Pierce County officials announced Monday they are looking for a partner to design, finance, construct, and operate a resort-style development adjacent to the county-owned Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place.
Chambers Bay Golf Course is an 18-hole Scottish links-style course located on the shores of Puget Sound about 30 minutes south of Sea-Tac Airport. The course is part of the Chambers Creek Properties, 930 acres of open space that includes two miles of shoreline, two-and-a-half miles of forested canyon, 6.5 miles of trails, two playfields, and views of Puget Sound, numerous marine islands, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier.
In 2008, the county offered a similar opportunity to develop resort type amenities at Chambers Bay, but interest in developing a club house and other facilities was negatively impacted by the Great Recession, according to Pierce County officials.
“Financing hospitality projects during the recession was extremely challenging and limited the ability of developers to move forward with their proposals,” said Pierce County Parks and Recreation Director Tony Tipton. “We believe the financing markets have improved enough to warrant another attempt to bring needed amenities to Chambers Bay.”
The current development plan would include but not be limited to short-term lodging, restaurants, a golf course clubhouse, banquet and meeting space, golf teaching and practice facilities, parking, trail connections, access to Puget Sound, and other features.
“We’re looking for developers who will know how to take advantage of the natural qualities of the site, integrate what’s already here, and complement the unique golfing experience at Chambers Bay,” said Tipton. “Chambers Bay deserves facilities that are at least comparable to other championship caliber golf courses.”
The selection process will include two phases. Phase One seeks Statements of Qualifications from interested development teams. The statements are due by March 4, 2016. Phase Two will seek specific proposals from no more than three of the most qualified teams from Phase One. More information is available online here.
