system for access to Melrose, the pool, restaurants, etc.
·        The general store will be at the cottages behind the Island House.
·        They said that significant clean-up progress had been made at Melrose landing.
·        In prior discussions, Pelorus indicated that the Inn construction would be a year or two in the future. Our group discussed wanting to get started by the end of summer.

Remember that none of the above is guaranteed and is all dependent on funding that becomes available from the lending institutions. It is simply to offer you a glimpse into the progress that has been made and the hopes for a very bright future for Melrose.