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Wednesday, April 9, 2003 Former Falcon purchases Bear Creek A group of investors led by Jessie Tuggle, former All-Pro linebacker with the Atlanta Falcons, has purchased the golf course and undeveloped lots at Bear Creek Golf and Country Club, a 563-acre master-planned community off West Chapel Hill Road in Douglas County. The new ownership, which will operate under the same name as the previous owners The Joshua Group, RMP plans to immediately begin development of the community's second phase, as well as construction of a new, gated entrance on West Chapel Hill Road, Tuggle said. Since Bear Creek opened in 1999, less than 10 percent of the community's 400-plus planned homesites have been developed. Tuggle also said that the group intends to complete the community's original amenity plan, which called for an outdoor amphitheater, walking trails, and a golf clubhouse complete with restaurant, pro shop and banquet hall on a hill overlooking the existing golf course. The par-71, 18-hole championship golf course was one of just 10 nominees in 2001 for Best New Golf Course in America by Golf Digest. The course was also named the top daily fee, semi-private golf course in metro Atlanta by Georgia Golf News the same year. Both magazines praised the course for its challenging play and dramatic topography. Other existing amenities at Bear Creek include The Family Club, a professionally decorated community clubhouse for parties and events; four lighted, ALTA-approved tennis courts; and a swimming pool with poolside mushroom fountain for children. A basketball court and fitness center is also planned for the Family Club area. Tuggle said the natural beauty of the land, the existing amenities and the community's proximity to Hartsfield International Airport were just a few of the reasons why he decided to make Bear Creek his first post-football business venture. "Bear Creek has been one of Atlanta's best-kept secrets for several years now, but we're ready to take it to the next level," Tuggle said. "We're going to make it one of Atlanta's premier golf communities." Tuggle, also known as "The Hammer" for his hard-hitting tackles in football, played for the Atlanta Falcons from 1987 to 2000. He was the leading active tackler in the NFL when he retired in 2001 and the all time leader in franchise history with 1,830 tackles. He played his entire football career in the state of Georgia (Griffin High School, Valdosta State, and Atlanta Falcons) and was the Falcons "Man of the Year' in 1993. Tuggle and former teammates Gary Downs and Bob Christian are currently involved in "Hometown Heroes," a community outreach program that brings awareness and financial assistance to specific community needs. In 1995 and 1996, he was a national spokesman for the United Way and in 1997 was the official spokesperson for the Fatherhood Campaign, which promotes responsible fatherhood throughout Georgia. "Over the years, Atlantans have come to respect Jesse not only for his heroics on the football field, but for the outstanding character he has demonstrated off the field," said Dac Carver, Director of Marketing and New Home Services for Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate. 'As a result, Jesse will brings instant recognition and credibility to Bear Creek, making our jobs as marketers a lot easier." Homes at Bear Creek are priced from the $300's. The community has two neighborhoods: Clubview, which is located next to the amenity area and features charming, four-bedroom homes by Benchmark Homes; and The Estates, with many golf course and golf view homesites and elegant, four- and five-bedroom homes built by Legacy Residential Properties. The community is located approximately three miles from the new Holly Springs Elementary and Chapel Hill High School. The community is only 35 minutes from downtown Atlanta and just 25 minutes from Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport. To visit Bear Creek, take I-20 West to Exit 36 (Chapel Hill Road South). Travel south approximately five miles and take a right onto West Chapel Hill Road. Take another right at Yeager Road. Bear Creek is a half-mile on the right. From Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport, take I-85 South to Exit 68 (Highway 14/South Fulton Parkway). Travel west on Highway 14/South Fulton Parkway to GA-92 North. Take GA-92 North to Highway 166 West. Travel west on Highway 166 and turn right on West Chapel Hill Road. Take a left on Yeager Road. Bear Creek is a half-mile on the right. The Bear Creek Information Center is open daily from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information or a private appointment, call Bob or Rosemary Spence at 404-843-2500 or 678-715-9333.
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