In a bid to refresh its appeal — particularly to younger member prospects and organizations considering event space — Shorehaven heads into the golf season’s fallow months with a rebuilt facility, the overhaul led by Mount Kisco, N.Y.-based KG+D Architects and the New Canaan-based landscape architect Wesley Stout Associates.
In addition to the main clubhouse and grounds, the renovations encompassed an enlarged pool pavilion with construction still underway on a new summer youth camp structure. The new facilities were designed in the New England Shingle Style of architecture, according to Erik Kaeyer, a Wilton resident who led the project as design principal and vice president with KG+D.
“Clubs regionally and nationally are seeing a decline in membership, so you are seeing a lot of clubs in the area start to (look) at their infrastructure, at to what they have to do to try and attract new members,” Kaeyer said. “We really wanted to bring the outside in — so big windows. … They wanted to make sure they maxed out on the opportunity (for people) to sit outside, take advantage of the views.”
Dwyer said the redesign is having its intended effect, with nine weddings and six golf outings booked for next year and inquiries coming in daily. For his part, Kaeyer says he will miss his visits to the club to work through the myriad construction challenges of the project, but maintains the members and by extension the city are a better place with a rebuilt Shorehaven along Long Island Sound.
“You look at this club five years ago, the outdoor seating and all that, and you look at it now and it’s an easy sell,” Kaeyer said.