ST. LOUIS COUNTY – There are new plans for a south county fixture.
A former Affton resident has come to an agreement with McBride Homes and J.H. Berra Construction for the purchase of the Tower Tee property, 5 On Your Side's Frank Cusumano has learned.
Tower Tee was a former golf complex that was open for more than 50 years.
Steve Walkenbach plans to develop the land with his longtime friend and business partner, Mike Shamia. Walkenbach said he has fond memories of his dad taking him to the batting cages at Tower Tee.
The two plan to develop a brand-new modern facility, which preserves the legacy of Tower Tee while also providing an updated experience for all who visit, according to a press release. Residents can expect to see some exciting new services and offerings. This new facility will remain under the legendary name of Tower Tee. They hope to have it completed in Fall of 2020.
“It’s easy to understand why McBride Homes coveted the land,” said Walkenbach. “It’s 27 acres in the heart of a thriving, caring, close-in community and is a great place to build homes. I also understand why the community didn’t want to lose a treasure like Tower Tee. Sometimes you don’t fully appreciate something until it’s gone.”
Steve Lotz, previous owner of Tower Tee added, “The Lotz family could not have handpicked two finer individuals to entrust with the continuation of the Tower Tee story. We are thrilled.”
“We said all along that we were behind the residents and neighbors of Affton and their dream of keeping Tower Tee alive,” stated John F. Eilermann, CEO and Chairman of McBride Homes. “We committed that if a bonafide buyer came forward, we would step aside. We are happy that Steve and Mike fit that mold, and are excited to see their new plans unfold while we step away and let them pursue this endeavor.”
“Naturally, my gut instinct told me paying a premium for the land, on paper, probably did not make a lot of sense. It made sense for a home developer, but maybe not so much sense for a driving range,” joked Walkenbach.
His background is in the financial industry.
Walkenbach met his business partner, Mike Shamia, over 20 years ago at Scottrade Financial Services. They shared common interests and a similar background while becoming best of friends. Shamia also grew up in the area and has similar terrific memories of golfing and paying a visit to the batting cages at Tower Tee before playing baseball at nearby Affton Athletic Association.
“It is our hope that the St. Louis community grows to love and support the new golf, baseball/softball training and recreational complex just as they did Tower Tee of old,” Shamia said. “This project will be an exciting and sentimental journey for both of us.”
Both will oversee the redevelopment of the land and construction of the new facility. Once complete, Shamia will assume the day-to-day operations of the complex. The hope is for activity to begin on the site soon, with a goal of becoming operational in fall 2020. They look forward to servicing the recreational needs of the local and regional community for years to come.
“I want to thank both John Eilermann and John Berra along with all the employees at their respective companies for honoring their commitment to listen to the residents, and in this case, I hope, do the right thing. Time will tell. Now Mike and I have a lot of work ahead of us,” said Walkenbach.
Lotz added, “McBride and Berra has been consistent in seeking the pulse of the local community. We have sincerely appreciated the association with them through this process.”
Earlier this year, McBride Homes closed on the deal of the Tower Tee site. McBride will be stepping away from nearly $40 million in revenue from their proposed community, The Arbors at Tower Tee.
Eilermann added, “We look forward to seeing Steve and Mike’s plan for the land and wish them great success when Tower Tee reopens next year.”
Tower Tee first announced their closure in November 2017, per a mutual agreement between 5 On Your Side’s parent company, TEGNA, and Tower Tee. The agreement extended the facility to stay open until July 2018.