Hoffman Projects Stall in Augusta
Date Posted: June 20, 2023
Posted In: Projects,
From St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The company that is spending tens of millions of dollars to remake wine country here is running into some stumbling blocks as it works toward redeveloping these rolling hills and valleys.
The Florida-based Hoffmann Family of Companies, which started buying land and wineries here about three years ago, now says plans are delayed for two luxury hotels. Challenging terrain means it needs to redesign the proposed 12-hole golf course. It’s scrapping the helicopter rides altogether. The company is even getting pushback on designs for a long-awaited overhaul of Augusta’s Town Square Park.
Some Augusta residents say its high time for Hoffmann to get the work done it promised.
“We’ve been kicking this can for almost three years now,” said Augusta Town Board Trustee Randal Oaks, who has helped spearhead efforts to reimagine the city park that also doubles as the community’s festival area.
Hoffmann announced in 2021 it would spend up to $150 million purchasing existing wineries, planting new vineyards, constructing a hotel and convention center, building a golf course and opening a five-star restaurant, among other things, all aimed at making Augusta a rival to California’s famed Napa Valley, the company said.
Since then, Hoffmann has purchased or renovated more than 50 buildings in Augusta and opened several new businesses. The company’s Missouri CEO, Don Simon, said it is readying to open a nail salon in Augusta and a new bicycle rental shop in nearby Dutzow. In total, Hoffmann owns more than 700 acres in Augusta and employs more than 500 in Augusta and Washington, across the Missouri River, making the firm one of the area’s largest employers.
But Hoffmann made big promises when it started years ago. And it’s finding some are taking longer than first hoped.