Officials said the golf clubhouse at the McLemore development on Lookout Mountain will "literally be perched on the edge of Lookout Mountain overlooking the new 18th hole located on a lower brow shelf that extends hundreds of yards further out than the upper brow."
The clubhouse will also enjoy an elevated view over the new six-hole short course to be completed this summer.
Roland Aberg, principal of Hart Howerton design firm, noted that the architecture of the facility "borrows from the rich golf heritages of Scotland and England, but is firmly rooted in its own cultural history of Lookout Mountain.
The structure provides a timeless approach respecting the traditions of the site’s history while featuring handcrafted details to suit the dramatic setting with meticulous attention to detail."
Officials said the location "is intended to transcend visitors and residents into a different world experience, far from cities and urban life. The vision for the clubhouse began with the idea of architecture that would position the facility as close to the edge as possible for views and the sense of being on the edge of the mountain. As the concept developed, it was determined that the clubhouse would have the appearance of a connected set of buildings in a village format framed by a formal garden setting of trees, flowers and landscape that are complementary to the Lookout Mountain environment.
"Using natural materials and colors that blend with the surrounding landscape will also express a sense of time through the use of native stone on the exterior walls as well as slate roofs, patinaed floors, natural wood colors and heavier structural details that while modern in detail, express an older and more crafted era.
"Large glass walls will lighten the feel of the building while providing a sense of the interconnection between the internal and external spaces."
The clubhouse will open next spring with a golf pro shop, member locker room facilities, and private dining and event space. A chef-driven restaurant will open featuring regionally-sourced food offerings and craft cocktails, while large glass doors will open the entire area onto the patio which overlooks the short course, event lawn and 18th green.
Mr. Aberg said, “When we began planning the design vision for McLemore, we knew it had to encompass the history of the area while featuring the beauty that surrounds visitors from every angle. The approach needed to be timeless and reflective of such a special place. Our partnership with Scenic Land Development on this project has allowed us to provide a strategy that does just that.”
As architectural firm of record, Tinker Ma Principal Thomas Palmer noted that the new clubhouse will serve as a “…nexus of the community. The clubhouse will serve as the village center with the architecture embodying history and permanence as well as connectivity to the environment and traditions of golf.”.
Scenic Land Company President and CEO Duane Horton said, “Our team of design professionals has developed McLemore into a destination that will draw all types of outdoor enthusiasts, not only golfers. Hiking, biking, kayaking and hang gliding are just a few of the amenities of the area, but what brings them all together is this special gathering place that we are excited to create and share.”
Mr. Horton also noted that the clubhouse will support members and guests as well as overnight guests of club managed rental properties. He said it will be a significant employer for the area. “From those working in the restaurant to others who will be providing additional guest and resident services, we will have a strong emphasis on providing the highest levels of hospitality. We look forward to hiring employees in the early 2020 for what promises to be a very good beginning for McLemore.”