THE BRIGHT SIDE

Topography purchased the former George Williams College property, and the beginning of the planning process for The Preserve has begun.
The Preserve will give the George Williams College campus a new purpose while maintaining the tranquil, low-key character of Williams Bay. The property is about 137 acres in size. They plan to honor the history and character of the property while giving it a new purpose that both locals and visitors can enjoy.

Plans include A 90-acre nature preserve that’s open to the public but maintained by Topography. A new amphitheater and retreat center that will host a range of private and public events. A luxurious, small country inn with two restaurants and bars, a spa, and racquet courts. They are planning to create a 90-acre nature preserve out of land that was formerly a golf course, as well as some farmland by Route 67. The plan is to “re-wild” this land with native species, consistent with the meadows that were once common in the Midwest.

There will be grass-cut paths that wind through the nature preserve, which will connect with the Yerkes property. There will also be a walking path that connects the nature preserve to the Geneva Lake Shore Path. The nature preserve will be paid for and managed by Topography, but it will be open to the public to enjoy. The Preserve is projected to pay $3.26 million in taxes annually by 2029. As for Williams Bay in particular, The Preserve is projected to contribute $1.5 million annually in room taxes and property taxes to the Village by 2029.

Persons of the Week

Congratulations to the City of Lake Geneva Police Officers who won the Interdepartmental Olympics.