by Corey Casale
Mountain Ridge outdoor dining / All photos by Nat Rea Photography, courtesy of Studio JBD and Jefferson Group Architecture
West Caldwell, NJ – Mountain Ridge Country Club has completed phase one of the club’s multi-phase, multiyear capital improvement plan. With guidance from Studio JBD and Jefferson Group Architecture, along with member focus groups and management input indicating that membership demographics had changed, club leadership reached an imperative decision to expand and improve the member dining and bar areas of the club, as well as an increased outdoor dining experience and a new “Tee House.”
Men’s locker room
Through a facility master plan followed by architectural and interior design services, the club was able to follow a path to restore and improve key areas of one of the four remaining historic Clifford Wendehack clubhouse buildings still in use in New Jersey. The “Tee House” was designed to match original architectural features, as was the clubhouse addition which houses the expanded member dining and bar areas. It was of primary importance to preserve the spectacular views of the golf course from the clubhouse with an unwavering sensitivity to the original architectural integrity of the building.
Grille room
A dining experience was created that intertwines indoor and outdoor dining using an expansive bi-folding door system. Within seconds, the individual indoor and outdoor member dining spaces becomes a unified complex providing a unique experience with exclusive views and flexibility.
Designers repurposed furniture and fixtures whenever possible, discovering multiple opportunities to blend new products and finishes with existing features. Decades old metal lockers were refinished and encased with millwork for a classic yet timely result. Specific furniture, textured finishes and artwork were selected to preserve the historic appearance and characteristics of the clubhouse dining areas.
Grille room
When finally revealed to the membership, their reaction was nothing short of astounding. From interior details to the exterior architectural scheme, members and guests will continue to experience the history and culture of Mountain Ridge Country Club and enjoy Clifford Wendehack’s vision and design for many years to come.
Corey Casale is the marketing and communications coordinator for Studio JBD.
