A design for the new University of Michigan Golf Course clubhouse that will enhance the golfer experience was approved Thursday by the university’s Board of Regents.
The $15 million, 23,000-square-foot facility will be built on the location of the existing clubhouse. The facility will include a banquet space, grill, pro shop, office space and a golf cart storage area. A new Letterwinners M Club meeting room also will be included.
The project will optimize operational functions, increase energy efficiency and include modern banquet facilities for the use by the university community. Originally built in 1950, the existing clubhouse is dated and no longer meets the university’s needs.
During construction, the golf course will remain open and guests will be able to access from behind the Varsity Tennis Center at the south end of the course off South State Street.
The project was first presented to the regents in May. After several board members expressed concerns with the design, the project was not approved. Since the May presentation, modifications were made to the roof to create a more horizontal look on the front, which lowers the roof elevation by three feet. A flat roof on the golf course side also lowers the roof elevation by four feet.
Site work will include grade changes, adjustments to golf course holes one and 10, repair of the concrete creek lining between the putting green and hole nine, new structure for the west side crossing of the creek and relocated parking. New trees and landscaping improvements also will be added.
Regents also approved a revised budget for the project. The regents approved the project last July, setting its budget at $12 million. The new budget is $15 million, as presented in May. Modifications made following the May meeting did not affect the budget.
The architectural firm Partners & Sirny designed the project. The clubhouse will be funded from athletic department resources and gifts, including generous gifts from U-M alumni Rich Postma and Mary Petrovich. The clubhouse was named the Richard L. Postma Family Clubhouse last July in recognition of his gift.
The project is expected to provide an average of 26 on-site construction jobs and will be completed in the spring of 2017.
