Barring any unanticipated snags, Brown Golf Management [BGM] is positioned to purchase Foxfire Resort & Golf in late October.
BGM is an acquisition and management consulting firm based in Bluffton, SC; their representative, Stephen Johnson, met with the Foxfire Village Council during a Work Session held on Thursday, September 6.
“We are well-entrenched in the process; and, unless something catastrophic occurs, we’ll be here,” he said. “We are here to create assets, not problems. We hope to be neighbors and partners.”
Temporary maintenance facility requested
One part of the golf course property that was not included in the purchase price or proposed agreement with BGM is the existing golf course maintenance area, which is owned by a third party and was not involved in the club’s bankruptcy proceedings.
Johnson said BGM assessed that property, as part of their environmental due diligence studies, and determined the firm was not interested in purchasing or leasing that parcel.
“We felt there were things we didn’t want to get into," Johnson explained. "There is too much rehab needed to bring it up to current standards and to make the maintenance area efficient. We don’t think, moving forward, that it would be a good business decision. It is in a bad location, and the facility is not sufficient.”
Instead, BGM intends to build a new state-of-the art maintenance facility within the confines of the current course. But, first, they are seeking Foxfire Council’s permission to erect a temporary facility on a lower level parking area near the clubhouse.
Johnson said the two lower levels lots are infrequently used and are buffered by a stand of bamboo. In addition, the parking lots would be further camouflaged behind a six to eight foot chain link fence covered with screening material.
Johnson said BGM would place a few temporary sheds on the lots, including a self-contained chemical building and sheds for tool storage and a mechanic shop. A temporary, self-contained fuel tank would also be placed on the lot.
He estimated the temporary facility would be needed within days of closing, since the old facility would not be used by BGM at all. The temporary site would remain in use for two to three years, after which BGM will clean and restore the parking lots.
“We don’t foresee any problems, but we want some elasticity," Johnson said. "If we can get it [the new facility] done in twelve months, we’ll do it in twelve. It is in our best interest to get it done. We don’t want to disrupt operations. We want to start improving the course immediately; and it will take a lot of work, time, and equipment.”
New golf maintenance area planned
Turning attention to the proposed new facility, Johnson said BGM has identified three potential sites -- but have their eye on one preferred location that is centrally located near the clubhouse but also provides good vehicle access and will not detract from the course or nearby residential areas.
“We don’t use the term ‘maintenance barns,’ because these are places where sophisticated work goes on," he said. "Our plan and hope is to build a new and state-of-art facility within the current course . . . We will give you a facility that will enhance our asset and your asset -- your home."
Johnson said the new facility would include a 5,000 to 7,500 square foot building, a self-contained detached chemical building, covered storage for vehicles, and an outdoor area for rock and gravel, plus a dumpster for golf course debris.
Johnson explained the buildings will be constructed in an attractive manner and carefully sited to minimize site lines on the course or to create any negative impact to nearby homes.
“It would not be wise for us to come in and do something reckless to our property or to something that is yours,” he said.
“We think it is not only passion that we bring -- but the experience and the resources we have are something you have not seen before at this level,” Johnson said. “I know you’ve had song and dances before, but this one is for real. This is long term.”
“I can promise you the financial resources are there. I’m excited to be here. I love to get into a project, and take it, and have you within a month say: ‘Wow!’ And I promise, you will!”
Council agrees to proceed
Noting that the BGM request is in fact two-pronged, Mayor George Erickson said each must be considered independently.
“I would like to see the temporary facility crystallized with drawings and have the Appearance Committee take a look, so they understand what this group will do with it,” he said. “The permanent facility will be a much more heavily-involved process.”
Finance Director Leslie Frusco agreed.
“We must do more due diligence with the permanent structure," she said. "We will need to go to Planning & Zoning with those plans.”
“I don’t have a problem with a temporary facility," Frusco said. "I believe they are trying to be good partners. We haven’t had that kind of relationship with owners of the golf course in a long time, and a good course will only enhance Foxfire and the marketability of our community.”
In addition, she noted that, with BGM not leasing the old maintenance facility, the Council will have a less encumbered opportunity to address ongoing issues with the current owner of that property.
