A several year log jam in the redevelopment of the former Berrien Hills Country Club site may have broken loose. A news release, sketchy in details, has been issued by the St. Joseph Charter Township Board of Trustees, in conjunction with property owner Chris Neuser and partners.
A drawing supplied with the release suggests a massive residential development surrounding a man-made bay that includes marina slips. There would be everything from residential rental apartments to large executive homes and several options in between.
Groundbreaking is projected for Spring, 2025, however no timeline for completion is suggested.
Neuser, who formerly owned auto parts stores in the region, is listed as the lead developer, along with Don W. Miller, Jr., described as another local resident. A Muncie, Indiana developer, TRG Development is said to be the other major partner in the Berrien Hills project, to be known as ‘Berrien Hillls at River’s Edge.’
Berrien Hills, perched on the East bank of the St. Joseph River, was the area’s primary local country club for decades, the site of countless receptions and special events in its large club house. When the Club faltered and struggled financially, Neuser purchased it and operated a public golf course for several years, before shutting it down prior to the pandemic. At least a couple of development proposals have been announced in the past few years, but nothing materialized.
Below is the complete release from St. Joseph Township. No names were attached to the quotes in the release, nor was any contact information provided, which is unusual in a news release about a development project.
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In October 2022, the St. Joseph Charter Township Board of Trustees approved a PUD for the property formerly known as Berrien Hills Country Club. An agreement was reached, and the property has been acquired by Berrien Hills at River’s Edge, LLC (“BHRE”). BHRE is a partnership comprised of majority owners Christopher Neuser and Don W. Miller, Jr., both local residents, along with Daniel Gupta and Tyler W. Ridge II of TRG Development, LLC, a real estate development firm headquartered in Muncie, Indiana.
BHRE plans to break ground on this multiphase project in the Spring of 2025, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of Berrien Hills County Club’s grand opening in May of 1925.
The new development will bring much needed, diversified, and desired housing options in addition to economic growth for the Township and neighboring communities via construction and permanent jobs from the land development. The new multi-use development ranges from Class A – luxury apartments, to row-homes, townhomes, single family homes, executive homes on the river’s edge, and senior cottages on the bluff, all with beautiful sunset views. Other amenities will include light commercial/retail, a waterfront restaurant and a community clubhouse with fitness center and marina facilities.
The BHRE partnership could not be prouder of our involvement in this groundbreaking achievement that will serve St. Joseph Township and surrounding areas, and surely be a top gathering place, for decades to come. BHRE is thrilled to be partnering with the Township and TRG Development on this outstanding and transformative development.
BHRE will be working diligently until the Spring 2025 groundbreaking to finalize details and prepare for construction.
More information to follow from the St. Joseph Township and BHRE team.
