Property owner Joe Kilpatrick speaking at Tuesday’s meeting. (Photo by Christa Price)

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Center proposed for weddings, community gatherings

 

By Christa Price

 

POLK COUNTY—The Polk County Board of Adjustment met on Tuesday, June 3, to learn more about an event venue proposed by Joe Kilpatrick at the former Red Fox Country Club House.

The venue, planned for 106 Club Rd in Tryon, is intended for weddings, corporate meetings, reunions, anniversaries, birthday parties, and other community gatherings.

Kilpatrick outlined his plans, explaining that the proposed event venue will be 8,601 square feet and have a capacity of 299 people. It will feature 160 adjacent parking spaces. Food catering will be available, and alcohol can be served if the ABC Board issues the renters the proper limited special occasion permit.

“The goal is to repurpose the land and reestablish its beauty to the fullest potential so it can be shared for generations,” said Kilpatrick. “We wish to transform this property into something special.”

The building near the tennis courts would be used as a real estate office, while the old golf pro shop would be demolished to construct a primary residence. The guard building will also be refurbished as a substation for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to discourage criminal activity and enhance security. 

The venue is set to operate year-round, and Kilpatrick expects an estimated 30 bookings per year. 

It will feature an elegant, rustic style with earth tones, blending with the landscape and styles of surrounding homes. A gabled double-door entryway will be located on the side facing the parking lots, and a patio with rollup doors will face the lake. Two outside arbors overlooking the lake will also be accessible via proposed carriage paths. Kilpatrick plans to have carriages available for use, with horses and drivers hired locally.

The facility will be constructed to limit sound and light pollution. Kilpatrick assured the board doors would automatically close when music begins and outside lighting will be dimmed by 10 p.m.

The existing trees on the property will be maintained, and only native plants will be planted. New trees will be planted along the southern fence line to give neighbors privacy and a buffer against sound.

Fire Marshal Bobby Arledge has also surveyed and approved clear emergency access routes, and Sheriff Tim Wright and Red Fox Run POA President Justin Pastor encouraged the construction of the venue.

The Polk County Board of Adjustment will reconvene on Tuesday, June 17, at 5 p.m. in the Womack Building.