A Historic Gem Confronts Nature’s Fury

For over two centuries, The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, has been synonymous with unparalleled elegance and world-class hospitality. Established in 1778, this grand estate spans 11,000 pristine acres, offering a timeless escape for guests seeking luxurious accommodations, championship golf, and rejuvenating spa treatments. Its opulent interiors, designed by Dorothy Draper and later refreshed by Carleton Varney, exude a vibrant charm that captures the essence of American grandeur.

However, June 2016 brought an unforeseen and formidable adversary: Mother Nature. Torrential downpours unleashed widespread, catastrophic flooding across West Virginia, with Greenbrier County bearing a significant brunt of the devastation. The scale of the disaster was immense, claiming lives and destroying an estimated 800 homes and structures, leaving countless families without shelter or basic necessities. The Greenbrier, despite its own formidable stature, was not immune to the fury of the floodwaters.

Jim Justice: A Visionary Owner and Community Savior

The resort’s owner, Jim Justice – a prominent West Virginia native, successful businessman, and then the Democratic nominee for governor – quickly demonstrated leadership that transcended traditional hospitality. Recognizing the immense suffering of his neighbors, Justice made an extraordinary decision: he temporarily shuttered The Greenbrier to paying guests and opened its doors as a refuge for hundreds of local families displaced by the floods. For two weeks, The Greenbrier provided housing, food, and essential services to over 700 flood-affected residents, transforming itself from a luxury resort into a vital emergency shelter.

Justice, who acquired The Greenbrier in 2009, had already dedicated years to meticulously restoring the historic property to its former glory. His vision brought renewed vibrancy to the resort, enhancing its facilities and reaffirming its status as a premier destination. Yet, his response to the floods showcased a deeper commitment – a profound understanding of The Greenbrier’s role as an integral part of the community fabric. This act of altruism solidified his reputation not just as a successful entrepreneur, but as a compassionate leader deeply invested in the well-being of his state.

Assessing the Impact: Damage and Determination

While serving as a haven, The Greenbrier itself sustained significant damage. The resort’s state-of-the-art tennis building, a historic chapel, and the elegantly appointed spa – which had just undergone a meticulous refurbishment under the guidance of Carleton Varney – all suffered extensive flooding. The most widely reported impact, however, was on the legendary Old White TPC golf course. This championship course, famed for its challenging layout and rich history, was submerged and severely compromised by the floodwaters. The damage was so profound that it necessitated the cancellation of the Greenbrier Classic, a beloved annual stop on the PGA Tour, marking a significant setback for the resort and golf enthusiasts alike.

Despite these extensive damages, the resolve to rebuild was immediate and unwavering. With the target reopening date set for July 13, a mere two weeks after the disaster struck, The Greenbrier initiated an intensive and expedited restoration effort. This rapid response underscored not only the resort’s commitment to its facilities but also its critical role in revitalizing the local economy of White Sulphur Springs, which heavily relies on tourism.

The Greenbrier’s Enduring Secret: Project Greek Island

Adding another layer to The Greenbrier’s fascinating narrative is its extraordinary, once-secret emergency bunker. This colossal underground facility, codenamed “Project Greek Island,” was covertly constructed during the height of the Cold War. Spanning an astonishing 112,544 square feet, its purpose was to serve as a secure relocation site for the U.S. Congress and President in the event of a nuclear attack. For over thirty years, its existence remained one of America’s most closely guarded secrets, meticulously maintained by a dedicated team disguised as ordinary hotel employees.

The bunker’s historical significance extends beyond the Cold War era. During the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Vice President Dick Cheney was reportedly taken to The Greenbrier’s secure facility as a precautionary measure, highlighting its enduring readiness as a national security asset. Today, the declassified bunker offers enthralling tours, providing visitors with a unique and chilling glimpse into a pivotal period of American history and showcasing a truly exceptional facet of The Greenbrier’s multifaceted legacy.

Community Rallies: The “Neighbors Loving Neighbors” Fund

The spirit of giving and solidarity extended far beyond The Greenbrier’s immediate actions. In the wake of the devastating floods, a dedicated relief fund, aptly named “Neighbors Loving Neighbors,” was established by Greenbrier executives. Its primary mission was to provide crucial financial aid to local families who had lost their homes and personal belongings, assisting them with rebuilding and other essential housing needs.

The initiative quickly garnered support from across the nation. Notably, a philanthropic effort spearheaded by four prominent real estate agents from Allie Beth Allman & Associates in Dallas showcased remarkable generosity. Allie Beth Allman herself, alongside Kyle Crews, Doris Jacobs, and Juli Harrison, contributed significant donations to the fund, recognizing the urgent need for assistance in West Virginia. Their commitment to helping families reconstruct their lives became a powerful testament to the widespread compassion for the flood victims.

The “Neighbors Loving Neighbors” fund was soon opened to a broader public, inviting anyone who wished to contribute to the recovery efforts for West Virginia. This collective call to action fostered a strong sense of unity, transcending geographical boundaries to aid a community in profound distress.

Kyle Crews, speaking on behalf of the Dallas agents, eloquently expressed their motivation: “Please join us in donating to this emergency fund, with all proceeds going directly to these families. This time last year, we had the immense pleasure of traveling together as guests of Mr. Jim Justice for a truly wonderful weekend at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Now, it’s our turn to give back to a community that has shown us such incredible hospitality.” His heartfelt appeal resonated deeply with many who cherished their memories at The Greenbrier.

How to Contribute to “Neighbors Loving Neighbors”:

Your generous contribution can make a tangible difference in the lives of West Virginia flood victims. Here’s how you can help:

• Donations by Check:

  Payable to: “Neighbors Loving Neighbors”
  Mailing Address: Rhema Christian Center, 3584 Davis Stuart Road, Lewisburg, WV 24901

• Donations Online:

  Please Visit: www.therhemalife.com

• Donations by Phone (Text):

  Please Text: 501.697.4362 with the amount you wish to donate & the word “neighbor”

Kyle Crews further underscored the sincerity and urgency of their appeal: “Jim Justice is not aware we are sharing this with the residents of Dallas and those who visited The Greenbrier last year, but we are certain he will be most grateful for any assistance his friends from Dallas can send to his friends and associates in White Sulphur Springs and surrounding communities. We thank you in advance for your support.” This statement highlighted the spontaneous and heartfelt nature of the Dallas community’s outreach, driven by personal connections and a shared sense of humanity.

The Reopening: A Call to Action and a Path Forward

On July 13, 2016, The Greenbrier triumphantly reopened its doors, marking a significant milestone in the region’s recovery journey. While the resort was ready to welcome guests back, the extensive restoration work meant a phased return to full operation. Initially, only one of its five renowned golf courses, the Greenbrier Course, was open, with the beloved Old White TPC still undergoing comprehensive repairs to return it to its championship condition.

Owner and CEO Jim Justice issued a passionate and heartfelt plea to visitors and former guests: “Come, you can help so many and touch so many lives, it’s unbelievable. If you really want to help, come.” His message was clear and direct: by visiting The Greenbrier, guests would not only experience its legendary hospitality but also directly contribute to the economic revitalization of the entire region, providing much-needed paychecks to employees and supporting local businesses. Justice’s candid admission, “We want you to come, but we want you to know that we are scarred. We are damaged. We are repairing. We will be back,” resonated deeply, embodying the collective resilience of West Virginia.

There is an unwavering certainty that Jim Justice and his dedicated team will fully restore The Greenbrier to its legendary status, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come. The resort’s reopening was more than just a business decision; it was a powerful act of community healing and a reaffirmation of the enduring spirit of excellence and perseverance in the face of adversity. The story of The Greenbrier, post-2016 floods, stands as an inspiring narrative of hospitality, philanthropy, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.

“Come, you can help so many and touch so many lives, it’s unbelievable. If you really want to help, come,” said Justice. “We want you to come, but we want you to know that we are scarred. We are damaged. We are repairing. We will be back.”