The business, called Will-Goe Range prior to 1972, is still open and operating seven days a week, 10 a.m. to dark, but McGuire doubts that the winning bidder will keep Smiley’s open in its current form. “Due to the value of the land, I expect it to be developed,” McGuire said.
McGuire said interest in golf and baseball has waned in recent years, and he is ready to retire. He attempted to sell the property within the past year, then decided to turn to an auction.
The auction — which includes the 12-acre golf and baseball center and an adjacent ranch-style house on an additional acre at 4752 Linden Ave. — will take place at Smiley’s at 4 p.m. June 23, with online bidding also available. Minimum bid will be $500,000. The property has been appraised at $1.2 million, McGuire said.
The equipment and contents of the golf center will be sold in an online-only auction that will begin the day after the real estate purchase closes. McGuire said the golf center will likely shut down on or about Aug. 1.
Robert Murray, director of economic development for the city of Riverside, said today that the 12-acre tract would be a good spot for senior housing, perhaps with small office or commercial space facing Linden Avenue. There is a need for senior-friendly housing in Riverside, Murray said.
“But because of the size of the property, it could be a variety of things,” Murray said.
The tract is flanked by residential neighborhoods, so city officials will work to ensure that any redevelopment is compatible with the surrounding area, Murray said.
For more information about the auction, contact Realtor and auctioneer Karen Huelsman at Karen.huelsman@irongaterealtors.com or go to www.innovative-auctions.com.
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