Congress Lake Club located in Hartville, Ohio, was started in 1896 and at the time was a 3-hour journey from Canton. It was a weekend retreat that hosted members such as President McKinley. In 1914, an elegant Georgian Colonial clubhouse was constructed that faced the lake. Donald Ross became involved in the history of the club when he renovated the golf course in the 1930s. Over the years the clubhouse was renovated several times and the golf locker, grille room, bar and dining areas rooms eventually were located in the lower level of the club with the kitchen on the upper level. The views to the lake from the dining areas were limited and an old pool house blocked the view to the lake.
Harris/Day was charged with redesigning the entire 17,000 square foot lower level. The project scope focused on providing a better flow through the building, as well as opening up the views toward the lake. Members wanted a lower level that would appeal to them as much as the main level ballroom. The renovated lower level has the membership and other touring guests saying that this may now be the finest country club facility in Northeast Ohio.
Three different dining areas are now available to members. Fine dining is available in the signature Donald Ross room, while the Grille Room and Tavern have a more casual décor. Alfresco dining is also available on the brick patio for those wishing to take in the sights and sounds of the lake. Each room is distinct and each delivers a memorable experience. Dining is now enhanced by the addition of a full-service lower level kitchen, allowing the staff to deliver improved service.
The locker rooms have been completely renovated. New stained wood lockers now give life to the rooms where old metal lockers once stood. A new pool house complete with kitchen, bathrooms and an office serves the pool guests and at the same time screens the pool from the nearby parking area. With the redesign of the lower level and the pool area, the lake has once again become the focus of beautiful Congress Lake Club.
Even Fido Can Be Environmentally Conscious!
During the month of May, Harris/Day Architects participated in a fundraiser for the Canton Art Institute called “Barkitecture”, which encompassed a design of a unique doggie domicile. Harris/Day teamed with Rice’s Nursery and developed the “Green-House” – a contemporary and sustainable habitat for the dog of the 21st century. The dog house was designed to naturally blend in with any backyard environment using planting materials, natural cedar, and a grass roof. The pond (or the dog’s water dish) uses filtered water from the green roof which is drained through the copper piping. The solution creates an architectural and practical solution to truly benefit the owner, and reflect our firm’s design vision.
H/D’s “Green-House” will be on display at Westfield Belden Village from July 10-23. Bring the family out to see all of the locally designed doghouses.