HELEN — Those who want to spend some time in the lap of luxury soon will have to go no farther than Helen.
That's because construction is about to begin on Valhalla Resort Hotel at Innsbruck, a project of Jerry and Gayle Murdock.
Ground was broken last week on the 25-room boutique hotel, named for the mythological heaven of the Nordic Warriors.
"What an exciting day to be here in Helen and Innsbruck for this occasion to kick off the opening of Valhalla Resort Hotel," said Helen Mayor Fred Garmon. "It's going to be a great addition to this town."
The all-king suites at Valhalla Resort Hotel will feature luxury bedding, fireplace, sitting area, spa bath and private balcony with mountain views.
For those seeking a venue for special occasions and events, an exclusive VIP suite will be available, as well as a conference/wine room for private dinners and meetings. Pet-friend rooms also may be reserved.
"We are glad to see this happening," said Helen City Manager Jerry Elkins. "This is our second groundbreaking for a hotel in the past year, and we hope to have one more before this year is over. That's a good indication of what these types of services bring to the city. Not only will their motels provide revenue for them, provide revenue for Innsbruck, but all of the businesses in Helen.
"It's a proud day for Helen," Elkins said. "You hear so many rumors that the city of Helen is dying. I have seen no evidence of that. The city is growing and doing good, and it's because of people that make investments in the city, and we appreciate it."
The hotel's main level will feature an upscale restaurant featuring fine dining, as well as a lobby bar. Hotel amenities will include valet parking, 24-hour room service, and a gallery/gift shop.
"We're going to start out with 25 suites, and we'll have one Presidential Suite," Murdock said.
The focal point of the observation lounge on the fourth floor will be the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, said developer Jerry Murdock.
"The good news is we're building this thing without any debt," Murdock said. "We're just going to see it grow. Phase 1 is what we're here today about. Phase 2, with everybody's preparations, will be a line of bungalows around the bottom, and that brings more suites."
There also will be a pool, hot tub, spa, gym and steam room. Golf, tennis and a pickle ball court will provide additional outdoor recreation activities.
"We didn't want to be a 'me, too' here," Murdock said. "We've got a lot of wonderful hotels and motels here, and we wanted to be something different. We felt that there was a void here. The nearest resort would be Highlands -- the Old Edwards Inn -- and over in Barnsley Gardens, two hours the other way."
Valhalla Resort Hotel was designed by architect George R. Hlavenka, with interior design coordinated by Gayle Murdock, American Society of Interior Designers.
Initial discussions about the hotel began in 2015, Murdock said.
"We wanted something that was unique and special, and with this resort working with the Innsbruck Golf Club, which really merges in to become one, we've got something unique here with a five-star restaurant and a five-star hotel with heliports and pick-up service at the local airports," Murdock said. "With all the wonderful amenities that this country has here, especially the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia — it's probably one of the most wonderful places that I've ever been — and I would tell you that I think it would complement the area that we're in, and hope it will bring prosperity and good luck to the community."
Carroll Daniel Construction is the contractor, with Trent Brown serving as project manager.
Engineers include: Sopan Chaudhari — structural. Mark Minnick — mechanical, and James D. Irvin — civil/site engineer.
Club memberships for all amenities and golf packages will be offered by the hotel to the local community.
"The enthusiasm that we have from our Innsbruck community, the city, the county has been really helpful," Murdock said. "We want it to continue after we get this thing built. I'm sure all of you will want to come here and enjoy it. We're going to have a Valhalla Club. That club will be open to everyone who wants to join. There will be special amenities you will get and certain discounts."
The hotel, gift shop and restaurant will be open seven days a week.
"We're going to advertise this thing in national magazines," Murdock said. "We're going to become a Southern Living hotel. Officially it is a resort hotel."
White County Commissioner Terry Goodger said the development is good for Helen, White County and the area as a whole.
"I certainly appreciate Jerry and Gayle for their vision and their investment in the county," Goodger said. "It certainly adds a lot of value to our tourist industry, and we expect great things from this."
Murdock thanked both Jeff Ash and Mully Ash for their families' support of the project.
"Jeff has already arranged for us to put the wilderness trail on his lots around here because people come here who want to get up in the morning and go for a walk before breakfast," Murdock said.
The Murdocks are enthusiastic about the success of their project.
"We're going to be here a long time, and it's going to be fun," Murdock said.
Valhalla Resort Hotel will be located at 688 Bahn Innsbruck, Helen, and is set to open June 2017.
For more information, visit ValhallaResortHotel.com.
