MAGGIE VALLEY, N.C. – Maggie Valley Club is in the midst of a comprehensive renovation that will elevate the facility to premier status in Western North Carolina.
When work is complete next summer, the "new" Maggie Valley Club will spring to life with an elegantly remodeled clubhouse, upgraded golf course, new food & beverage services, multiple condominium and townhouse options, swimming pool, tennis complex, and some of the most desirable home sites in Haywood County.
Next summer’s grand reopening culminates seven years of work that began in 2000 with upgrades to the golf course and the first phase of luxury golf condominiums. Overall, it’s been a significant undertaking for a property that had experienced little change since opening in 1962.
"The renaissance is coming to fruition," said partner Mike Toohey. "The clubhouse is nearly complete and we’re about to break ground on the swimming center. Also, we’re getting tremendously positive feedback on the improvements to the golf course."
The vision for the new Maggie Valley Club is to become a quality, upscale residential community with resort options for guests and golf opportunities for non-residents.
"What we’re doing is building an upscale community with club amenities," said partner Ray Hobby. "It’s going to be for the entire region, as well as for development aspirations. There’s a resurgence of development in the area and we’re trying to be the best of the best."
Hobby and Toohey have committed to upgrading the club in the following ways:
– More than $1 million has been allocated to the golf course. In addition to the new irrigation system, several low-lying areas have received drainage work, new tee boxes have been built, a few holes have been redesigned and several bunkers have been added or revamped.
– A total of $6 million in renovations to the clubhouse. When complete next spring, it will have 18,000 square feet of amenities for members and visitors, including a fitness center, banquet facilities, outdoor dining, and a new, detached golf shop.
– A master-planned community of condos, townhouses and choice home sites. Owners have the option of living here year ’round, or including their property in the resort rental pool.
"We’re extremely excited about Western North Carolina as a destination because all there is to do here," said Toohey. "We have great golf, but also skiing, hiking, rafting and the cultural activities in and around Asheville. There’s no shortage of things to see and do."
The focal point of the renaissance thus far has been the course-side condominiums. Work was completed on the first 44 units in 2002 and they quickly sold out. Based on that success, the partners decided to expand the real estate offerings at Maggie Valley Club.
"We saw there was a significant demand for condominiums as well as single-family options, so we spent the last three years acquiring real estate to continue development without encroaching on the golf course," said Hobby. "Once we got that in place, we started the major renovation of the clubhouse, golf shop, fitness center and our overall operation."
The first phase of home sites went on the market earlier this year and already half have been sold. Home sites range from $200,000 to $750,000, while condos and townhouses range from $290,000 to $500,000.
Another significant aspect of the renaissance was hiring Pinehurst-based Signet Golf Associates to manage the club. Signet has a solid reputation in the golf management industry and brings a variety of expertise to Maggie Valley Club.
"Signet was a really good fit. They are hands-on operators and we meshed well," said Toohey. "They run high-quality clubs in a variety of settings, and we felt they understood our operation well. We’re excited about the relationship."
Signet has made customer service a priority, in addition to promoting membership sales, stay-and-play packages, and general golf options for area residents.
"We are definitely focused on elevating the customer service at Maggie Valley so it will match the quality of the clubhouse renovation and the golf course renovation," Embler said.
Every detail at Maggie Valley Club, from landscaping to signage to the clubhouse architecture, has been carefully scrutinized. The goal is to unveil next year a product that is unsurpassed in the region.
"We want to have a club that conveys a sense of quality, that is aesthetic and blends with our terrific mountain scenery," said Toohey. "We’re making a major investment on our part and have a strong group of initial buyers who are excited about the commitment we’ve made."
For information on the new Maggie Valley Club, call (866) 659-4725 or visit online at: www.maggievalleyclub.com.
Contact:
Craig Distl
(704) 377-8622
cdistl@bellsouth.net
