Ellis Golf Course Clubhouse

When a 2020 derecho windstorm destroyed the clubhouse on this 120-year-old municipal golf course, it opened the door for a new gathering space that would better serve the community. In a tribute to the trees lost in the natural disaster, OPN Architects chose to prominently feature wood in their design, with an exposed structural wood roof deck supported by steel beams. The new ADA-accessible clubhouse is organized around a broad, continuous porch created by a single-slope roof that forms an overhang covering the patio. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the pro shop, concessions area, and event space allow golfers to look onto the course, and the building’s orientation allows it to capitalize on views of the beautiful 18th hole and pond. The new clubhouse will help course managers attract golf tournaments to the area while also providing a space for community and private events. With rooftop solar panels, the facility is on track to meet Net Zero Energy targets.