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The Maplegate Country Club, a 140-acre property in Franklin, on the Bellingham line at 160 Maple Street, has been sold for $24,837,930.20 to an undisclosed private solar energy developer. The sale marks a significant transition for the property, which will be repurposed into a major solar energy facility.
The deal was brokered by Joseph Evans and Dusty Burke Jr. of American Commercial Real Estate, who managed the complex process that led to the property’s new ownership and future as a large-scale renewable energy project.
According to information provided by Evans, the site will host two 15-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic systems, producing a combined 30-MW project, which will be among the largest solar installations in Massachusetts. Once operational, the systems are expected to supply clean energy to approximately 6,000 income-eligible households through community solar programs, providing an estimated $30 million in energy savings over the life of the power contracts.
The conversion of this property from a golf course to a solar energy facility will bring significant financial benefits to the town of Franklin. Previously, the property was enrolled under Chapter 61B, a Massachusetts law that provides tax incentives for land used for recreational purposes such as golf courses. Under this program, the property was taxed at a much lower rate than typical commercial or industrial properties. However, with its sale and development as a solar energy project, the property will now be taxed at an industrial rate based on its new market value. This shift is expected to generate approximately $280,000 annually in additional property tax revenue for the town, providing much-needed financial support during a time of budgetary challenges.
For over 30 years, the ownership of Maplegate Country Club proudly operated the course, welcoming residents and visitors alike. Leonard French, who designed and built the course with remarkable determination and sacrifice, created a beloved community landmark that has stood the test of time. Alongside him, his wife, Shirley French, played a vital role in shaping the success of the course, and their unwavering dedication to the property has been a source of pride for many. Leonard passed away in 2017, but his legacy lives on through the course he created. The French family is deeply appreciative of the community’s ongoing support, but they have come to the decision that it is now time to move on and embrace a new chapter for the property.
“This project represents a major investment in renewable energy across Massachusetts and reflects the growing role of private capital in supporting sustainable infrastructure,” said Evans. “The transaction required careful navigation of permitting processes across Franklin and Bellingham and extensive coordination with municipal boards and stakeholders throughout the region.”
Dusty Burke added, “This sale marks an exciting new chapter for Franklin, both environmentally and economically. It shows how large-scale solar projects can benefit municipalities in meaningful ways, creating a long-lasting impact for the local economy while contributing to our clean energy future. “We were fortunate to have the guidance and expertise of Peter Brown of Brown Legal PLLC in Boston, whose legal counsel was crucial in navigating the complex permitting processes for this project,” said Evans. “Additionally, we would like to acknowledge the work of Bohler Engineering, whose civil engineering team played a vital role in designing and ensuring the infrastructure of the solar development site was engineered for long-term success.”
The Maplegate Country Club sale was a private land transaction, financed entirely through private capital, and does not involve government-owned land or public funding. Its permitting success demonstrates how private investment can work very productively with community leaders to drive clean and less expensive energy infrastructure and economic activity in New England where the cost of electricity is out of control. Joseph Evans and Dusty Burke Jr. specialize in complex commercial real estate transactions throughout Massachusetts and New England.
