Tamarac chips in extra $4 million for hotel project
Unexpected costs could have derailed a major redevelopment project, but the Tamarac City Commission has agreed to spend nearly an extra $4 million to build a clubhouse on golf course property in a deal tied to construction of a hotel next door.
The extra cash balloons the cost of the Colony West clubhouse to $11.1 million, an amount blamed on the mounting cost of construction materials and labor “literally on a daily basis right now,” said City Manager Michael Cernech. “I’ve got to allow our partners to get under construction.”
In 2017, the City Commission agreed to the cost of both the 18,000-square-foot clubhouse and 7,600-square-foot cart barn to store golf carts, but “since then prices have fluctuated,” including a spike in the price of steel, said Jon McMillian, spokesman for AD1 Global, the developer.
The developer’s construction of the hotel on the site — a six-story Fairfield Inn by Marriott on the east side of Pine Island Road south of McNab Road, next to the golf course — was contingent on the clubhouse also being built.
“It’s been a long journey,” McMillian said. “We feel really good about this project, and when it’s all said and done, everyone is going to be happy including the city and the public.”
“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this is a fabulous project,” added Com-
missioner Debra Placko. “This is something we need to do ... We need to bring a new clubhouse there with the hotel there, we will generate much more revenue for it.”
The area has a storied history. The family that had owned the Colony West course petitioned the city in 2010 to rezone the land for hundreds of townhouses and two-story condos, as well as for commercial space. The plans drew vocal protests from nearby homeowners who wanted to keep their golf course views.
So the city bought the 262-acre Colony West golf course in December 2011 to control the future of the land.
The city wanted to replace the aging clubhouse and build a hotel that could generate visits to the golf course. The hotel won't have meeting rooms or banquet halls, with the idea being to steer guests to the golf course's club.
Colony West clubhouse construction could begin in mid-September and wrap up by summer 2019. The hotel construction could start at the end of May and finish in late December 2019.
Now, “it’s full speed ahead,” said city spokeswoman Elise Boston.