Hanse and Wagner Design $32 Million Michigan Golf Development

A new high-end golf destination is taking shape near Ann Arbor, Michigan, led by prominent architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. The proposed Frontier Club is slated for a 333-acre site in Lodi Township, with developers recently submitting a preliminary site plan to secure a special-use permit. The project carries an estimated total development cost of $32.19 million.

According to filings, the capital allocation includes nearly $25 million for buildings and structures, approximately $7 million for site improvements, and close to $400,000 for landscaping. The developers aim to break ground this fall, targeting a launch date in April 2028. The facility will feature an 18-hole course, a 12-hole short course, a clubhouse, a driving range, and 11 guest cottages.

The private club intends to cap membership at 300 individuals. Developers project that at least 80% of members will reside outside the local area, catering to visitors traveling for short stays. This business model mirrors the approach taken by the Kingsley Club in Traverse City. Operations will rely on a seasonal workforce of 40 to 50 employees, covering management, grounds maintenance, and caddie services.

Hanse and Wagner are widely recognized for their restoration work on major championship venues, including Oakland Hills Country Club. While Hanse has designed over 30 courses globally, this represents a rare new construction project in Michigan. The ownership group, Jones and Jones Leasing LLC, has been assembling the land since 1998 and selected the site for its natural rolling terrain and water features, which minimize the need for extensive earthmoving.

Lodi Township officials are expected to review the proposal this month. The project highlights continued investment in the recreational golf sector, even as broader apparel and outdoor manufacturing giants navigate shifting market conditions. For context, V.F. Corporation, a major player in the outdoor apparel space, currently trades with a market capitalization of approximately $5.65 billion.

What to watch

• Lodi Township’s decision on the special-use permit application.
• Confirmation of the fall 2026 groundbreaking timeline.
• Further details regarding membership pricing and initiation fees.

Source: original release