Chambers Company and Fred Olivieri Construction converted three dining areas at the Hartville, Ohio club into a single upscale casual restaurant, anchored by a circular bar, all with views of a 200-acre lake through floor-to-ceiling windows.

When the time came to renovate the clubhouse at Congress Lake Club in Hartville, Ohio, the focus of the design was obvious—the lake.

General Manager Paul Showalter told The Canton Repository exactly that, “Take advantage of the lake.”

Chambers Company of Naples, Fla., and Stark County, Ohio’s Fred Olivieri Construction accomplished the goal with a $3.5 million project.

Three dining areas were converted to a single upscale casual restaurant, anchored by a circular bar, all of it with views of the 200-acre, spring-fed lake through floor-to-ceiling windows, The Repository reported. An adjacent patio, which seats 100 people, includes a louvered roof and closer to the lake, more seating and a pair of fire pits were added.

Congress Lake Club, founded in 1896, can trace its roots to 1880 and the Canton Outing Club, The Repository reported. That club’s original boathouse is still in use at the 1,000-acre complex.

The club includes a 6,604-yard, par-71 golf course, rebuilt a century ago by Donald Ross.

“But we’re unpretentious around here … not stuffy,” Showalter told The Repository.

Renovations included a private wine room with 24 climate-controlled lockers where some of the club’s 375 members rent space, The Repository reported. However, the project also carved out a section of locker room space for a children’s area next to the swimming pool for day camps, kids’ activities and babysitting.

“We’re very family-oriented,” Showalter said. “We’re the last country club around here that’s still out in the country. … A lot of our families spend the entire day here. Congress is about people … the socializing, friends and family.”

Renovations began in December 2022 and were complete by June, The Repository reported. Because it’s a member-owned club, the cost of the project was paid for by members.

“The Congress Lake Club’s membership proudly respects and honors its great history, but the club is certainly not bound by it,” a press release from the club stated. “The club’s modern amenities and personalized service are completely relevant to the lifestyle of today’s sophisticated member.”

The three-story clubhouse was designed and built in 1914 by architect Guy Tilden, The Repository reported. The 60,000-sq.-ft. Georgian building has had other updates and additions over the years, as evidenced by varying shades of exterior bricks.