An architect’s rendering of the proposed Barisi Village, which could replace the overgrown and abandoned Pharaoh Valley golf course and country club. Courtesy Photo
An Italian village-style community called Barisi Village may soon replace the long-shuttered Pharaoh Valley country club in Corpus Christi near Texas A&M University campus. Of the 356 residents eligible to vote on a deed change to make the development possible, 296 — 83 percent — voted yes. A new law approved by the legislature this year set the approval at 75 percent or higher for the change.
Votes were actually notarized signatures on petitions, which were collected over a 60-day period.
The new development, to be built by Blackard Global, will retain nine-holes of the abandoned 18-hole course. Developer Jeff Blackard of McKinney, presented plans in a meeting almost two years ago that include a new club house, tennis courts and an upscale village of shops and condos around a man-made lake. Cost is expected to be around $300 million.
Currently, the entire 120 acres is deeded for use as a golf course only.
The course closed in 2010 because of waning membership. It has become overgrown, creating a habitat for rodents and bugs.
Votes will have to be vetted before the tally becomes official. A group opposing Barisi Village announced plans to file a federal lawsuit challenging the new state law. An attorney for Blackard Global said the lawsuit will not stall progress in development.
