Historic Lochmoor Country Club in Grosse Pointe Woods is destroyed by fire

The Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department was alerted by a fire alarm at around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, responding quickly to the scene on Sunningdale Drive, in the area of Mack Ave. and Vernier Rd.

All club members and staff were safely evacuated the building, officials said.

One firefighter suffered hand burns while battling the blaze, but no other injuries were reported.

Flame activity continued past nightfall, requiring an extensive response from multiple surrounding fire departments well into the late night and early morning hours Thursday.

Officials said preliminary information is that the fire started in the kitchen before spreading upward into the attic, doing extensive damage to the clubhouse.

Mayor Bryant noted that Lochmoor has been part of Grosse Pointe Woods since the early 1900s.

It's a long-time gathering spot for golfers, swimmers, tennis players and many longtime members of the local community.

He said the building had undergone some interior renovations, about three years ago.

"We certainly love it a lot; it's been here for many, many years," he told reporters. "I'm a member as virtue of being the mayor, and it's a wonderful place. A great place to eat a dine, and I guess it'll be a little while before we do that again."

Kathy Jerger was in tears at the scene, telling WWJ Newsradio 950's Darrylin Horne she's been a member since 1962.

"It's devastating to think that we're gonna have to build up from the ground again," Jerger said. "But the president of the club I spoke to a little bit ago, and she said we're gonna build back better, and we're gonna build back stronger. So we're holding onto that."

There is some hope that some historic artifacts may be salvaged from the wreckage, but it's too soon to know.