BULLHEAD CITY — An upcoming Arizona State Land Department auction on April 23 could soon determine the fate of Emerald Bay, a proposed resort and golf community in Bullhead City. The auction features 294 acres at the junction of Highway 95 and the southern end of the Bullhead Parkway—a parcel appraised at just over $4.8 million. Developers, led by S3 Group LLC, are eager to secure this state-owned land, which would serve as the centerpiece for a larger, master-planned community that combines this tract with additional private riverfront property.
If acquired, the 294-acre parcel would be integrated into a 493-acre development envisioned to include a championship 18-hole golf course, a par-3 course, a lagoon, marina facilities, a boutique resort, a potential sports science academy, and more than 1,000 residences. City leaders hail the project as a possible turning point for Mohave County—one that could bring one of the largest private investments to the area and bolster upmarket tourism along the Colorado River.
The concept of Emerald Bay was introduced in mid-2024 when S3 Group’s representatives presented a conceptual site plan to the Bullhead City Planning and Zoning Commission and later to the City Council. They stressed the development’s proximity to the newly completed Silver Copper Crossing over the Colorado River, a factor that could trigger significant growth in a once-quiet part of the city. While local officials welcomed the proposal, citing the promise of new jobs, increased tax revenue, and heightened regional visibility, they also noted that the plan would need extensive review—including engineering details, environmental assessments, and zoning approvals—before it could be realized.
At the heart of the project is the April 23 auction, conducted under Arizona’s rules for state trust land sales. The bidding will start at the assessed value of just over $4.8 million, with open increments of at least $100,000. Although S3 Group has been vocal about its intent to bid, other interested parties are reportedly eyeing the land. Some see it as a prime opportunity for commercial or mixed-use development, while the Colorado River Union High School District (CRUHSD) has expressed interest in acquiring a portion of the property. The school district, which owns 15 acres within the broader project area, is exploring the possibility of using adjacent land for expanded parking or future facility enhancements near its Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse.
CRUHSD officials have stressed the need for additional space to support the district’s growth plans. Although discussions between the district and S3 Group over a potential land exchange or shared-use arrangement have taken place, no binding agreement has been reached. This has led some local observers to speculate that the district might either participate in the auction or attempt to purchase adjacent parcels afterward to secure the needed space.
City officials view Emerald Bay with a mix of enthusiasm and caution. They point to the potential for significant job creation both during the multi-year construction phase and once the resort, marina, and golf facilities are operational. The anticipated development could employ hundreds of workers over several phases and inject millions of dollars into the local economy. Beyond construction, a fully realized Emerald Bay is expected to draw visitors from outside Mohave County, thereby boosting sales tax revenue and encouraging the growth of nearby businesses. New amenities—such as a lagoon, boat storage, and an expansive golf clubhouse—are seen as particularly valuable given the current scale of recreational options in Bullhead City.
Nonetheless, many challenges remain before Emerald Bay can move forward. No final development plan has been approved, and S3 Group must still secure all necessary entitlements, confirm water availability, address environmental concerns along the Colorado River corridor, and plan for essential infrastructure improvements. Traffic management is a significant issue, as Highway 95 already experiences steady flow between Bullhead City and Laughlin. A large-scale resort or new residential community would likely bring more vehicles to the area, prompting the project team to coordinate closely with Arizona’s Department of Transportation to consider access improvements along the Bullhead Parkway.
Water use is another critical concern in this arid region. Traditionally, golf developments require significant irrigation, but S3 Group has committed to using a mix of reclaimed water and advanced turf management techniques to reduce consumption. Despite these assurances, some local residents remain apprehensive about the cumulative water demand from a resort and 1,000-plus housing units. Municipal planners insist that any development will adhere to strict water conservation standards, and environmental advocates are calling for comprehensive hydrological studies before any approvals are finalized.
The dynamics of the April 23 auction itself are drawing considerable attention. If S3 Group manages to secure the land close to the starting bid, its available budget for subsequent site improvements might extend further—potentially enabling an earlier groundbreaking. Conversely, a competitive bidding war that drives the price significantly above the appraised value could force the winning bidder to revise its financial strategy, possibly delaying construction or requiring a scaled-back version of the original vision.
Bullhead City’s leadership, including the city manager and mayor, has made it clear that they welcome any reputable development that enhances the area, even if it diverges somewhat from the Emerald Bay concept. City documents reveal a clear preference for upscale commercial, recreational, and residential projects that align with long-term master plans and take advantage of new bridge infrastructure. While some city staff refer to Emerald Bay as a potential “game-changer,” they also caution that large projects of this magnitude carry inherent risks—such as financing challenges and potential delays in post-auction negotiations.
Should S3 Group ultimately prevail and resolve its differences with the school district, the transformation could extend well beyond the development itself. The new community might significantly alter traffic patterns, boost regional tourism, and reshape local neighborhoods. Longtime residents recall a time when the area along the Bullhead Parkway was little more than sparse desert punctuated by occasional subdivisions. The introduction of a major resort, an 18-hole golf course, and extensive new housing would represent a dramatic evolution—one that mirrors long-term developments seen in established desert communities like Scottsdale and Palm Desert, albeit over a longer timeline.
From an economic perspective, many officials believe the outcome of this auction could set a precedent for future state trust land sales in Mohave County. Two additional auctions—one for 100 acres east of Highway 95 and another for 620 acres near Lake Havasu City’s airport—could spark further waves of speculation and development in the region. For Bullhead City, however, the 294-acre parcel remains the crown jewel, offering not only a strategic location with sweeping desert views but also the potential for partial river access if consolidated with adjacent properties.
In the weeks ahead, city planning staff will prepare for the next phase of reviews and negotiations once the auction is completed. Should the land be acquired by S3 Group, the following steps will include detailed engineering assessments, zoning adjustments, and continued dialogue with stakeholders such as CRUHSD and local environmental groups. The future of Emerald Bay remains uncertain, but its potential to redefine Bullhead City is evident.
All eyes are now on the April 23 auction at the Mohave County Courthouse in Kingman. The outcome will ultimately decide whether Emerald Bay evolves from an ambitious concept into a landmark development that reshapes Bullhead City and fuels economic growth across Mohave County. Until then, developers, city officials, and residents alike await the decision that could change the face of the region.
—Jeremy Webb
- Thu, 17 April 2025
