Monarch at Sea Pines Plantation set the standard that shaped the entire timeshare industry and it remains one of the most awarded time-share resorts in the world.
In 1986, Monarch received White House recognition when it won the Grand Nurseryman’s Award, presented by First Lady Nancy Reagan on behalf of The American Association of Nurserymen. In 1987, Monarch won the Golden Palmetto Award from the Town of Hilton Head Island Planning Commission”...for excellence in planning, design and construction, recognizing a significant contribution to the equality of life in our community.” In 1990, Monarch was selected by ARRDA (The American Resort and Residential Development Association) as Timeshare Resort of the Year, providing what ARRDA officials refer to as the best in an overall resort experience.”
Monarch’s many other awards are a litany of praise from every sector.
- National Association of Home Builders’ Grand Award
- American Land Developer’s Association Grand Award
- National Landscaping Contractors’ Association Improvement Award
- American Society of Interior Designers Achievement Award
- Resort International Distinction: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988
- Resorts Condominiums International: Excellence in Service Award: 1985,1986,1987,1988
- Grand Nurseryman’s Award
- Golden Palmetto Award
- American Resort and Residential Development Association: 1990 Timeshare Resort of the Year
Resort of the Year
- Monarch was Marriott’s entry project into the timeshare industry and the property is now known as Monarch at Sea Pines by Marriott Vacations Club International.
A look back while looking ahead.
The history of McMullen Development begins in 1977 when Ed McMullen, Sr., founded the American Resorts Group.
American Resorts’ first timeshare project was located in Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. A total of five timeshare projects were developed by America Resorts on Hilton Head until The American Resorts Group merged with Marriott Corporation in 1984 to form Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc., bringing the first international hospitality company into the vacation ownership business.
From 1984 to 1991, Ed McMullen Sr., served as Executive Vice President of Marriott (MORI) and was responsible for strategic planning, product development, marketing, and sales. During this time, MORI developed resorts in the U.S., the Bahamas, and Spain, and became the world's leader in vacation ownership sales. MORI's (now Marriott Vacation Worldwide Corporation) leadership position continues today with vacation ownership and private residence clubs. Annual sales exceed $1.75 billion today.
In 1992 Ed McMullen Sr., Ed McMullen Jr., and Malcolm McMullen, reconstituted the family development business and teamed up with the Mariner Group to form Grand Vacations Company. Grand Vacations was approached shortly thereafter by Hilton Hotels to form Hilton Grand Vacations Company, a 50/50 joint venture with Hilton Hotels Corporation.
From 1992 to 1996, Ed McMullen Sr., served as a Managing Director of Hilton Grand Vacations Company (HGVC). Ed McMullen Jr., was an Equity Partner and Director of Sales and Marketing for Hilton Grand Vacations Company. Malcolm McMullen was also an Equity Partner and held many executive positions within HGVC and was responsible for sales reporting, sales systems, contract administration, consumer finance, project budgeting, legal registration and compliance, and feasibility planning and analysis of the future developments.
The McMullens sold their interest in HGVC to Hilton Hotels Corp. in June 1996 after developing fourteen resorts.
In 1997 the McMullens created E.H. McMullen and Associates and formed a 50/50 partnership with Shell Vacations LLC. Ed McMullen Sr. was the Managing Director, Ed McMullen Jr., was an Equity Partner and Regional Director and Malcolm McMullen was an Equity Partner and held various senior executive positions. Shell developed mixed-use resorts in Hawaii, California, Arizona, and Canada and E.H. McMullen and Associates sold its interest in August 2000.
From 2001- 2004, E.H. McMullen and Associates, was engaged by the Ginn companies to aid in their marketing and sales planning efforts including the design creation of Fractional and Timeshare Club products to be developed within their master planned communities.
Since late 2009 through 2015, E.H. McMullen & Associates has been rebranded as McMullen Development focusing on three products including (1) Mixed Use Resort Lifestyle Real Estate (2) Fractional, Private Residence Club and Vacation Ownership Projects (3) Active Adult Lifestyle Retirement Communities and Intergenerational University Affiliated Retirement Communities to be developed under Wisdom Ventures, LLC, a McMullen subsidiary.