Plymouth Township Considers Changes To Inn At St. John's

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, MI — The Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth Township could see substantial changes starting in 2018. Township officials are considering a $100 million plan that would allow for the development of townhomes, additional hotel rooms and reduce the golf course from 27 to 18 holes.

The property sits at the southeast corner of Five Mile and Sheldon roads. The site is owned by the Archdiocese of Detroit and was originally a Catholic seminary when it opened in 1948. Golf has been played at the site for decades, hosting numerous leagues and annual outings.

The 175-acre site isn’t a stranger to change. The seminary was converted to a luxury hotel and conference center about a decade ago. The proposed development would build on the foundation and take it to a higher level.

"I think it's a very good thing for Plymouth Township," Supervisor Kurt Heise told the Plymouth Observer. "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. I think we will attract new residents who want to possibly retire here and make Plymouth Township their home."

According to the newspaper, changes would include:

• 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.

The proposed development was recently presented to the township’s Board of Trustees. The Plymouth Township Planning Commission already has approved the St. John's proposal, the Observer reported. It made a solid impression on Township Clerk Jerry Vorva, too.

"Golf is not as popular as it used to be," he told the newspaper. "Getting rid of one of the nine holes is probably a good business move."

If trustees ultimately approve the development, a firm timeline for its completion isn’t yet established. Archdiocese director of communications Ned McGrath told the Observer, officials are "working hard toward a 2018 start date."

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