Lobby Renovations: First Impressions Matter

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. When members and guests arrive at the club, the first spot that greets them is the lobby. Because of that, properties are taking invaluable steps toward refreshing their grand entrances.

A Seamless Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The River Bend Club in Great Falls, Va. has recently unveiled a stunning renovation of its Seneca Lounge and Foyer. The project aimed to create a more inviting and contemporary space while preserving the club’s rich heritage.

The impetus for the renovation was a desire to modernize the outdated clubhouse dining areas, particularly the entrance foyer. General Manager/COO Lee MacKay, CCM explains, “The area needed to be more welcoming and inviting to members and guests.” By addressing the lobby, the club sought to create a positive first impression and set the tone for the overall experience.

“The new lounge and foyer are much nicer, welcoming, and warmer. It’s a pleasant area to sit and wait for fellow members and guests.”
– Lee MacKay, CCM, General Manager/COO; The River Bend Club; Great Falls, Va.

The renovation involved a comprehensive overhaul of the Seneca Lounge and Foyer, encompassing new finishes, furnishings, and architectural elements. The design team carefully selected materials and colors to create a cohesive and sophisticated atmosphere that complemented the club’s existing character.

Funding for the project came from the club’s cash reserves, allowing for a seamless implementation of the renovation plans. The timeline for the project spanned from 2019 to 2021, during which the club’s operations continued uninterrupted.

The results of the renovation have been overwhelmingly positive. Members and guests have praised the updated spaces for their enhanced comfort, elegance, and modern appeal. As MacKay notes, “The new lounge and foyer are much nicer, welcoming, and warmer. It’s a pleasant area to sit and wait for fellow members and guests.”

Key features of the renovation include:
• Distinct seating groups in the Seneca Lounge for various social interactions
• A sophisticated color palette featuring blue-gray wainscot and stained elements
• Custom millwork and decorative accessories for visual interest
• New portals and a functional credenza in the Seneca Lounge
• Updated foyer with new moldings, wallpaper, and lighting
• Comfortable and stylish seating in the foyer

Enhances Aesthetics and Functionality

At Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase, N.Y., a recent renovation has transformed its iconic clubhouse, with a particular focus on the lobby. As the club strives to remain a leader in the competitive country club landscape, this renovation enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of key areas, creating a more inviting environment for members and guests.

“Addressing the lobby specifically was crucial because it serves as the first impression for members and guests. The lobby sets the tone for the entire club experience.”
– Iwona Sterk, General Manager; Old Oaks Country Club; Purchase, N.Y.

According to Iwona Sterk, General Manager of Old Oaks, the decision to renovate the lobby and other major parts of the clubhouse was driven by several factors. “The renovation was spurred by the commitment to enhance member satisfaction, modernize our facilities while preserving the authentic and historically significant features of the clubhouse, and maintain a competitive edge—not only within the local area but also on a national scale,” she says.

Beyond these strategic goals, the decision was also influenced by valuable member feedback. “Addressing the lobby specifically was crucial because it serves as the first impression for members and guests. The lobby sets the tone for the entire club experience,” Sterk explains. “Renovating the lobby created a more inviting, aesthetically pleasing, and functional environment.”

The renovation, completed in the fall and winter of 2022/2023, involved significant upgrades across the main floor of the clubhouse. These updates included the grand hall, women’s card room, living room, library, bathrooms, Oak Room, dining room, and main kitchen. On the lower level, the front desk area, lobby, hallways, and bathrooms were also revamped.

Sterk notes that members have responded positively to the changes. “Members have expressed appreciation for the modernized yet tasteful updates that blend contemporary design with the clubhouse’s historical charm,” she says. “The balance between tradition and innovation resonates well with both long-standing and newer members.”

Additionally, the enhancements have improved functionality in key spaces. “Members have also commented on the enhanced comfort and usability of spaces such as the lobby, dining areas, and common rooms. They are finding these areas more conducive to hosting private events or casual socializing,” Sterk adds.

The renovations have not only elevated the club’s aesthetic appeal but have also fostered a sense of pride within the membership. “As the renovated clubhouse has raised the club’s profile, members feel a renewed sense of pride in being associated with the club.”

Introducing Contemporary Elegance

“The updated space enhances functionality while providing a welcoming atmosphere for both members and guests, all while maintaining a modern and visually appealing aesthetic.”
– Elisa Wade, Marketing & Membership Director; Hunting Creek Country Club; Prospect, Ky.

Hunting Creek Country Club, located in Prospect, Ky., recently completed a stunning lobby renovation as part of a larger clubhouse transformation. With a focus on enhancing both functionality and aesthetics, the updated space plays a critical role in creating lasting impressions for both members and guests.

According to Lisa Wade, Marketing & Membership Director at Hunting Creek, the decision to renovate the lobby was driven by its significance as a central hub within the clubhouse. “The lobby is a high-traffic area that significantly influences first impressions for prospective members and lasting impressions for existing ones,” Wade explains. Recognizing the importance of this space, Hunting Creek partnered with Louisville-based interior design firm Hubbuch & Company to create an entryway that reflects the club’s contemporary brand identity.

“The updated space enhances functionality while providing a welcoming atmosphere for both members and guests, all while maintaining a modern and visually appealing aesthetic,” Wade says. The lobby, unveiled to members in the summer of 2020, retained its original 932-sq.-ft. layout, but introduced a new level of sophistication and usability.

The renovation focused on transforming the lobby into a more social and inviting space. “The new ambiance offers a comfortable yet chic lounge atmosphere,” says Wade. By reconfiguring the layout, the design team expanded seating capacity from five to eight guests, adding a second couch to increase comfort and intimacy.

Designers selected a palette of soft, warm neutrals with blue accents, creating a serene yet stylish environment. High ceilings with stained wood beam boards and a blend of downlights and lamps add a soft glow to the space, enhancing its welcoming feel. Custom area-rug carpeting lends a sense of coziness, while the original fireplace remains as a central feature of the lobby, grounding the modern design in the club’s tradition.

The lobby’s open design connects it seamlessly with other key clubhouse areas, including the Fireside Room, the golf simulator room, and the hallway to the grill room. The flow extends to the outdoor patio, allowing guests to transition easily between indoor and outdoor spaces, which has been a popular enhancement.

The redesigned lobby now serves as a key space for introducing potential new members to the club. “In less than a year, we’ve transformed our clubhouse from a dated facility to a showcase,” Wade says. The improved layout and stylish design have made the lobby an ideal space for meetings and tours, further enhancing the club’s appeal to prospective members.

Since its reopening, the updated lobby has garnered praise from both members and guests. The emphasis on warm neutrals with blue accents has struck a balance between sophistication and comfort, making the space feel relaxed yet refined. “The design’s focus on creating a welcoming and stylish atmosphere has resonated well with everyone,” Wade notes.

The renovation project, funded entirely by club members, has not only upgraded the lobby’s functionality but also reinforced the club’s commitment to providing a top-tier experience for all who visit Hunting Creek.

Lobby renovations are a testament to the commitment to providing a high-quality experience for its members and guests. By thoughtfully blending tradition with modern design, clubs create a space that is both inviting and timeless. C+RB