BAC approves Homestead spa renderings; construction eyed for November

The BAC unanimously approved renderings for a new spa at the Homestead, moving forward with plans to convert a maintenance building adjacent to Snake Creek into a one-story spa focused on outdoor and year-round treatments. Brandon Hall, the project's architect, described a compact site layout intended to minimize parking and preserve privacy: "It's strictly for, you know, it's not public access. It's not for parties or events," he said, explaining that guests will check in at the activity center and use golf carts or walk to the spa.

The design emphasizes outdoor experiences — plunge pools, barrel saunas, steam rooms, a mud-scrub area and indoor treatment rooms — while accommodating site constraints including a nearby floodplain and wetlands. Hall said the site currently has about seven spaces with a maximum of 10 allowed; parking is intended mainly for employees and not to create public access to the golf course. Materials shown in renderings include timber, board-and-batten siding, metal roofing and a stone option that may match other Homestead buildings. Committee members stressed dark-sky-compliant lighting; Hall confirmed lighting will be shielded and downward-facing.

A committee member moved to approve the plans "as is," and the staff member recorded the decision as unanimous. "That is unanimous, Brandon," staff said after the motion. Hall told the committee the team hopes to start construction around November and estimated about a year and a half to complete the work, subject to other site activities and permitting. Staff also said he will report the drawings to the city council at its next meeting as an informational report.