Oakland Hills Clubhouse Rebuild Progressing Forward
By Janina Parrott Jacobs
In a bit of reversal, what came down must go back up – eventually – and plans are now underway for the construction of a new clubhouse at Oakland Hills Country Club.
It has been almost one year since a massive fire destroyed the century-old Oakland Hills colonial-style clubhouse in February 2022, taking so much history along with it. The loss of the legendary building itself was a source of great sadness to everyone, but the angst of losing scores of irreplaceable artifacts, photos, trophies and other memorabilia left the golf world even more devastated. That is, until it was discovered that due to the heroic actions of local firefighters and dedicated club staff members, more golf history had been saved than originally thought.
For months, restoration crews and multiple insurance companies sifted through blackened wreckage to determine the cause of the fire while also trying to estimate financial damages and insurance claims that would be forthcoming. Ironically, the hundred-year-old construction techniques which made the clubhouse so unique were also the very culprits causing its destruction.
Oakland Hills’ membership never doubted the clubhouse would be rebuilt – it was simply a matter of when. Restoration plans have been ongoing and the process member-driven with many talented members, including two who build high-end homes in the area, comprising the committee which is moving efforts forward.
In a vote taken last month, Stock Members accepted a proposal for an $83 million rebuild, keeping the style of the clubhouse intact. Plans also include an expanded maintenance building, extended driving range, exercise facilities with pickleball courts, and other upgrades, allowing year-round enjoyment. The first $55 million will come from insurance settlements but the remaining $28 million will be raised by increasing membership dues. To avoid a huge one-time assessment, each member’s monthly dues will increase by approximately $165.
The new clubhouse is architecturally similar to the original C. Howard Crane design and will maintain the iconic look the world of golf has come to associate with Oakland Hills. One of Detroit's celebrated architects, Crane designed Orchestra Hall and Detroit Opera House, among other notable Detroit treasures.
Actual costs still have not been determined, but according to club officials, the re-opening is expected in 2024 or 2025. The USGA Junior Amateur is scheduled to be held at Oakland Hills in 2024, followed by the 2029 U.S. Women’s Amateur.
More women’s golf will come in 2031 and 2042 with the U.S. Women’s Open, followed by the U.S. Open in 2034 and 2051. Oakland Hills has previously hosted 11 USGA Championships in its storied history.
