Lancaster Country Club

This $20 million expansion and renovation project repositioned the Lancaster Country Club for broader appeal and long-term vitality and received recognition in Club + Resort Magazine.

The reimagined facilities enable the club to attract a more diverse mix of community members, and particularly young families. Although much will be new at the club, its world-renowned golf course, created and revised by famed Philadelphia course designer William Flynn in 1919 and 1940 respectively will remain the same.

Photo Credit: Nathan Cox Photography

Project Highlights

Client:
Lancaster Country Club 

Location:
Lancaster, PA

Services:
Architecture

Interior Design

FF&E

Type:
Clubhouse

Dining

Wellness

Two-story clubhouse with pool in the foreground

Outdoor amenities include a kitchen and bar, pool-deck café, kiddie pool, zero-entry, resort-style leisure pool and a 25-meter, eight-lane outdoor competition pool.

Multi-generational Appeal

Activities Pavilion

The new 24,000-square-foot activities pavilion is the focal point of the expansion. The building was constructed on a former parking lot and overlooks the Conestoga River.

The design inspiration was the work of British Architect C.F.A. Voysey, known for his English country houses based on similar references in the original clubhouse architecture. In addition to a new casual bistro and bar, the activities pavilion includes a 1,700-square-foot fitness center, 800-square-foot group exercise room, locker rooms, family changing rooms and children’s play area.

Dining room with cathedral ceiling and fireplace — The Pavilion includes the 100-seat casual-dining Sunset Bistro,

People on comfy chairs watching others using golf simulator — There are two "open" golf simulators and a party room with its own simulator for private functions or weather-proof golf instruction.

People at bar and dining table — The bistro includes a bar, golf simulators, wrap-around porch seating and a two-sided, indoor/outdoor fireplace.

Kids area with foosball table — The childrens' area is a new addition to increase family memberships.

Closeup of gables and chimney — The facade features steeply pitched gables, natural materials and a straightforward, classical building rhythm and geometry.

“Our vision is to provide defining moments in people’s lives regardless of age, gender or family/marital status”

Ryan Granruth

Club Manager, Lancaster Country Club

The paddle hut reflects the proportions, detailing and character of British and French-designed garden follies of the Victorian era.

New

Paddle Hut

This 850-square-foot building was constructed next to three existing paddle-tennis courts. The design repeats the chimney element of the activity pavilion.

The paddle hut provides a warm and comfortable place to relax between games, particularly welcome since paddle-tennis is frequently played from mid-October to mid-March. A highlight is the serving counter with built-in kegerator.

Vertical view of paddle hut with courts beyond — Vertical board and batten detailing is featured on both the façade and interior.

paddle hut clubhouse interior fireplace — The interior lounge for relaxing and socializing includes built-in window seats, a stone fireplace and restrooms.

interor of paddle hut clubhouse — Improvements also included an expanded heated viewing deck with stand-up tables, lounge seating and a firepit table.

The new women's locker room provides an upscale spa aesthetic.

Updates to

the Clubhouse

Updates to the existing clubhouse were phased to avoid service disruptions. The first phase introduced a new women’s lounge and locker room, as well as a new dining corridor and connection to terraces.

Renovations to the men’s locker rooms and the 19^th Hole lounge and bar updated those spaces while maintaining a more classical aesthetic.

This area serves as an outdoor cocktail lounge offering a 180-degree view of the golf course.

New Putting Green

Golf Plaza

The Activity Pavilion paved the way for replacement of the former swimming pool with a new 16,000-square-foot putting green, surrounded by a firepit and seating area.

The former bath house has been converted into a relocated pro shop, storage/repair garage and plaza amenity between the clubhouse and the first tee.

Engaging the Next Generation

The member-owned club has already seen positive results from the expansion – despite the project being completed in the midst of the pandemic. The response was almost immediate. More than double the number of new members, representing an average age of 41, signed up after the project was announced. Equal enthusiasm has come from an influx of new members. They have been rapidly lowering the club’s average age and enabling membership to reach capacity by early 2022.