BLOOMFIELD HILLS (WWJ) - Country club breaks ground on site for its new clubhouse after devastating fire destroyed the last one.
On Tuesday, Oakland Hills Country Club, located in Bloomfield Hills, held a groundbreaking ceremony on the site of the original clubhouse, which was razed in a fire on Feb. 17, 2022.
"Today is a momentous day for Oakland Hills members and staff who stand together, much like we did nearly two years ago watching flames rise from our clubhouse, but with a renewed excitement for the future,” Oakland Hills President K. Dino Kostopoulos said. “The Next 100 Project is the result of significant planning by the entire Oakland Hills family that will define the Championship golf experience for generations to come at our Club and beyond.”
“The Next 100” is the name of the construction project. It will not only include a new clubhouse, but also a new greens and grounds complex, repurposing an existing building and modifications to the practice range and parking facilities. The country club said that when the project is complete, “the iconic views of the South Course from the pillared veranda as well as the vista from the course back to the clubhouse will be restored.”
The plan for the clubhouse is to combine elements of Detroit architect Howard C. Crane’s original design and modern building techniques. Some changes include the location of the ballroom, a larger women’s locker room, an adjacent building with a fitness facility and “history halls,” which will contain memorabilia and trophies from the club.
The “Greens and Grounds” complex will serve both of the club’s 18-hole courses.
“The enthusiasm of the staff and membership about this project is extraordinary,” Oakland Hills General Manager Matt Dossey said. "These industry-leading facilities will enable us to further build upon the standards for which Oakland Hills is known. We revere our last clubhouse but are elated to share the new version with our local, national, and international friends who have reached out to assist. It is a grand new day for Oakland Hills.”
The project was approved by members in December and its estimated cost is $96.5 million. The club said construction will be funded by insurance proceeds, member dues and member assessment.
Oakland Hills will be the site of eight USGA championships between 2024 and 2051. It will host two U.S. Opens and two U.S. Women’s Opens. The U.S. Junior Amateur Championship will take place July 22-27, 2024.