The Tribune

A Princeton architectural firm yesterday said it has been selected to design the revival of Port St George, the $500m investment project proposed for Long Island.

The Bahamas’ newest eco-engineered luxury resort on Long Island. The Hilliers have been honored with over 350 design awards.

Studio Hillier, and its principals, J Robert and Barbara Hillier, will design an 882-acre luxury resort that covers two-and-a-quarter miles from Exuma Sound to the Atlantic Ocean. The project is billed as featuring a five-star hotel and 100-acre protected harbour, where 640 vessels can be moored, making it the largest such facility in The Bahamas.

They will be accompanied by a harbour village featuring retail shops, lodging, restaurants, condominiums and a range of services for the community. “Our goal with Port St George is to offer visitors and homeowners alike an environmentally and socially-conscious escape from hectic, modern-day life,” said Duane Gerenser, president of Star Resorts Inc.

“Long Island remains virtually untouched, and Port St George will serve as a non-invasive oasis from which to explore its natural wonders. In collaboration with Studio Hillier, we’re creating an environment that not only serves those who choose to visit Long Island, but also those who already call it home. The Studio Hillier plan now very successfully integrates the local community into the project by creating opportunities for sports, education and entrepreneurs.”

Port St George will incorporate a beach club and condominium units built on terraced terrain. A golf course, tennis courts and sporting fields will be built on the land between the harbour and the Atlantic ridge.

The harbour area will feature traditional Bahamian design influences, while the Atlantic side offers a cutting-edge modern look. A total of 515 residences are planned, comprising 500 condominiums and 15 luxury villas. Solar photovoltaic (PV) and high-tech battery storage systems, rainwater retention systems, refuse composting and geothermal air conditioning will also be used.

The Hilliers, in a release yesterday said they have designed Harbour Island in Tampa, Florida; the five million square foot Sprint World Headquarters in Kansas; The Irving Convention Centrein Texas; and New Jersey’s first planned unit development, Twin Rivers in East Windsor.

They have also designed the global world headquarters for Glaxo Smith Kline in London; Star City, a billion-dollar casino and theatre complex in Sydney, Australia; as well as buildings in 17 other countries. The duo have worked on projects in Antigua and Bermuda, including the conference centre at the Princess Hotel.

“Our plan is to make Port St George the most comfortable, desirable, aesthetically appealing and sustainable destination in The Bahamas. That is a tall order, but possible with the rapid advances in technology and a team dedicated to creating a seamless experience for guests. That is what a vacation should be,” said Bob Hillier.