WILLIAMS BAY — Following a lengthy and crowded public hearing, the Williams Bay Village Board and Plan Commission on Monday approved changes to its comprehensive plan to accommodate a controversial high-end resort and club along Geneva Lake.
Several steps remain, however, before the project gets a full green light.
The Plan Commission passed the resolution 5 to 2 with Klemke and Killian voting no.
The Board approved the resolution 6-1 with D’Alessandro voting no.
Many in the community say the resort and club proposed by Chicago developer Topography doesn’t fit the character of this primarily residential community, while others feel it is the best option for the property that has been for sale since 2023. (READ MORE)
The project, however, still is a long way from being a done deal.
At future public meetings, the Village Board and Plan Commission will still need to consider annexation of the remaining portions of the golf course, several development overlays, a final development plan and the developer’s agreement, according to the meeting agenda.
Residents have shared their opinions on a Facebook group called Friends of Williams Bay HERE.
According to documents distributed by the company, Topography is under contract to purchase the 137-acre former George Williams College along the Geneva lakefront and plans to build a resort that would include an inn with 68 accommodations, two restaurants, a retreat center, a 3,500 seat amphitheater, racquet center with tennis and pickleball courts, a boathouse and spa.
The property includes the former college campus that closed in December of 2023 as well as the former golf course, originally designed by Dr. James Naismith, more well known as the father of basketball.
During recent public information sessions and in responses to questions from community members, Topography founder Liam Krehbiel said accommodations will be open to the public, but there also will be club memberships for people who want to enjoy the amenities at the country inn but are not overnight guests.
Rooms will start at about $800 per night. A suite will start at about $1,200 per night, and a cabin will start at about $1,600 per night.
While Krehbiel said initiation fees haven’t yet been set, they will be comparable country clubs in the Midwest typically have an initiation fee of $70,000 to $100,000 and annual dues of $8,000 to $15,000 per year.
As a gesture to our neighbors, Williams Bay residents will be welcome to have dinner at the two restaurants on off-peak nights when we have the capacity to accommodate them. Williams Bay residents will not need to be an overnight guest or club member to have dinner at The Preserve, Krehbiel told Walworth County Community News.
