The Reading Country Club and Restaurant

Transcription

1 The Reading Country Club and Restaurant A Report by the Subcommittee of the Strategic Planner Steering Committee on the Reading Country Club and Restaurant

2 The Reading Country Club and Restaurant, A brief History Originally the club purchased 237 acres of land, consisting of two farms and four additional tracts of land in Exeter Township. The golf course, consisting of nine holes, was laid out by renowned architect, Alexander Findlay, and opened in A second nine opened for play in The present clubhouse was completed in In 1937, Byron Nelson was hired as the club's golf professional. He arrived at Reading Country Club in 1937 right after winning the Masters. In 1940, Henry Clay Poe followed Nelson as the professional at RCC. Poe served RCC for 23 years and left the RCC in early 1966 While working in Alabama Poe was elected president of the PGA of America for 1975 and 1976

3 The Reading Country Club and Restaurant A brief History During the history of the club, ownership has changed hands quite a few times. In 1944, 20 businessmen bought the club. The club was sold again in 1969 to three men from Philadelphia who were members of The Springhaven Club, Judge Francis J. Catania, John Bosacco and Dale Reese They sold the 142 acres that comprised the clubhouse and golf course to the Filippini family in In 1987 Mimi Filippini sold two-thirds of the club to golf professionals, Robert Thatcher and Joseph Dahl. In 1990 Mr. Filippini sold his remaining one-third to Allentown businessman Larry Beans. In November of 1999 Mr. Beans acquired Mr. Dahl's and Mr. Thatcher's interests in the club.

4 The Reading Country Club and Restaurant A brief History Exeter Township completed its purchase of the golf course in January 2006 and is now open to the public, providing excellent golfing, dining and banquet facilities, and event space to the region. The iconic symbol of the Reading Country Club's rich legacy is its Castle-style Clubhouse.

5 Ken Smith Chair Adrienne Hays Gary Burnisky Jim Wanser Shannon Rossman

6 It is the belief of the entire committee that Most of the Exeter Township Residents view the Reading Country Club and Restaurant as a unique and valuable resource of the Township that can not be duplicated anywhere else in the township. To this end the committee has reviewed options that will keep the Golf Course and the Clubhouse, as valuable open green space, and as a Dining alternative to the many other choices in Exeter Township.

7 In order to accomplish this we looked to: 1. Keep open space while maximizing potential for a positive revenue stream, employment and overall use of the facility.

8 In order to accomplish this we looked to: 1. Keep open space while maximizing potential for a positive revenue stream, employment and overall use of the facility. 2. Our ultimate goal is to turn the RCC into a Resort allowing for either a gathering place, or a destination, that is managed like a valuable asset rather than an obligation to the taxpayers.

9 In order to accomplish this we looked to: 1. Keep open space while maximizing potential for a positive revenue stream, employment and overall use of the facility. 2. Our ultimate goal is to turn the RCC into a Resort allowing for either a gathering place, or a destination, that is managed like a valuable asset rather than an obligation to the taxpayers. 3. Raise the property value of the complex with a potential to return the property to private ownership.

10 In order to accomplish this we looked to: 1. Keep open space while maximizing potential for a positive revenue stream, employment and overall use of the facility. 2. Our ultimate goal is to turn the RCC into a Resort allowing for either a gathering place, or a destination, that is managed like a valuable asset rather than an obligation to the taxpayers 3. Raise the property value of the complex with a potential to return the property to private ownership. 4. Create additional access to the complex

11 Our Recommendation Re-Purpose the Driving Range

12 Our Recommendation Re-Purpose the Driving Range The Driving Range consists of approximately 4.75 acres of useable space but consists of a total of approximately 6 acres if measured from the net to the parking lot.

13 Our Recommendation Re-Purpose the Driving Range The Driving Range consists of approximately 4.75 acres of useable space but consists of a total of approximately 6 acres if measured from the net to the parking lot. In looking at this space it was our belief that we should avoid any residential or commercial use other than what is directly related to the enhancement of, the golf course, (which should remain at 18 holes), and the clubhouse usage.

14 Our Recommendation Re-Purpose the Driving Range As a committee we recommend this space be made available for an Up-Scale Hotel. This will Satisfy the need for a hotel within the township, the possibility of a Car Rental Desk, Spa, and High-end Restaurant to compliment the Golf Course and Clubhouse operations. It will also provide a unique destination within the township for gatherings, business meetings, and a beautiful place to stay for all.

15 Our Recommendation Re-Purpose the Driving Range As a committee we recommend this space be made available for an Up-Scale Hotel. We all agreed that: The architecture will mirror or complement the existing RCC structure, and require the addition of an additional access road to the complex. Appraisal of the property as it currently exists should be done. Potential for property value increase after development may also be explored. Create a punch list for any prospective developer to simplify the zoning and construction in order to attract as many bidders as possible This should be actionable in the very near future with no undue delay. Architecture and distance from any neighbors will prevent most complaints during and after construction

16 Thank You