The Clubhouse

Once the course layouts were approved, the next step on the road to relocation was the appointment of an architectural firm to design and build the clubhouse.  After consulting with other Clubs in the area that had relocated, the Board of Directors asked several firms to submit a proposal.

Following the presentations by each architectural firm there was a considerable variety of opinion among the committee members as to whom should be given the commission.  Unable to reach a unanimous decision, the committee agreed to hold a competition in accordance with the rules of the Province of Quebec Association of Architects.  John Bland, Professor of Architecture, McGill University, was named the Competition Advisor.  He was aided by a panel of judges consisting of three professional architects, a Summerlea director and a non-professional judge selected by the Building Committee.  A final draft of the terms of reference was drawn up and forwarded to the six firms invited to participate.  The appointment of the clubhouse architect was promised by November 1960.

After reviewing proposals, the Board of Directors appointed Affleck, Desbarats, Dimakopoulos, Lebensold, Michaud and Sise.  This firm emphasized creativeness, artistic design and as functionalism as their major aim.

In October 1961, the architectural firm presented preliminary plans and a scale model of the clubhouse to the various committees for approval.  The building would be a two-level, fire-resistant concrete structure of contemporary design, focused on practicality and efficiency while emphasizing the artistic side.

The main entrance, on one side leading to the format area, also gave direct access to the pro shop and the bag storage area.  Easily reached from all areas, the spacious locker rooms were located on the lower floor.  The interior would have wood-paneled walls throughout with end wings and fireplaces in natural stone.  The social areas were to be grouped on the upper level providing a magnificent view of the golf courses and the river.

The centrally located kitchen and bar would be an efficient service area, providing easy access to the grills, dining rooms and verandas.  The interior decorating would be designed to bring the bright summer colors indoors.

The site of the clubhouse, chosen to take best advantage of the view, presented some problems.  The results of a thorough investigation indicated that, because of the unstable condition of the sub soil, the area would have to be stabilized.  This involved raising the ridge three feet and constructing a series of terraces at the foot of the slope.  About 40,000 cubic yards of clay soil was obtained by digging out two lakes on either side of the entrance gates.  Added to the ridge, compacted and reinforced with a steel apron, the site was strong enough to build on.

Soil conditions would not permit any planting of large trees near the building.  Special landscaping included small evergreens, shrubs, perennials and annuals.  Today, the Summerlea clubhouse sits on its foundation in complete safety surrounded by beautiful gardens.

In May, 1962 contracts were awarded to J.S. Hewson, as General Contractor; Canadian Comstock for ventilation, air conditioning and electrical services and Singer Plumbing and Heating Company for plumbing and heating.

Inevitably, there were delays in construction but the outside of the building and the roof were completed by November, so work could continue during the winter months.  By the end of 1963, expenditures for buildings and services, furnishings and equipment amounted to $1,124,747.

Marion Dunn