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The \$17.5 Million Secret: 5 Shocking Facts About The Chino Hills Vellano Country Club Redevelopment

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The Vellano Country Club in Chino Hills, California, is no longer the exclusive, 18-hole private golf course it once was, but its saga has taken a dramatic and highly lucrative turn that defines the current Inland Empire luxury real estate market. As of late 2025, the narrative has shifted entirely from a challenging, high-end golf destination to a massive 269-acre redevelopment opportunity following a multi-million dollar acquisition. This transition is not just a business transaction; it’s a story of a prized piece of land—a former Greg Norman Signature Golf Course—being repurposed for a new era of luxury living and commercial use. The latest and most crucial piece of information is the recent, high-profile sale of the sprawling property. This sale, which closed in 2025, signals a definitive end to the golf course's operational life and the beginning of a major transformation for the entire Vellano community. The new ownership has plans to "thoughtfully revitalize" the area, focusing on enhancing the existing clubhouse and leveraging the vast acreage for its new potential.

Vellano Country Club: The Profile of a Former Inland Empire Gem

The history of the Vellano Country Club is a classic example of early 21st-century luxury development in the Inland Empire. It was conceived as the centerpiece of a prestigious, guard-gated community, offering an exclusive lifestyle to its residents in the rolling hills of Chino Hills, California.
  • Location: Chino Hills, San Bernardino County, California.
  • Original Opening: 2007.
  • Original Course Designer: Greg Norman (Greg Norman Signature Golf Course).
  • Acreage: 269 acres (The total land parcel involved in the recent sale).
  • Course Type: Originally an 18-hole private course.
  • Course Characteristics: Known for significant elevation changes, challenging play, and being a "target golf" experience.
  • Clubhouse Size: A beautifully appointed 46,000-square-foot clubhouse.
  • Closure Date: The golf course officially shut down in May 2018.
  • Current Commercial Use: The clubhouse is currently operational as an event venue, notably as the "Vellano Estate by Wedgewood Weddings."
  • Surrounding Community: The club is the focal point of the exclusive Vellano gated community, featuring luxury homes and estates.
The course's closure in 2018 marked the end of an era, but the property's value, particularly its strategic location and immense size, ensured its future would be one of significant investment and change.

1. The Massive 2025 Acquisition and the New Owner

The most significant recent news surrounding the property is the acquisition of the 269-acre asset. This transaction has cemented the property's status as a prime redevelopment site. The landmark sale of the 2441 Vellano Club Dr property was successfully closed in April 2025. The sale price for this massive land parcel, which includes the decommissioned golf course, was reported to be \$17.5 million. This price reflects the immense potential of the land for new development in the highly sought-after Chino Hills area. The new owner is linked to MGR Real Estate (MGR Property Management), a major player in the Inland Empire commercial and real estate scene. MGR Real Estate, under the leadership of Michael Rademaker, acquired the former country club with the stated intention to "thoughtfully revitalize" the asset. This acquisition is a clear indication that the land will be transformed to maximize its value for the surrounding Vellano luxury real estate community.

2. The Fate of the Greg Norman-Designed Golf Course

For years, the Greg Norman Signature Golf Course was the defining feature of Vellano. It was renowned for its challenging layout, which included deep, narrow bunkers and dramatic elevation changes that made it a difficult but rewarding experience for serious golfers. The official closure of the 18-hole course in May 2018 meant the end of golf operations. The recent sale confirms that the land is now considered a golf course redevelopment opportunity. This term is crucial, as it indicates the land will not likely return to its original purpose. Instead, the 269 acres of former fairways and greens are being eyed for a different kind of development, though the exact plans have not been fully detailed. The focus is on leveraging the vast, scenic acreage to enhance the overall value and amenities of the gated community.

3. The Clubhouse's Continued Life as an Event Venue

While the golf course is decommissioned, the heart of the club—the impressive 46,000-square-foot clubhouse—remains a vibrant commercial asset. This building is a key entity in the property’s current use. The magnificent structure, originally designed to host a members' grille, dining, and banquet facilities, now operates as a high-end event space under the name Vellano Estate by Wedgewood Weddings. This is a classic example of repurposing a luxury facility. The clubhouse offers:
  • Stunning views of the surrounding Chino Hills landscape.
  • Grand banquet halls and reception areas.
  • A stable commercial income for the new owners, making the overall asset more attractive.
MGR Real Estate's plan to "enhance its clubhouse" suggests a significant investment in modernizing or expanding the facility to further solidify its status as a premier Inland Empire property event venue.

4. The Impact on Vellano Luxury Real Estate and the Gated Community

The sale and subsequent MGR redevelopment project have a direct and profound impact on the surrounding Chino Hills gated community. The Vellano community is defined by its luxury homes, which were built around the prestige of the country club. The shift from a private golf club to a redevelopment site presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the residents. While some residents may mourn the loss of the golf course, the new ownership’s commitment to thoughtful revitalization and enhancement of the non-golf amenities is aimed at increasing the value of the Vellano luxury real estate. The long-term plan is to transform the massive 269-acre space into a new community asset, ensuring the exclusivity and desirability of the neighborhood remain high. This focus on maximizing the community’s value is a major trend in golf course closure California redevelopment projects.

5. The Future: More Than Just a Golf Course

The future of the former Vellano Country Club is now tied to a vision that extends far beyond the original 18-hole course. The new owners have acquired a valuable piece of land with significant redevelopment potential in a stable, affluent market. The term "thoughtfully revitalize" suggests a phased approach that may include:
  • New Amenities: Developing the land into new recreational facilities, parks, or open space for the community.
  • Residential Expansion: Potentially developing a portion of the decommissioned golf course land into new residential parcels, provided zoning and community approvals are obtained.
  • Clubhouse Enhancement: Modernizing the 46,000-square-foot clubhouse to improve its functionality as the Vellano Estate event venue.
This transition from a defunct golf club to a major MGR redevelopment project is a powerful case study in how large, high-value land parcels are being reimagined in Southern California. The Vellano Country Club is a memory, but the Vellano Estate is an evolving entity, ready to define the next chapter of Chino Hills luxury living.
The \$17.5 Million Secret: 5 Shocking Facts About the Chino Hills Vellano Country Club Redevelopment
chino hills vellano country club
chino hills vellano country club

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