By Design - Spring 2020

25 that, says Richardson, will help pay for the capital investment needed in the golf course to turn it into something different. Without the housing, he says, no one is going to spend $9 million making these improvements. For those existing homeowners who will lose their golf frontage because of the reconfigured design, the homebuilder will create enhanced landscape buffers and trails. For any of these plans to come to fruition, it will take time. Right now Richardson and the rest of the development team are answering questions from community residents. Homeowners will have to vote to change the deed restrictions in place, which would allow the new homes to be constructed. If that happens, then the process moves to the city for rezoning meetings and hearings with the city council and planning commission. Even if every single step proceeded with a ‘Yes’ vote, the new golf course facilities would still be at least two years away. Richardson nods to the realities of the reduced turf/water situation. He’s encountered it many times and offers a solution.“In almost all cases, it’s making the golf course smaller in some fashion,” he says. “Number two, it’s finding some other use for some of the land that is a much higher and better use in terms of revenue and capitalism. And the third component is trying to appease as many existing neighbors and constituents as possible. And when all of those three things come together and balance nicely, you have the possibility of creating something really great.” • ASGCA is always on the lookout for more golf courses that have been brought “back from the brink.” If you know of such a course, please email the project information to marc@asgca.org. In July 2018, a south St. Louis, family-friendly, golf-oriented sports and recreation institution said goodbye after more than 50 years. Two months prior, Tower Tee owner Steve Lotz expressed his sentiments: “I’ve been touched by the outpouring of affection and nostalgia. But I want to be clear, there is no saving Tower Tee.” At that time, the 27 acres were destined for a new subdivision with more than 150 homes. A year later though, Lotz had to reach for his fork, knife and salt shaker. He was going to have to eat his words. After much pushback from locals, new investors Steve Walkenback and Mike Shamia decided that Tower Tee needed to stay put. They came to an agreement with the developers, purchased the property and engaged Art Schaupeter, ASGCA, to repurpose the facility. Schaupeter is in the process of converting the old 18- hole, par-three layout to nine holes composed of classic replica and homage holes plus some originals. Also on tap is a driving range with grass and artificial tees, a short game area, precision chipping area, a 15,000-square-ft. practice green/putting course, miniature golf, batting cages and footgolf. Further refinements include a playground for kids, bocce courts and a patio area. Opening day is expected to be in the fall of 2020. Tower Tee Affton, Missouri Golf course architect: Art Schaupeter, ASGCA Images: Courtesy of Forrest Richardson & Assoc. Photo: Courtesy of Ahwatukee Foothills Newspaper Image: Art Schaupeter, ASGCA