The Willard Companies, owners of The Waterfront Country Club, a private golf and country club at Smith Mountain Lake, unveiled future club expansion and long term renovation plans at a vision meeting with its membership last week in conjunction with a new membership campaign.
The Willard Companies partnered with Richard Mandell Golf Architecture to develop a proposed land plan for the Clubhouse and hired Architect Antonio Veloso to design a new fitness center and pool building. The Willard Companies main goal will be to update existing Club amenities such as relocating the swimming pool in closer proximity to the Clubhouse complex, incorporating a new state-of-the-art fitness and recreational area for members, and creating a new short game area for the club. Expansion features include the following: zero entry pool, lap pool and diving area, lounge area in pool, outdoor bar, fitness center (group exercise and weights), 4 Pickle Ball Courts, 2 tennis courts, and a short game area between the club and range. Estimated costs for the renovation are projected around $1.4 million.
Timeframe for the groundbreaking and construction start on the renovation project hinge on membership growth. The company recently launched a new membership campaign offering prospective members lower initiation fees with financing options, reduced social dues structure, and new Under 40 classifications with special pricing. The company goal is to reach pre-recession membership at around 400 members in order for the vision to become reality.
According to Ron Willard II, Vice President of The Willard Companies, the Private Club Industry is in the process of finding its niche again and clubs are being forced to adapt to the demands of membership and potential members. “The Private Clubs that are going to survive in the decades to come must change and adapt to the market demands,” said Willard.
For media inquires or for more information, please contact Christopher Finley at 540-721-5288 or email chris@thewillardcompanies.com.
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The Waterfront encompasses 750 acres and 8.5 miles of shoreline. The 18-hole, PGA Championship Golf Course was designed by George Dillon of the Fazio Group. The course offers a very fair but challenging layout. Preserving the history of the land used was at the top of the list of priorities when this course was built. It offers incredible vista views and follows the original topography of the land. The 22,000 square foot clubhouse was planned by The Willard Companies in cooperation with Robert Bradley, AIA and Associates. Club amenities include tennis courts, swimming pool, fitness center, driving range, pro shop and fine dining. The Waterfront Country Club opened in 1981. Visit online at www.thewaterfrontcc.com.
The Willard Companies is the umbrella for Willard Construction of Roanoke Valley, Inc., Prudential Waterfront Properties, The Waterfront, The Water’s Edge and The Westlake Golf and Country Clubs. The company is involved in country clubs, building, developing, marketing and real estate. The Willard Companies is also affiliated with Westlake Towne Center, Westlake Cinema, Westlake Salon & Spa, Window and Door Design Gallery and Smith Mountain Building Supply. Visit online at www.thewillardcompanies.com.