Traditional elegance. That's the best way to describe the newly
reconstructed clubhouse at Mesa Verde Country Club -- a $7-million,
4,200-square foot project which is transforming the club.
Visitors see a difference as soon as they drive up with about a
half dozen pine trees, spaded off the golf course, transplanted in
the front entrance.
The main dining room is wide and expanded farther out than the old
one, providing stunning views of the golf course. A fireplace at the
entrance of the upper-level dining room is the centerpiece of the
two-tiered main lobby area.
"The concept (of the new facility) lends heritage to the whole
golf course with its richness and landscape," said Paul Anderson of
the architectural firm (Marsh & Associates) that reconstructed the
clubhouse. "I wouldn't want to categorize it ... (the project's new
look) is driven by the placement of the sites, the views and the
colors surrounding the landscape. The overall design intent is to
bring out (the club's) heritage and richness."
Added Mesa Verde General Manager Kim Porter: "It's elegant, but
still like home."
The browns give the inside a warm feeling, while the abundance of
windows allows onlookers to indulge with myriad views. There are new
balconies, as well, including outside of the spiffy banquet room
(formerly the Tony Lema Room), which could become Orange County's
next hotspot for weddings and receptions.
"We're booking weddings now," Porter said. "We're booking weddings
like crazy. Once we're up and running, we'll be hopping ... it's
tough to beat the views."
Especially at sunset.
The newly constructed clubhouse at Mesa Verde lends itself to the
ideal setting for a cool ocean breeze, an endless sunset and the
comfort of a classic, yet warm environment, nestled high above the
golf course's landscape.
"It doesn't have the feel of a huge structure," Anderson said.
"It's an atmosphere more like home ... the intention of our firm was
nothing monumental. We just wanted a good, comfortable, functional
golf course clubhouse, while also trying to take advantage of the
views."
The old clubhouse, built in 1959, had a patio and balcony, but few
members ever sat there, because was ocean breezes were a little too
chilly. Now, with the main dining room pushed farther out, it blocks
some of the wind on the balcony adjacent to the banquet room
(capacity 250).
The clubhouse also complies fully with state and federal handicap
codes. It didn't before.
The Olympic pool and diving pool are also out at Mesa Verde,
