Page 10 - GP Periodical 2018-19

HOUSE COMMITTEE REPORT
10
First off is a summary of where we are and what we have accomplished. We obtained approval from 75% of the membership to proceed with Project Legacy. Upon
obtaining this approval, we established Focus Groups on several topics to help inform and advise our Consultants and to allow further Member input into the final design and attributes of the new lodge in support of Project Legacy.
The topics of the groups were:
1. Design, décor and ambience (3 Sessions)
2. Food and beverage
3. Childcare facilities
4. Dining, private functions and Après facilities 5. Lockers, washrooms and common areas
6. Bay Street Bar
7. Award and recognition displays 8. Founders
The results of these Focus Groups were published to the Members in March 2018.
There is consensus amongst the membership as to what they want and it closely approximates what we already have, only with added functionality and modernity. The most notable outcome of the Focus Groups was that our membership is very united in its vision. Similar themes and commentary emerged at all of the Focus Group meetings, which included a wide range of Members:
• The membership wants an intimate space that is cozy, takes advantage of our natural surroundings, optimizes our outdoor culture but builds on what we have already.
• We want a modern facility with modern amenities, technology and food and beverage options, but with a classic warm feel reflective of our intimate, outdoor and rustic culture.
• Clean lines, inspired by modern northern European ski lodge design with lots of natural materials (wood) and natural light were the design themes continually repeated.
• Increase seating and washrooms (particularly female) over what currently exists in the combined total of the existing clubhouse and West Lodge.
Washrooms Existing Proposed
Seating
Main Founders West Lodge Total
Existing Proposed
465 700 148 200 180 180 793 1080
Female
Main Lodge West Lodge
Male
Main Lodge West lodge
Family
Unisex (Admin)
Daycare
Total Washrooms 38 50
Our Members like the nooks and crannies of the current space and the micro-communities and activity it creates – they like that different areas can serve different needs but still be together and a part of the lively nature of the Club – a theme, I like to call: “together but separate”. We should be careful to not over-design and enforce strict use of space but allow spaces to create their use organically and spontaneously.
This extended to discussions of the Bay Street Bar: keep what we have but improve and modernize it. People like the intimacy and kitsch. The bleachers, the kitchen party vibe, the vintage ski apparel and posters; but there is certainly recognition that we need to modernize, increase the size and make the bar more serviceable and easier to access. There was also a desire to see if the bar could open up to the deck on mild days or for summer events – something similar to garage doors or the like to take advantage of the natural setting and our outdoor- oriented culture.
It was also clear what the membership does not want: the open, cathedral-like space of Craigleith which was viewed by our membership to be too loud, destroys intimacy and feels hectic; the institutional or overly trendy design of Alpine which feels cold and overly commercial. To this end, our Members wanted more of the traditional aspects you see in lodges, private clubs or outdoor oriented hotels – fireplaces, lower roof lines, lounges and spaces which had intimacy and separation but are still a part of the action; warm finishes with strategic use of wood and natural materials that take advantage of the natural setting.
There was consensus that the Club needs to be more inclusive of family-oriented spaces like an outdoor fire pit and more areas within the main floor which are proximate to the Bar where families could après together. There was also a desire to make sure there is a place for older children – a teen lounge and/or games room. The current children’s programs for toddlers and infants was seen as a major asset and under no circumstances should this be
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