Planning continues for the new Glencoe Golf Club clubhouse both for the design of the building and private fundraising efforts coinciding with the taxpayer investment.
On Nov. 16, Glencoe Village Board Trustees received a presentation regarding the village’s ad hoc committee’s recommendation for a “Prairie-style” design for the exterior of the clubhouse building that will include a pro shop and dining facilities.
“We wanted to have a building that fit well within the community,” Ad Hoc Committee Chairman Michael LaPorte said. “That was no easy task because everyone who drives around Glencoe can see there isn’t one style for Glencoe.”
The ad hoc committee was formed earlier this year along with the retention of Oak Brook-based FGM Architects to design the new approximate 10,000 square foot building set to replace the existing clubhouse that was constructed in the 1920s.
FGM architect Daniel Nicholas said there would be almost as much outdoor seating as indoor seating at the building, believing the sun will enhance the experience for the guest. He said much of the social gathering spaces will be on the west side of the building.
“We are very sensitive to the west setting sun and the shade are how we are going to manage that,” Nicholas said.
He spoke of a general goal for the building.
More Top Picks Best Field Watches For Everyday
“We are looking to make this a facility that is exercised and utilized all times of the day and all times throughout the year,” Nicholas said.
Nicholas said there are three months of design left to go in the process.
“We are just starting to make steps in the gradual progression of design,” Nicholas said. “That starts with the general building character.”
The Village Board did not take any formal action at the meeting, instead it was presented as a formal update on the situation.
Regarding the financing of project, last April voters approved a $15 million bond sale referendum to pay for the construction new facility. However, a private fundraising entity named the Friends of the Glencoe Golf Club is seeking to collect donations for the project.
Friends President Dale Thomas said about $1 million has been raised now with the goal to raise $5 million.
“The $5 million would help to produce revenues that could be used to reduce the yearly cost of the bond payments,” Thomas said.
Thomas believes once potential donors visualize renderings of the new building that will assist fundraising efforts.
“It gives people an overall sense of what might be possible,” Thomas said. “They have to have a sense of what it will look like.”
Village Manager Phil Kiraly said he hopes a final design and final budget would be reported “soon” to the Village Board, leading to approval of both components by trustees.
Village officials hope construction will start next year with a goal to open the new building in mid-2025.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.