News Summary
Tallahassee Commissioner Jeremy Matlow has expressed concerns regarding the undervaluation of the Capital City Country Club’s property, which could lead to a sale at a minimal price. The club has requested to break its 99-year lease due to financial issues, prompting fears of losing community assets. Upcoming discussions aim to reassess the property’s true worth, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
Tallahassee Commissioner Jeremy Matlow has raised significant concerns regarding the potential undervaluation of the Capital City Country Club’s property, which may be sold at a fraction of its worth. The club has recently provided an independent appraisal valuing its 192 acres, which houses the golf course, clubhouse, and other facilities, at $1.5 million. This valuation has prompted fears that the club may be positioning itself for a sale that could result in the city’s loss of valuable assets for “pennies on the dollar.”
Matlow voiced his unease over what he described as a troubling trend of “fire sales” of city assets. He highlighted the potential implications of selling such properties, emphasizing that they belong to the community and should not be liquidated as a quick financial fix. The upcoming city commission meeting on September 17 will address the concerns and discussions surrounding the potential sale of the country club.
The Capital City Country Club has sought to break its 99-year lease with the city, citing ongoing financial challenges. These challenges include difficulties in obtaining loans, which have been exacerbated by the lease restrictions. The club has indicated that significant investments are necessary for improvements and to maintain operations, particularly following financial setbacks resulting from increasing competition, declining membership, and damage sustained from a tornado.
To further assess the situation, City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox plans to obtain a second property appraisal to provide a comparative analysis alongside the valuation presented by the country club. This step aims to ensure a fair and accurate understanding of the property’s true worth before any decisions regarding sale are made.
Historically, the Capital City Golf Course, established in 1908, is one of Florida’s oldest golf facilities and is situated in the Myers Park neighborhood. Originally a private club, it opened its doors to the public under new management in 2013. The property not only serves as a recreational venue but also holds historical significance, being home to unmarked graves believed to belong to Black slaves, a fact that underscores its importance in the context of local heritage.
In 2021, there was an initiative aimed at introducing historical markers at the golf course, reflecting its connections to the former Edward Houstoun Plantation and enhancing public awareness about the land’s historical context. Beyond its historical attributes, the course also plays an essential role in the community by serving as a venue for various events and contributing to the city’s culture and recreational offerings. It has been recognized as part of Florida’s Historic Golf Trail.
The club’s leadership has stated that ownership of the course is critical to secure the necessary investments to facilitate planned improvements, which includes making the course NCAA-compliant for a partnership with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s golf team. This partnership is expected to bolster not only the club’s financial viability but also its standing within the local community by ensuring that it remains a viable recreational space for years to come.
As discussions unfold regarding the potential sale of the Capital City Country Club, the stakes are high for the future of not just the golf course itself, but also for the ongoing legacy it represents. The upcoming city commission meeting will be crucial in determining the course of action moving forward, with community interests at the forefront of this decision-making process.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Matlow Blasts Possible Capital City Country Club Sale
- Golfweek: Florida Golf Club Seeks Purchase of Tillinghast Course
- Tallahassee.com: TPD and LCSO Dive Team Search Cascades Park
- GolfPass: Best Value Golf Courses in Florida
- Iredell Free News: 5 Best Neighborhoods in Tallahassee for Families
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
- Google Search: Capital City Country Club Tallahassee
- Google Scholar: Capital City Country Club
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
- Google News: Tallahassee Country Club
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