Leaders of the Club at Castlewood plan to start the $16 million renovation of the iconic club in the hills west of Pleasanton in April.
In a press release, the club announced that the Alameda County Planning Department has approved its plans for renovating the clubhouse that was built in the early 1970s. The club was founded in 1924 when local businessmen bought the site from Phoebe Apperson Hearst.
The county’s building department is now conducting its final review. It has been involved throughout the planning process as has the health department. One reason for the project is the club was built almost 20 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed so it lacked elevators and other facilities to accommodate people in wheelchairs.
The project was authorized by Castlewood members more than a year ago when they voted for the full renovation instead of a less expensive project to bring the facility into ADA compliance. Members then decided against selling to the Bay Club and launched the renovation planning.
The project includes a full fitness center where the member’s grill is currently located as well as enhanced dining options in an expanded patio and in the dining room. The bar area is anchored by a large u-shaped bar. The private dining area will have wine and cigar lockers. The lobby will be opened up and will be served by a members-only entrance. The public will have a difference entrance to the banquet facilities.
The clubhouse will be closed during the renovations with members being served out of temporary facilities. Two portable buildings were moved in the lower parking lot in mid-March.
Plans also include a new Sports Center next to a new swimming pool that will feature a bar and grill with outdoor seating for the tennis and bocce courts as well as serving golfers at the turn of the hill golf course.
In a press release, Castlewood President Rick Barraza said, ““Our next steps include updating and finalizing our plans and budget to incorporate all of the comments from the various county departments and prepare for construction as we await the County Building department’s final approval. The excitement is building within the membership with construction set to begin next month on our remodel project that is creating new and attractive amenities that will enhance the membership experience of our members and their families”
The club recently changed its name from Castlewood Country Club to “more accurately reflect the active, family-forward lifestyle characterized by quality experiences, engaging activities, and the modern amenities our members will enjoy,” Barraza said.
The Club at Castlewood is managed by Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon. Members of Troon Privé Clubs receive exclusive access to extraordinary golf and lifestyle benefits throughout the world.