After a majority of voters approved a $15 million bond sale referendum in April for an overhaul of the Glencoe Golf Club, the village has taken some initial steps toward construction.
In recent weeks, several village committees have discussed aspects of the golf club project including architecture, construction and financing. Officials are preparing for a 10,000 square foot building featuring a conference room and bar/restaurant open throughout the year along with some outdoor attractions and a new parking lot.
In a June 15 Committee of the Whole meeting, village trustees agreed to continue with the FGM Architect group for corresponding services for the proposed new clubhouse that is set to be a main feature of the golf club. They are continuing a relationship that began 2013 when village officials started contemplating massive changes at the golf club, FGM was ranked second of four firms that could provide the necessary services for the project.
10 years later, the top-ranked firm at the time has subsequently gone out of business and village officials have then worked with FGM on other parts of the project.
Glencoe Golf Club Director Stella Nanos believes FGM have the experience for the envisioned renovation.
“They are focused on municipalities. They have a long laundry list of clubhouses they have done since our initial interview,” Nanos said.
Village President Howard Roin said he was very impressed in his meetings with FGM officials.
“We have $15 million,” Roin said. “None of us want to blow it but I was totally persuaded we can work with them and get it right.”
The village also plans to stick with W.B. Olson for construction management services.
Village staff said they intend to bring contracts for both companies for trustees to approve at their July meeting.
Nanos said another step in the process would be to create an ad hoc review committee with seven to nine residents plus village board members to help to guide the schematic design process working with staff, architects and the construction manager.
The village board approved an initial issuance of $3 million in bonds at their June 15 meeting for the project.
How much taxpayer money will eventually be necessary for the project remains undecided as the Friends of the Glencoe Golf Club, a private fundraising group, is seeking donations. Dale Thomas, the president of the Friends organization, said they have received pledges of $892,000 and a new fundraising organization has recently been hired to locate additional dollars.
On June 13 and 20, the village’s finance committee — which is composed of three village board trustees — discussed amending Glencoe’s donation policy against the backdrop of possible large financial gifts associated with the golf club such as naming rights.
Finance Committee Chairman Gary Ruben added discussions on that topic would continue.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
