Plans include open space, nature center, possible hotel

Protex Investment Group, Inc. has a contract to purchase Bright’s Creek and Polk commissioners are considering a new development agreement.

A public hearing will be held Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at the Green Creek Fire Department.

Protex Investment Group, owned by Alexander Salgado and his wife, Gabrielle Barragan, who currently live in Florida, is in the process of closing on the property. The closing date is scheduled for April 1.

Will Buie and David Gillespie of Bright’s Creek told commissioners about the proposed changes during the Feb. 21 county meeting. Buie said a lot has happened since the county approved a development agreement for Bright’s Creek in 2007.

“The new owner has plans that we think are positive for the development,” said Buie.

He said the density will stay the same, with the previous master plan calling for 1,370 lots. The new agreement has 1,370 dwelling units. The new owners are proposing cluster developments that will allow for open space, which was not addressed in the old plan. Buie said the new plan includes 1,381 acres of open space, with single-family lots being converted to cluster homes.

Buie said there is a potential location for a hotel on the new plan. Plans also include trails and a nature center for children, according to Buie.

Other new additions to the plans include the possibility of a Par 3 golf area, a potential boutique and a spa location.

“I believe as a designer and engineer this is a better plan,” said Buie. “You have to look at the situation of where the economy is now. Large, single family lots, I believe, are a thing of the past.”

Bright’s Creek, located mostly in Polk County with some areas in Henderson County, is currently owned by Bright’s Creek Holdings, LLC with principals Bill Amick and Jim Roquemore. The approximately 5,000-acre development currently includes a Tom Fazio designed golf course, with several homesites, an equestrian center and a lodge.