Golf revenue to cover most costs of new clubhouse at Bunker Hills

The $9 million clubhouse would be paid for with revenue generated by the golf course.

By MARIA ELENA BACA, Star Tribune

Last update: October 8, 2009 - 10:53 PM

A proposed new clubhouse at the Bunker Hills Golf Course may be a gimme, because most of the approximately $9 million to build it would come from golf-related revenues, and none from the city's tax levies.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Coon Rapids City Council instructed city staff to negotiate a contract with golf course architect Partners & Sirny, which already has completed feasibility studies and a conceptual site plan for the municipal course. The council plans to vote on the contract at its Oct. 20 meeting. So far, the project hasn't seen any opposition.

The expectation is that construction costs will be covered by revenues from golf and rental fees. Revenues from the course usually go into a special golf fund, which will be tapped to build the new clubhouse. Any gap would be covered by the city's existing facilities construction fund, said Coon Rapids City Manager Matt Fulton.

During about five years of discussion and planning, city officials looked at renovating the 36-year-old clubhouse, but the $3 million cost just to repair a leaky roof, address moisture and insulation troubles and fix structural problems still wouldn't add the amenities the city, users and operators believe the course needs.

"It's a first-class golf course, and I think everyone's in agreement that the clubhouse and the facilities up there are not," said Coon Rapids Mayor Tim Howe. He added that he hopes a new clubhouse will make the course even more of a draw and will become an amenity that will bring new residents and businesses to the city.

As proposed, the new building would be almost 7,000 square feet larger than the current one. The areas that will get the most additional space include the kitchen, banquet hall and utility space, out of a grand total of 37,593 square feet.

"We want to continue to provide the golf world an amenity that is recognized as the best," said Dick Tollette, Bunker Hills' master professional. "We want to stay at the forefront of the golfer's mind."

The 36-hole course is one of the most popular in the metro area, with 85,000 rounds played each year and 1,500 patron card holders.

The course has played host to the PGA's Coldwell Banker Burnet Senior Classic, now known as the 3M Championship, as well as the state high school championships and the Minnesota State Open.

"There's no one any busier," Tollette said. "We've hosted may local regional and national championships, including eight years of the senior tour, spreading the name of Coon Rapids around the world."

The new clubhouse will include a 400-seat ballroom with a deck that opens onto an amphitheater for outdoor weddings, as well as increased space for indoor golf activities.

Architects also are considering green building practices, including a geothermal heating system, LED lighting, certified building products and LEED certification.

If a contract is approved, operators hope to open the new clubhouse for the state high school tournament in June 2011.

Maria Elena Baca • 612-673-4409