As part of the 2019 voter-approved General Obligation Bond, one of the improvement projects in the Parks, Open Space, Recreational and Cultural Facilities category was the revitalization of the Orangebrook Golf and Country Club. The project description included:
• 36 holes of golf to be renovated including an 18 hole championship course and an 18 hole Par 3 course, enhanced putting/chipping area, 9 illuminated holes for evening play, and driving range
• A new 15,000 sq. ft. multi-use clubhouse
• ADA accessible nature preserve path within course designed with wildlife habitat/biodiversity for walking, jogging, biking,
• Improved course drainage and water retention capacity
• New cart barn, maintenance building, course restrooms, starter shack and cart paths
• Parking lot and entryway signage.
These improvements were estimated to cost taxpayers $24.7 million. Subsequently, the city received an unsolicited proposal for the redevelopment of the 36-hole course. The unsolicited proposal was determined to be a qualifying project as required by the state public-private partnerships (P3) statute. The city’s real estate advisory firm, CBRE, marketed the opportunity and received 5 additional proposals. Through the evaluation process, two firms withdrew. There are currently 4 proposals being considered.
Each of the 4 proposals provides the improvements to the golf facilities included in the General Obligation Bond project description with the total proposed investment in the golf course and amenities ranging from $31 million to $41 million. Three of the firms propose funding these improvements without using any taxpayer dollars from the bond.
Each of the proposals maintains 36 holes of golf and other recreational uses on more than 90% of the approximately 260-acre site. Each proposal includes a resort hotel to support the golf course and three of the proposals include residential development ranging from 210 units to 811 units along Pembroke Road at the southern boundary of the property.
The applicants presented their proposals to the City Commission on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Applicants made a number of changes to their proposals at that meeting, so the Evaluation Committee met again on February 13th to make final rankings and recommendations. The item was presented to the Commission on March 1st where the City Commission authorized staff to negotiate with GCF Development & PPG Development. They ranked E2L second, followed by Ernie ELS Group. Green Lynx (Orangebrook Links, LLC) had withdrawn their application prior to the March 1st meeting.
Presentation to the City Commission on March 1, 2023
Evaluation Committee Final Rankings and Recommendations Meeting on February 13, 2023
Presentation by the Applicants to the City Commission on January 18, 2023
Evaluation Committee Final Rankings and Recommendations Meeting on December 19, 2022
Best and Final Offer (BAFO) Presentations on December 13, 2022
CBRE Presentation on November 15, 2022
CBRE Presentation on October 18, 2022