Kosciusko Economic Development Corp. (KEDCo) on Wednesday announced the completion of a yearlong project to acquire and relaunch the Stonehenge Golf Course, which is regarded as one of the top golf courses in Indiana and is located in an area that is the focal point of growth plans for the town of Winona Lake, according to a news release.
“This has been an exciting quality-of-place project for us to be involved with and a great opportunity to establish our new focus on similar projects throughout Kosciusko County,” said KEDCo CEO Alan Tio. “The relaunch of Stonehenge Golf Club has brought together a fantastic team of local leaders who have all contributed greatly to the project moving forward.”
KEDCo formed the Kosciusko Community Development Corp. (KCDC), a separate not-for-profit entity that can facilitate public-private partnerships for placemaking projects. The Winona Lake Town Council also established a revolving loan fund to support acquisition of the Stonehenge Golf Course real estate.
“The town of Winona Lake has identified the area near Stonehenge as a focus of future commercial and residential development,” said Town Council President Rick Swaim. “We realize the importance of preparing for future population growth by offering amenities that add to the quality of life in our community.”
KCDC entered into a lease with 28FIFTY Management LLC, led by longtime golf professional Denny Hepler, to operate the golf course. 28FIFTY is already investing in improvements such as golf simulators for year-round lessons and league play.
“We look forward to continuing the tradition of Stonehenge Golf Club as one of the premier golf courses in the state of Indiana,” said Hepler. “The response so far has been overwhelming and we are on track to meet or exceed our goals for the operation.”
Commercial developer Winona TC LLC acquired the clubhouse and will redevelop the facility as multi-tenant space. Inquiries about leasing space at the clubhouse for restaurant, retail or other destination amenities can be directed to Tio.
This announcement comes as housing developer Oakmont Development LLC develops plans for a 130+ home and villa development on the site of nearby Raccoon Run Golf Course, which celebrated its final season in 2019.
