Source: Medallist Developments
After many visits to the property, hours of design preparation and due diligence, Greg Norman and his development company, Medallist Developments (Medallist), were on site at Tennessee National to formally commence construction of the new community and golf course. Work is now underway on the $500 million community located just outside Knoxville in Loudon, Tenn.
Medallist Developments, a joint venture between Greg Norman's Great White Shark Enterprises and Macquarie Bank of Australia, is partnering with Thunder Enterprises, owner of the tract since 2000, to undertake the development of the new community. Tennessee National is expected to house approximately 1,700 residential units and the area's first Norman-designed golf course.
"We are extremely excited that the community is underway," says Frank Weed, Chief Operating Officer of Medallist Developments. "A lot of planning, preparation and hard work have gotten us to this point. It is nice to see earth moving and construction starting on what will be a wonderful new community."
Greg Norman shares this excitement. "I always get excited when we begin new projects," says Norman, who sits in a unique position at Tennessee National, working as both golf course designer and residential developer. "This is a wonderful piece of property. The topography of the site allows us to situate the golf course in the natural valley of the community while the residential parcels take advantage of the rolling hills and natural ridgelines. This will create a golf experience unlike anything else in the area and provide spectacular views for residents throughout the community."
While the golf course will be the center of the community, amenities such as a community recreation center, tennis facilities, parks, walking trails and a full-service marina are also planned for the project.
"This is a tremendous opportunity to develop a Medallist community in East Tennessee," Weed added. "Although the golf course will be the jewel of the project, other amenities will be constructed to create a lifestyle community appealing to golfers and non-golfers alike. It is a vibrant, culturally active and growing region, and Medallist is looking forward to creating a very special place."
Tennessee National will be built in mountain craftsman-style architecture.
This unique vernacular is grounded in the art and crafts movement and incorporates indigenous natural materials. Local hard woods, Tennessee fieldstone and other natural materials in an earth-tone pallet will adorn buildings and homes throughout the community.
The current land plan includes a variety of residential products ranging from large, lake frontage home sites to smaller villa homes located within the community's marina village.
Like all projects, Tennessee National presents challenges to the development team. "We take pride in working with the natural features of each site, as a part of our least-disturbance approach," Norman said. "We will respect the environmentally sensitive areas and incorporate them into the design and strategy of the course, ensuring their protection and preservation."