The Reno County Planning Commission will consider a request Thursday to rezone roughly 180 acres at the northeast corner of East Fourth Avenue and North Buhler Road, a move tied to plans for a large-scale golf course resort development.
The request, filed by 2641 Wanamaker LLC, seeks to change the property’s zoning from R-2 suburban residential to AG agricultural. According to the application, the rezoning is intended to eliminate the possibility of a high-density residential subdivision on the site and align the entire parcel under agricultural zoning. 2641 Wanamaker LLC is filed out of Topeka, per the Kansas Secretary of State's office.
The commission will also hear a related request for a conditional use permit that would allow development of a golf course resort on the property, which lies in unincorporated Reno County. Both items are scheduled for public hearing during the commission’s meeting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Reno County Public Works Facility, 600 Scott Blvd. in South Hutchinson. You can watch the meeting on the Reno County YouTube page by clicking here.
Planning documents describe the proposal as a multi-phase golf destination that would expand an existing 18-hole course into a 45-hole golf resort. Plans include two 18-hole championship courses, a nine-hole short course and a driving range.
The development would also feature on-site lodging, with approximately 200 guest beds distributed among a mix of small, medium and large lodges. Planning materials indicate the lodging would include about 30 smaller lodges, four medium lodges and two larger lodges designed to accommodate families and groups.
A central clubhouse would serve as the primary public gathering space, featuring a restaurant and related amenities for guests. The clubhouse is expected to include two restaurants with seating for up to 300 people combined. Parking plans call for approximately 200 stalls to serve golfers, guests and staff, according to information submitted to county staff.
Other elements outlined in the application include maintenance facilities, private streets and trails, on-site utilities and support buildings such as restrooms, concessions and golf cart storage. Access to the site would primarily come from Buhler-Haven Road, with a secondary gravel access planned from Fourth Avenue for maintenance and employee use.
The application notes that no employee housing is currently planned, though the concept is shown as a potential future use. Developers indicated they are coordinating with engineering consultants and state agencies to address water, sewer and permitting requirements.
Public comments will be accepted separately for each agenda item during Thursday’s meeting. Speakers will be limited to five minutes per item and must address only the specific request under consideration.
Following the Planning Commission’s review, recommendations would advance to the Reno County Commission for final consideration at a later date.
