Harrisburg, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The Dauphin Highlands golf course in Harrisburg has been sold for $45.6 million to Harrisburg I, LLC. This sale marks a significant shift as the property may be transformed into a data center, raising concerns among local golfers and residents about its impact on the community. While the county plans to use the proceeds to eliminate debt and generate tax revenue, many are left wondering how this change will affect golf operations and local culture.
Harrisburg: Golf Course Sold, Might Become a Data Center — What That Means for Players and the Community
Big money, big change
The Dauphin Highlands golf course in the Harrisburg area has a new owner. The property was sold for $45.6 million to a buyer listed as Harrisburg I, LLC, an entity formed by a Dallas-based developer. The county authority that ran the course for decades approved the deal as part of an effort to divest from an asset that has been losing money for years.
How we got here
This course opened in 1993 and was managed by the local county general authority for its entire run. Over time the operation consistently ran at a deficit. By the time the sale moved forward, the operation had accumulated roughly 13 million in debt. The board pushed to execute a purchase-sale agreement and voted to move ahead with the sale process in August 2023.
From fairways to servers?
The winning redevelopment plan calls for transforming the land into a data center. The proposal submitted by Harrisburg I reportedly dwarfed the recorded value of the property — roughly ten times higher than the land’s listed value. Board members say the site attracted multiple unsolicited offers from data center developers over the past year, and six proposals were considered in total.
Where the property sits
The golf course sits on land that spans both Swatara Township and the borough of Steelton. Existing golf operations will continue while the transaction moves through its checklist of conditions. The county authority plans to use sale proceeds to eliminate the golf course’s outstanding debt and to generate new tax revenue for the community and local schools. The projected closing date is December 31, 2027, though several approvals and infrastructure conditions must be met before then.
Local concerns — and necessary checks
Not everyone is thrilled about servers replacing tees. Residents have raised concerns about noise, water consumption, and potential increases in utility costs tied to data center operations. County board members emphasized the need for due diligence: securing water and power supply, getting the required permits, and making sure infrastructure can support large-scale computing facilities.
Why this matters to golfers
For people who treat the fairways as part of their routine, this sale is more than a real estate headline. It changes the local golf landscape and takes away a long-standing course that has been part of area play since the ’90s. The shift from a sporting venue to an industrial tech site raises questions about where players will go, what happens to club programs and leagues, and how local golf culture will adapt.
What the county says it will do with the money
The county authority sees the sale as a way to wipe out debt and unlock tax revenue that didn’t exist while the course was publicly managed. Those funds are slated to support local infrastructure and the Central Dauphin School District. The authority is clear that closing the deal depends on permits, infrastructure approvals, and securing utility capacity — and those steps could shape the final form and timeline of any data center.
Regional trend
This isn’t an isolated development. Similar data center projects are being planned elsewhere in the region, including nearby townships and counties. That regional pattern is part of why local residents are alert to possible impacts on water, power grids, and municipal services.
What golfers and neighbors should watch next
- Permit and infrastructure approvals: These are essential before any construction can begin.
- Utility agreements: Water and power commitments could determine whether the project moves forward at all.
- Community meetings: Neighbors will want updates on environmental reviews and mitigation plans.
- Transition options for golfers: Local clubs and players may seek alternative courses or new programming to fill the gap.
Bottom line for the fairway crowd
This sale represents a big pivot for a course that has been around more than three decades. Dollars on the table could clear long-standing debt and fund schools and infrastructure, but they also put a slice of local golfing history on a path to industrial redevelopment. For golfers, the coming months and years will be about watching approvals, planning transitions, and keeping an eye on how the community balances growth with the needs of those who played the course for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the sale price for the Dauphin Highlands property?
The land was sold for $45.6 million to Harrisburg I, LLC.
Who bought the property?
The buyer is Harrisburg I, LLC, an entity formed by a Dallas-based developer.
When is the sale expected to close?
The projected closing date is December 31, 2027, but final closing depends on infrastructure and permit approvals.
Will the golf course remain open until the sale closes?
Yes. Existing golf operations will continue until the tentative closing date or until further notice.
How will the sale proceeds be used?
The county authority intends to use the proceeds to pay off the course’s outstanding debt and to generate tax revenue for local infrastructure and the Central Dauphin School District.
What concerns do residents have about the planned development?
Local residents have raised concerns about noise, water consumption, and potential impacts on utility costs and local services.
Are similar projects happening nearby?
Yes. Data center developments are being planned in neighboring areas, including Londonderry Township, York County, and Cumberland County.
Quick Facts Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Property | Dauphin Highlands golf course |
| Sale price | $45.6 million |
| Buyer | Harrisburg I, LLC (Dallas-based developer entity) |
| Authority approving sale | Dauphin County General Authority |
| Outstanding debt | Approximately 13 million |
| Projected closing | December 31, 2027 (conditional) |
| Planned redevelopment | Data center (proposal subject to approvals) |
| Primary community concerns | Noise, water consumption, utility costs |
| Location | Swatara Township and Steelton |
End of report — stay tuned for permit updates and local planning meetings that will shape what comes next for a well-known spot on the local golf map.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Data Center Dynamics
- Local 21 News
- Penn Live
- Fox43
- ABC27
- Wikipedia: Data Center
- Google Search: Data Center
- Google Scholar: Data Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Center
- Google News: Data Center
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
