The Boulder Country Club: A Historic Boulder Landmark Gets An Update
Renovations to the Fireside Lounge include updated finishes, fixtures and furnishings as well as folding glass walls that create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Boulder Country Club Master Plan (Left: Clubhouse | Right: Poolhouse)
The Boulder Country Club has been part of Boulder’s history for over fifty years. Originally built by Boulder architect Hobart Wagner, the iconic Clubhouse building has been a place for members to enjoy the outdoors, celebrate life events or take in the views of the Flatirons over drinks with friends. When the Country Club’s former president came to Sopher Sparn Architects, he imagined a series of projects for the Country Club that would position the Club as a prominent and desirable place for leisure and entertainment for decades to come.
Our involvement with the project began with updating the 1995 Master Plan for the overall site. The goal was to obtain approval from Boulder County for substantial improvements to the Country Club, including authorization for a new Poolhouse Building, a significant renovation and expansion of the Clubhouse Building, and other long-term improvements to club facilities. This required an extensive county approval process that included landmarking of the original Hoby Wagner Clubhouse Building to ensure its essence would be preserved as a historically significant structure.
During the concept design phase for the historic Clubhouse, we began by documenting the intricate collage of hexagons that make up the building structure and layout. The original construction, although beautiful and unique, lacked natural light and openness—especially towards views of the Flatirons. These main drivers of the design ensured that the lobby would open to western views, and the visibility between spaces would increase to amplify the energy of the social environment. This openness, starting in the lobby and continuing throughout, creates a sense of connection and community, with the main stair bringing the spaces together across multiple levels.
Remodeled east deck outside Family Grille showing folding glass walls at bar and dining room.
Interior connection between Fireside Dining Room and Ballroom
Expanded west deck outside Fireside Lounge with new canopy and firepits facing Flatirons
Historic drawing of Boulder Country Club master plan by architect Hobart Wagner. Courtesy of Boulder Country Club.
The Country Club’s dining and social experience is one of its most cherished components, so it was important to focus much of our work on bringing this experience into the 21st century—updating and improving finishes and furnishings, both indoors and out. The new Poolhouse Building opens to the pool deck with folding glass walls and covered outdoor dining areas. As part of the Master Plan, this building was located at the main driveway turnaround for increased visibility and accessibility during the busy summer months. The Poolhouse now includes a new restaurant and bar, and a full commercial kitchen, with both indoor and outdoor covered seating areas, and shower changing rooms. This replaces the prior Snack Bar structure that stood east of the outdoor pool.
At the Clubhouse, the renovation also focused on the social experience by working mainly on the dining spaces, card rooms and adult lounge. The existing outdoor dining space on the deck was increased, focused westward to the mountain views, and further connected to the inside with outdoor bar seating. The renovation also included interior additions to these key dining areas that allow for more occupancy and flexibility for the Club to operate, both in response to members’ needs and for special events. A series of folding glass walls were added to the Fireside Lounge and the Family Grille, which create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Special events take place in the Ballroom (Private Dining Room), adjacent and opening onto the Fireside Dining and Lounge areas, with interior folding glass walls that allow for further operational flexibility.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Country Club projects were designed to connect the indoor and outdoor experiences, both at the new Poolhouse restaurant and through the Clubhouse renovation. These renovations became even more relevant once outdoor dining became the only option. The folding glass walls and large windows allow for airflow and interaction between the inside and outside. Enhancing the outdoor dining experience works to connect with the recreational uses at the Club, including golf, swim, and tennis, and improves the flexibility of these spaces for owner operation and the Country Club members.
The rest of the interior also received significant renovations, including at the Women’s Card Room with a complete interior revamp of the furniture, layout, and finishes in the space, an addition to increase natural light, and a new, dedicated outdoor patio. This new lower-level patio integrates with the existing golf course staging area, the Turn Deli, and the Grand Stair, one of the visual focal points of the Clubhouse. The stair leads up to the deck addition on the west side, outside the Fireside Lounge, where the views of the mountains and the indoor/outdoor experience are feature elements of the overall design. Additionally, a new direct opening to the outdoor event space from the Main Lobby was added for convenience for special events access.
Grand Stair above Women’s Card Room Patio
The new Poolhouse Restaurant features both indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
The collaborative process of working with the Country Club was unique in many ways, both because of the architectural design of the original Clubhouse and because of the importance of receiving feedback both from the leadership at the Club and from its members. In each of the projects, meetings and presentations were held with the Executive Board and the Design Review Board before the designs were presented at a Town Hall meeting for members. The partnerships between leadership and membership were just one component of the collaborative effort of this project. The Country Club also decided to work with a renowned interior design firm, JKA Interior Design, as well as Deneuve Construction, who Sopher Sparn has worked with on many occasions.
Sopher Sparn Architects is one of Boulder’s largest architectural practices, with over 40 years of experience building custom homes, commercial structures, and multi-family developments in and around Boulder County. Our reputation is founded on a dedication to client values, sound construction and sustainable design. Contact us today to discuss your architectural needs.