Gleneagles Country Club
Round Table Focus Group Results – Proposed Clubhouse Renovation
Dear MeMbers,
As we approach the conclusion of our Round Table and Focus Group sessions, we are pleased to share with you the questions, comments, and information gathered throughout the process. In addition, the transcript from the December 20, 2024, IDDI interior design presentation has been incorporated for further context and continuity.
Upon the conclusion of these final meetings, we will have engaged directly with over 250 members regarding the proposed clubhouse renovation.
Overall, the feedback from these sessions has been very encouraging. Attendees have been engaged, asked thoughtful questions, shared valuable suggestions, and, most importantly, demonstrated strong support for the proposed renovation.
Attached, you will find a comprehensive report.
In response to the member feedback, we will now begin developing a survey that will be distributed to the full membership. Prior to its release, the Board will have the opportunity to review the draft survey and offer any suggestions or revisions.
As discussed during the Round Table meetings, once the survey results are tabulated and appropriate adjustments are made to the conceptual design, we will begin developing a comprehensive printed brochure and a digital version to effectively communicate the project details to the entire membership.
We will continue to keep you informed throughout each phase of this process. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or input.
Thank you to all who participated in the Round Table meetings. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts toward a successful clubhouse renovation.
Thank you,
Gregg Benson Kraig M. Spina Club President COO
Clubhouse Renovation Focus Group Notes
April 1, 2025
Our Partners
• Architects: GE Architects
• IDDI Interior Design
• Mow Construction
• NV5 Owners Representative
• InSite Studios
• Bank of America
• Schnars Engineering
IDDI
Interior
Design Presentation
December 20, 2024
General Overview
• Presentation led by Sharif, Alessandra (Design Director), Elizabeth (Creative Director), Diego (Lead Designer), and David (Project Manager).
• Focused on incorporating member feedback from prior presentation.
• Targeting an elevated but approachable "high-end tropical resort" aesthetic: light, neutral, timeless, with warm wood tones and layered textures.
Design Process Approach
• Began with location and market analysis including competitor clubs.
• Identified demographics and lifestyle attributes to guide design direction.
• Developed space planning and level block layouts based on intended member experiences.
Entry Lobby & Arrival Experience
• Expanded interior lobby into the existing portico area to create a grand entrance.
• Valet and arrival remain in the portico with more streamlined flow.
• Concierge desk anchors the right side; central feature wall directs guests to main dining (right) or Legends Lounge (left).
• Ceiling designs use varied heights for drama and intimacy; warm wood-look ceiling for a tropical yet clean style.
• Natural materials and rich contrast; finishes emphasize warmth, privacy, and high functionality.
Restroom Enhancements
• Increased stall counts and improved privacy, with all stalls floor-to-ceiling.
• Women's restroom design: earthy tones, stone-look tile, ribbed textures, wood-laminate vanities and doors.
• Men's restroom: similar layout, more grounded and masculine color palette; urinals placed for privacy.
• Additional unisex restrooms added to Legends Lounge and La Veranda for accessibility.
Main Dining Room
• Layout emphasizes flexibility: movable furniture, larger round tables instead of banquettes for better group seating and reconfiguration.
• Partition walls allow room division for private functions or large events.
• Increased storage and service station areas (doubled in size) for operational support.
• Seating capacity approx. 240–275, with round tables expandable to 10–12.
• Mix seating styles and casters on furniture for mobility.
• Quartz tabletops proposed for durability and light weight.
• Ceiling design supports visual and spatial segmentation.
Buffet Hall
• Expanded footprint, new built-in pizza oven with staff station.
• Central ceiling feature masks exhaust systems.
• Neutral, food-forward design theme with updated mural wall (replacing green wall).
• Quartz countertops; whitewashed wood-look laminate finishes with potential upgrade to solid-surface for durability.
Legends Lounge
• Defined as a moody, nighttime “party room” distinct from main dining.
• Enlarged 32-seat central bar, optimized band stage and acoustics.
• Soundproofed ceiling design.
• Soft seating zones for lounge ambiance; dance floor has movable furniture.
• Feature wall has potential for wine lockers.
• Lounge connects seamlessly to library and can integrate during events.
Lounge & Library Enhancements
• Tapas Bar Integration: New built-in buffet feature replaces the loose counter, providing a permanent and elegant element.
• Service Station Upgrade: Enlarged to nearly double the original size with full prep capability and hidden access door.
• Connection to Library Lounge:
o Visual screen adds layering and privacy while maintaining openness.
o Two large pass-throughs allow seamless flow between spaces.
• TV/Projection Flexibility: Potential for dropdown projector screen for sports viewing between lounge and library.
• Ceiling Heights: Designed with transitional heights (12', 12’6”, up to 16’) to maintain intimacy and variety in volume.
• Restroom Continuity: Lounge-dedicated restroom mirrors the design theme for cohesion.
Library Design
• Modern "Old World" Aesthetic: Paneled, painted trim evokes a library feel with a fresh, clean look.
• Flexible Open/Closed Space: Mobile wall panels can fully tuck away for open-plan use or close for privacy.
• Entry Experience: Wood-trimmed portals and lowered ceiling vestibule create a welcoming transition.
Veranda Restaurant
• Layout Adjustments:
o Improved access to restrooms with side entry vestibule for privacy.
o Private dining room size reduced and enclosed in glass for acoustic and visual separation.
o Direct corridor access from kitchen to private room.
• Bar Placement & Usage:
o Full-feature bar anchors the space; viewed as essential for service even when other bars are closed.
o Bar location sparks discussion over maximizing outdoor vs. indoor space.
• Seating Considerations:
o Debate over Nano walls vs. fixed glass; indoor seating prioritized for year-round use.
o Proposal for hybrid design with partial outdoor balconies accommodating 24 guests.
• Outdoor Dining Debate:
o Split opinions between preserving indoor seating vs. providing outdoor air experience.
o Recognition of Florida climate challenges: heat, rain, bugs.
o Suggestion for flexible openings (Nano or retractable glass) to bring in air without sacrificing AC.
o Consensus forming around hybrid solution that maximizes flexibility.
• Furnishings: All restaurant furniture specified as outdoor-rated to preserve open-air design feel.
• Kitchen Expansion:
o Increased by ~40% to accommodate added seating and full-service dining needs.
o Coordination with executive chef and kitchen consultants for optimal layout.
Lower-Level Renovations
• Women’s Locker Area:
o Layout revisions to streamline flow.
o Entry vestibule leads to seating and feature wall.
o Saunas and plunge pool debated; strong interest in converting space for additional lounge/card seating.
o Vanity redesigned with better layout and improved aesthetic.
o Steam showers reconfigured; suggestion to add hairdryer stations (goal: 4).
• Card Room Enhancements:
o Built-ins extended, counter space added.
o More seating and rebalanced locker count (double-height lockers prioritized).
o Improved ceiling design with beam detailing for warmth and texture.
• Design Style: Light, creamy neutrals with oak accents and lavender pops for a romantic Parisian vibe.
• Functionality Improvements:
o Need for drink/purse tables between card chairs.
o Consideration of comfortable but space-efficient chairs (some want to seat 5 at a table).
o Storage and signage solutions requested for golf tournament communication.
Men’s Card Room
• Lounge Entry: Centralized and expanded with separated areas for watching sports vs. card play.
• Glass Partition: Allows noise control while preserving openness.
• Furniture & Feel: Aim for warm, luxurious feel (no green couch).
• Card Tables Configuration: Increased 4-top card tables; minimal poker tables.
• Locker Design Feedback:
o Members want taller/wider lockers due to current storage limitations.
o Designer to work with vendor on custom locker configuration.
• Shower Count: Currently set at 4; some concern over demand during peak times.
General Design & Feedback
• Member Support: Many members praised the overall design, calling it sophisticated and guest-worthy.
• Desire for Alternatives:
o Some request alternate renderings/concepts to show to members for broader input.
• Aesthetic Direction:
o Resort-like, tropical, warm, and light-filled spaces are preferred.
• Additional Notes:
o Concerns over stairwell design into the lower level; lighting and aesthetic treatment still to be addressed by the architect.
o Materials and finishes displayed post-meeting for members to view.
• Venues
Gleneagles Round Table / Focus Group Notes
o Lobby
Proposed Lobby Chairs appear to be low and lack support
Propose couches for parties of two or more
Club requests “sit tests” for larger volume chair needs (i.e. Legends Dining Room, Legends Lounge, Library (flexibility and mobility of chairs and tables)
Lobby concierge will need an operational model to determine proper size and scope of station; avoid clutter
Permanent Kiosk Technology
o Legends Dining Room
Discussed mobile wall and flexibility / versatility
Discussion regarding room capacity: decrease from 350 to approximately 240-275, with round tables expandable to 10-12. Option of utilizing the Legends Lounge and mobile wall concept
Casters on furniture for mobility
Light weight tables for mobility
Layout designed for everyday use with flexibility for larger functions.
How to accommodate events such as: Thanksgiving, Passover, Play for Pink, Hadassah, Israel Events…)
• Discussed multiple Venue staging:
Rationale in the shift in Legends Dining Room Capacity
o Legends Lounge
Seating capacity increased from 160 to 175 / utilizing Library 220
Larger service stations
Hot food hors d’oeuvres station was discussed
Air wall provide contiguous access to Legends Dining Room
Investigate functionality of mobile banquettes
Bar stools lighter and possibility for swivel function
Larger Bar
Dance floor
Area for entertainment
Potential for wine lockers
Consideration of television(s) location
o Victory Room (Library)
Extension of Lounge
Extension of Veranda
Private function room
A/V built in for social activities
Projection TV
Versatility
Food Service Options
Décor to tie rooms together
o Veranda
Great deal of support for NanoWalls to provide “indoor / outdoor” feeling
Determine television location
Concept will be a permanent restaurant
Increased kitchen size and layout
Considering operation 6-7 days weekly
Dedicated culinary team
Multiple seating areas
Lower-level entry from cart staging was well received
Desire to maintain and upgrade firepit and sitting area
Suggestion to eliminate firepit area to allow for more seating
o Veranda Outdoor Dining
Discussion regarding outdoor patio, not attractive
Consider replacing awning at the Grill and Glen **
o Zen Area
Concept was very well received
Appears to be a desire for limited-service kiosk
• Kiosk will provide partial covering.
• Leadership team working on kiosk business modeling
Firepit was well received
o Men’s Card Room, Locker Area and Wet Area
Interest in sauna and steam
Full and half lockers will be determined via survey
Number of showers undecided
Snack dispensers better distribution process-improve optics
o Ladies Card Room, Locker Area and Wet Area
Interest in sauna and steam
Full and half lockers
Number of showers undecided
Make-up area
Lounge upgrade to men’s style appointments
Snack dispensers better distribution process-improve optics
Additional tables for card play
Relocate drink and snack station to rear of the card room
Side tables, pillows and additional chair for 5 seats at table
o Restrooms
Increased counts were appreciated
Unisex seemed to be acceptable Veranda and Lounge
Brill toilet seats for women
Appropriate height of toilets
o Buffet Room
The proposed design was very well received
Expanded footprint
New pizza oven with staff station
Hood system to manage food exhaust
Traffic flow is extremely important; we will continue to work on logistics
Proper cooling and heating tops, built in work with DEI; investigate new technologies for both efficiency and quality
Will any of the buffet equipment need to be mobile?
o Employee Cafeteria
TBD
• Circulation and Accessibility
o Study traffic flow for buffet access from Legends Dining, Legends Lounge and Victory Room
o Service station review and accessibility
o Develop life safety plan with architect to assist with phase I and Phase II
o Will renovation disrupt food service
• Financial Details
o Will new member capital contribution be used to finance project?
o What is the loan structure?
What is the amortization?
Interest only for how long?
When does principle and interest begin?
How will future projects be funded post Clubhouse renovation?
Current Assessment is $215.00
Loan Expiration 2028 of $105.00
New Assessment is $110.00 + 255.82 (35M) @ 5% = $365.82 / 6% = $382.97
New Assessment is $110.00 + $292.00 (40M) @ 5% = $402.00 / 6% = $421.00
• Design Function
o Acoustics- Sound Engineer to ensure sound control
o Lighting Engineer
o A/V Consultant
o DEI Consultant
o Mobile walls and accessibility between rooms
o Are trends considered prior to committing to final furnishing selection
o Suitable chairs for varied heights and “not too heavy or bulky”
• Parking
o During Construction
o Additional parking options
• Timeline and Critical Path
o See timeline matrix on website and App