Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 21, 1995 TAG: 9507210039
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MAG POFF STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Barton W. Wilner, who is spearheading the project with help from several potential investors, said the option will expire Sept. 1, so "there really is a sense of urgency" in establishing the club.
Wilner has called a meeting for anyone interested in becoming a charter member. It will be held July 30 at 4 p.m. at Cherry Hill, on Carolina Avenue in South Roanoke.
"This thing is all coming together," Wilner said, but interested people will have only two or three weeks to sign up as charter members if the tennis, swimming and dining club is to be established.
Wilner said at least 400 to 450 families must join for the club to become a reality. So far, he said, he has received more than 600 "affirmative responses" from people who are interested, although no commitments have been sought.
Other developers are interested in the property, which is valued at more than $1 million. Wilner said he understands one developer plans a nursing home while others would develop townhouses or condominiums.
The July 30 meeting will include tours of the mansion and refreshments after a presentation about plans for the club.
Wilner said Atlanta architects will present site plans and color perspective illustrations of how the mansion and property can be developed for the club. It once served as the Roanoke Fine Arts Center, which later became the Roanoke Fine Arts Museum.
The agenda includes a presentation of the costs of charter membership. Wilner said accountants still are working on the financial projections for amortizing the estimated $4 million to $5 million cost of buying the land and renovating the mansion. They also are working on projected costs of operating the club, and membership cost figures should be final by July 30.
If weather permits, the meeting will be held on the terraced lawn of the property, to be followed by the tours. The property covers most of a city block along Carolina Avenue between 22nd and 23 streets.
Wilner envisions indoor and outdoor tennis, a fitness center with locker facilities, dining rooms, and a junior Olympic pool with a baby pool.
Wilner said the presentation is open to anyone interested. He asked that those planning to attend make reservations by calling 982-1959.
by CNB