WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Local businessman Jake Johnson is set to buy Ives Hill Country Club on Flower Avenue West in Watertown from developer P.J. Simao.
Johnson tells 7 News he is set to close on the deal in mid-August and he will then get right to work. He expects to have golfers on the links before the season is over. Obviously, as a landscaper – that’s my background – I’m looking forward to putting my touches on the grounds of Ives Hill Country Club.
Ives Hill will run as a nine-hole course. That was part of the deal when the city of Watertown bought what is now called the Thompson Park Golf Course.
In that deal, Simao agreed to a deed restriction limiting Ives to nine holes and was compensated $850,000.
Johnson plans to make the golf course the best.
“Tee boxes, improvements to the greens, to the bunkers – just make some necessary improvements to bring it to the next level,” he said.
Operating as a golf course will allow Johnson to reopen the restaurant as well.
“We’re looking to do a nice outdoor seating venue for people to dine, an outdoor fireplace, little stuff that will make a difference for the customer. Looking to get that back open because it was one of the best when it was,” he said.
Ives Hill has been in the headlines because of the city’s controversial $3.4 million purchase of the golf course in Thompson Park, which included Simao’s compensation. Johnson is hoping to help the community move on.
“I want to put all of that to an end. Watertown deserves the best and that’s what I am hoping to provide it with,” he said.
Simao says he always believed Ives Hill Country Club was a community asset.
“When Jake came to me with his vision for the golf course and restaurant property, I felt it was the right time to sell the property, and it was the right person to sell it to. I am very confident that Jake will do great things for the community with the property,” Simao said.
Johnson calls the transaction smooth.
“P.J. really wanted to see this course back open and he believes I am the guy to bring it to the next level, and he helped a lot to make that transition,” he said.
Simao will retain the 79 acres that make up the back nine at Ives Hill. Terms of the deal aren’t disclosed for now.
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