The Wakonda Club announced today that it will join with Hubbell Realty Co. to construct new housing on the north side of the golf course’s fifth hole. Hubbell will design and build 30 to 40 customized ranch-style townhomes. The project is in the early stage of development; Hubbell intends to begin construction during the second half of 2008.

Wakonda Club members have been discussing the possibility of developing housing on the course for several years. Hubbell beat out seven other firms during the selection process.

“The Hubbells have been a part of the Wakonda family since the club originated in the 1920s,” Kevin Grimm, president of the Wakonda Club, said in a press release. “Hubbell’s skill in developing successful golf course communities is apparent from their previous projects. Working together to enhance our golf course community just seemed like a natural fit.”

Hubbell has developed two golf course communities in the Des Moines area: The Legacy Golf Course Community in Norwalk and Copper Creek in Pleasant Hill. The company also completed a $1.2 million clubhouse at Copper Creek Golf Club this year. “We’ve taken great pride in creating neighborhoods that blend seamlessly with outstanding golf courses,” Hubbell President and CEO Rick Tollakson said in the release. “Partnering with Wakonda in creating a neighborhood for its already close-knit community is an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”

The Wakonda Club was founded in 1922. More than 770 families are members of the club through its dining, clubhouse and golf memberships.