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Chatham Properties, an Atlanta Developer, acquired some rolling farm and timberland known as Haynes Crossing in 1973 with the intent of constructing a “Brookfield East” to bookend his parallel development of “Brookfield West.” The development encompassed approximately 650 acres, of which 150 acres was demarcated for an 18 hole golf course that included a 27 acre lake.
In early 1973 a developer named Cohn Communities purchased the property from Chatham subject to Chatham properties completing the golf course. The residential property was renamed “Tam-O-Shanter” and the first home sites were built in the 2300 and 2400 blocks of Roxburgh Drive. In August of 1978, the development was sold to the Arvida Corporation, a Miami based concern that developed upscale residential/golf course communities. At that time there was no clubhouse; a trailer served as the golf and tennis pro shops and the club hosted only 200 members.
Arvida improved the golf course and tennis courts and began construction of a 7000 square foot clubhouse. They stepped up the pace of development, rapidly selling lots to selected builders and instituting mandatory construction and landscaping regulations. Arvida changed the name of the development from Tam-O-Shanter to Willow Springs.
Arvida and the Willow Springs Homeowners Association negotiated a settlement to limit the construction to 800 individual homes as well as first right of refusal (within 90 days) to purchase the Willow Springs Country Club when Arvida was ready to sell.
By the fall of 1984, Arvida had almost completely built out the Willow Springs development. They had little interest in continuing to own or operate a Country Club and put it up for sale for 2.1 million dollars. When the homeowners learned of the proposed sale, they called in the “first right of refusal” clause. 366 members who put up $7,000 each provided funds for the purchase of the club.
By 1987 the original clubhouse, which was built in 1981, was in need of a renovation and expansion to continue to service the needs of a growing membership. The 1987 renovation included the addition of dining areas and an expansion of the kitchen to accommodate those needs.
In early 1994 Willow Springs Country Club changed its name to Country Club of Roswell. The name change was a result of a need to establish a geographic identity for the club and improve market awareness. It was the first step in the 1993 long range planning effort that would propel the Club forward.
In the spring of 1995, the membership approved a renovation and financing plan that would encompass a major golf course renovation, fitness area, ballroom and many other facility improvements. Renovations were completed in mid August of 1996.
In June of 2000, the membership approved the Long Range Planning committees’ Vision 2005 plan. The building of an Aquatic Center, Lawn and Garden area, renovated tennis facility, renovated driving range and golf course improvements were completed by 2007. These improvements are just part of the ongoing process of making Country Club of Roswell a premier club for the enjoyment of its members and guests for many years to come.
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