Massive changes topping $100 million are looming for the Inn at St. John’s, an upscale Plymouth Township landmark and former Catholic seminary that offers a luxury hotel, golfing, gourmet dining and events such as weddings, charity galas and corporate meetings.
Officials and developers have revealed a far-reaching makeover they say should position St. John’s for the future. The property, southeast of Five Mile and Sheldon, dates back to 1948 and is owned by the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Consider the changes:
- The 27-hole golf course would be reduced to 18 holes.
- Real estate company Toll Brothers aims to build 174 multi-family townhouses using a portion of the golf course. Mike Noles, the company’s senior vice president of land development, said the homes are expected to start in the $300,000 range and sell for as much as $500,000.
- The monastery retreat center would be converted to 120 hotel rooms, doubling the number of guest rooms on the St. John’s site.
- A three-acre parcel on the southwest corner of the property would be developed, possibly as a restaurant, retail shops, medical offices, an assisted living center or luxury apartments — depending on what appears feasible.
“We’ll see what the market will support,” said Leo Gonzalez, president of Plymouth-based Commercial Real Estate Services.
Gonzalez and others involved in the project rolled out proposed changes for the 175-acre site during a recent Plymouth Township Board of Trustees session. The board was expected to vote as early as this week to give the project the go-ahead by amending an earlier planned unit development agreement.
“I think it’s a very good thing for Plymouth Township,” Supervisor Kurt Heise said. “It shows that we are a very desirable community and that we’re a destination residence for people looking for a unique living experience.
“I think this project is going to increase the profile of Plymouth Township and make us even more desirable,” he added. “I think we will attract new residents who want to possibly retire here and make Plymouth Township their home.”
Noles said at least a portion of the new townhouses will be marketed to empty-nesters, or residents who no longer have children at home.
Ned McGrath, Archdiocese director of communications, said a decision to sell and develop a portion of the land will generate revenue that, in turn, can be used for other improvements.
“This is seen as an opportunity resulting from a purchase proposal and is seen as a way to build on St. John’s financial and spiritual success,” McGrath said.
He said it’s too early to say when the project could start, but officials are “working hard toward a 2018 start date.”
The current project aside, McGrath said there are no more immediate changes to announce.
“Due to the nature of the business, keeping the property current is always a challenge. The goal is to keep St. John’s the very best,” he said. “While there are no changes to be announced at this time, management is well aware of competitive trends. There is no plan to change the status of the chapel at St. John’s or wedding ministry there.”
Gonzalez said the popularity of St. John’s as a place for large weddings, receptions and other events points to the need for more hotel rooms.
Lyle Winn, senior project engineer with Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick Inc., said the project would usher in some traffic-related changes such as improving traffic lights, turn lanes and driveways at St. John’s. Winn also said a popular St. John’s event, the Concours d’Elegance, an annual show featuring some of the world’s top classic automobiles, is being taken into consideration.
“It’s very much in our discussions,” he said.
Township Clerk Jerry Vorva said changes will allow St. John’s to lure bigger conventions and other events. He also said the decision to reduce the golf course from 27 holes to 18 makes sense.
“Golf is not as popular as it used to be,” he said. “Getting rid of one of the nine holes is probably a good business move.”
The Plymouth Township Planning Commission already has approved the St. John’s proposal.
Township Trustee Bob Doroshewitz lauded the project, saying a decision to double the number of hotel rooms makes St. John’s and the surrounding area a better destination. He said clusters of hotels can accommodate bigger events.
“I think it’s a great project,” he said, adding later, “I have no concerns at all with it.”
