(Rendering of new venue)

The three-season, temperature-controlled structure will occupy space that offers three-way views, including west for sunsets, of Canandaigua Lake, and will allow for more lakeside events to be held both earlier and later than the traditional Finger Lakes season. Scheduled for completion by late spring in 2022, the facility will be targeted at a “sweet spot” of 150- to 200-person events and will include a bridal suite, wood-fired pizza oven and grill, firepit, 500 feet of covered patio space, and a gambrel roof, glass dormers and retractable glass doors that will help guests feel like they’re out on the water, while remaining fully protected from the elements.

Canandaigua (N.Y.) Country Club, which will celebrate its 100^th anniversary in 2022, is partnering with Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake, which has managed a restaurant and special-events site on the club property since 2014, on a project that will construct a new three-season, temperature-controlled lakeside wedding and events venue, the Democrat & Chronicle of Rochester, N.Y. reported.

Ground will be broken for the new structure before the end of 2021, and the hope is that it will boost event business while also providing for more, better-paying jobs for local workers, Nick Violas, owner of Nolan’s, told the Democrat & Chronicle.

The partnership between the club and Nolan’s has relied on tented events space in a location that provides spectacular views of Canandaigua Lake to the north, south and west, including majestic sunsets over the water, the Democrat & Chronicle reported, and while that has served the operation well, the new venue will allow for more lakeside events to be held both earlier and later than the traditional Finger Lakes season.

“We started to outgrow that, and customers were starting to demand more,” Violas said. “They love being on the lake and they love the sunsets, but they were looking for something a little more stable in case, you didn’t have that perfect sunny day.”

The hope is for the project to be completed by May or early June 2022, the Democrat & Chronicle reported. Nolan’s is already booking events for next year and beyond in the new venue, Violas said.

Besides weddings, Violas said the venue will be able to host baby and bridal showers, corporate events, and parties, on weekends and during the week, the Democrat & Chronicle reported

“It’s not the biggest venue, but it’s more of an intimate setting; 150 to 200 people is the sweet spot for this,” he said.

The new structure, which is designed by Hanlon Architects and will be built by Riedman Construction, will feature a large gambrel roof that creates a large open-air feeling inside, the Democrat & Chronicle reported Glass dormers and retractable glass doors will allow the natural light to flow inside, with the effect of making it feel like you’re sitting outdoors on the water, but are always protected from the elements, Violas said.

“You really can create that ‘Great Gatsby’ lawn party atmosphere by opening those [doors] up, so you’re ‘outside’ in the lake with the covered top,” Violas said. “I think that’s the most unique part of the building.”

An outdoor kitchen will feature a wood-fired pizza oven and wood-fired grill, the Democrat & Chronicle reported. A bridal suite and 500 feet of covered patio will also be part of the new venue, and a large firepit will be a key touch for any evening by the water.

“It’s exciting, for both the Country Club and for Nolan’s for sure,” Violas said. “There’s no shortage of people wanting to come to Canandaigua Lake.”

Debbie Pontera, Canandaigua CC’s President, issued a prepared statement about the project, the Democrat & Chronicle reported, that said:

“The Board of Directors developed a strategic partnership with Nolan’s to improve the membership experience and drive revenue. The plan has allowed us to invest in our golf course, new clubhouse and now an event facility on the shores of Canandaigua Lake. We kick off our 100th year in 2022, and are excited to have a venue that will continue to drive success for future generations at Canandaigua Country Club.”