What we knew?
Since the Three Little Baker's Dinner Theatre closed three years ago, the Onyx Management Group has gone to great lengths to redevelop the site, which sits in the center of the Pike Creek Golf Course.
In addition to a new clubhouse restaurant, a new senior care facility has opened there and two medical office buildings are planned for the site. Those facilities, according to Onyx, have helped make the site profitable when the recreation uses Three Little Bakers was once known for - the golf, tennis and swim clubs - have seen their membership levels drop significantly.
In 1991, the golf club had 430 members compared to only 150 in 2009. Similarly, pool memberships have dropped from 200 ten years ago to 110 currently, according to Mike Gnade, a business development officer for Onyx.
What's the latest?
Onyx is now pursuing a 9,000-square-foot office building where the tennis courts now sit. The more income Onyx realizes from tenants, the more likely it will be able to offset the costs of maintaining the golf and swim clubs, which neighboring residents universally want to see stay, Gnade said.
Construction for that building is predicated upon a change in deed restrictions that limit the use there to recreation, something Pike Creek Valley Civic League President Jeff Peters said his organization reluctantly has signed off on.
What they're saying?
"Everyone bought in the community for the golf course vistas and I think our priority is to try to turn this into a facility that is economically viable," said Peters. "We're sorry to see any of the recreation being lost, but if it goes to the greater good, we'll take it."
"We bought [in Linden Heath] because we backed up to the open space and recreational facilities," said Kathy Livingston. "Removing the tennis courts is removing that country club atmosphere."
