Renovation will transform clubhouse

By the summer of 2007, the members of West Lake Country Club will be able to enjoy a larger, renovated clubhouse.

At a Dec. 11 meeting, two-thirds of the club's 900 members voted to approve a $5.7 million renovation to the clubhouse in the gated West Lake community in Martinez.

"The existing clubhouse, parts of it, will be demolished and replaced with new construction," said David McManus, the club's general manager.

"I'd say 60 percent is renovation. We're adding about 40 percent to the size of the building."

McManus said the renovation, designed by Studio 3 Design, will double the size of the member dining area and the women's lounge, triple the size of the men's grill and expand the golf pro shop by 40 percent.

The club's ballroom will be expanded to accommodate the frequent special events held at the club, including dance parties, McManus said.

The clubhouse, which was built in 1969 and has been added onto through the years, is not sufficient for club members and events, officials say.

For example, McManus said, the lounge where members gather nightly holds only about 40 people but will be expanded to accommodate 90 to 100 in the renovation.

"All the things our members wanted, in surveys we've been taking over the last couple of years, are included in the new building," McManus said.

That includes turning the men's locker room into a 4,000-square-foot fitness and workout center, featuring exercise equipment, a sauna, spa, tanning facility and massage services.

"Our members are really looking forward to that," McManus said.

The cost of the renovation will be paid by existing clubhouse cash flow, member contributions and a bank loan, McManus said.

The building's exterior will feature a covered patio, including a fire pit and fountain, to run the length of the building that faces the practice putting green.

McManus said the entire renovation should be complete by summer 2007, but construction will not interfere with the services offered to members.

Administration offices and the pro shop will be temporarily relocated until construction is complete.

"Parts will be opened at the end of this year," McManus said.

"It's a phased construction plan so that we won't interrupt the members' dining, and of course it won't really touch golf."