With the expansion of outdoor seating options and a new fire pit at the Tavern, the first phase of an $8.9 million project at the Naples, Fla., club has been complete. The first phase of construction also carved out a larger kitchen and included new equipment for culinary staff, while a chef’s table and exposition kitchen will be added during the second phase.

The first phase of space-enhancing improvements and renovations at The Club at Mediterra in Naples, Fla., have now been completed, with the expansion of outdoor seating options and the addition of a fire pit at the popular Tavern.

The Tavern expansion and construction of a new clubhouse kitchen were completed during the off-season as part of a two-phase, $8.9 million project approved by members.

“When you come to the Tavern, you’re greeted by other fellow members,” said Carmen Mauceri, director of club operations at Mediterra. “They make you feel at home, and you realize how special a place and how special a membership we have at Mediterra.”

Since it was unveiled in early 2011, The Tavern has twice been expanded. Al fresco seating and a summer kitchen debuted in early 2013, providing members with expansive outdoor gathering areas and a new menu of gourmet brick-oven pizzas, seasonal salads and open-air grilled entrees.

“The Tavern and Terrace have become the place to linger over drinks with friends, watch the big game on the flat-screen TVs, and gather around the fire,” said Max Passino, membership director. “It’s packed every night. On an average weekend, we have 200 people there. They love the social atmosphere and the relaxed time to catch up with all their friends.”

The first phase of construction also carved out a larger kitchen and included new equipment for The Club at Mediterra’s culinary staff. A chef’s table and exposition kitchen will be added during the second phase, which will ultimately expand the clubhouse to 33,000 sq. ft. with a two-story addition.

The second phase will add an indoor-outdoor dance floor and bandstand, expand the existing ballroom, create multifunction rooms, and introduce more outdoor terraces and gathering areas.

The Grille Room, the clubhouse’s main dining room, also will be redesigned, with new interiors featuring beamed wood-clad ceilings, bleached wood-paneled walls, and a distressed wood floor for a more casual feel. Existing fixed windows will be replaced with bi-folding doors leading out to a new terrace.

Members overwhelmingly approved the improvements, which included $3.2 million in replacement work and $5.7 million in new features for the 12-year-old clubhouse. The improvements are being funded through leveraged savings with no assessment to members or residents.