The Polo Club of Boca Raton: Boca Raton, FL.

Submitted by: Slattery & Associates, P.A.

When the Polo Club of Boca Raton first opened its doors 10 years ago, it achieved an immediate reputation as one of the premier clubs of South Florida. Soon after, with the community approaching 1,200 of its total of 1,600 planned residences, club members became aware that the existing club facilities required major expansions and renovations to keep up with their growing needs.

"This is a rather typical scenario with clubs that are developed to support somewhat large residential communities," explained Paul Slattery, AIA. "But as the community comes close to the end of buildout, they realize that the club is not fully functional and consistent with the needs of the growing membership."

Along with a team of engineering consultants, the architect began developing plans to increase the size and scope of the amenities for Polo's unusually large membership. The master plan added approximately 60,000 square feet of additional space to the club's facilities, including new dining venues, recreational and spa facilities, parking, and additional areas for formal and informal social gatherings.

The new Promenade Fitness Center and Spa was developed to replace the existing spa facility, which was insufficient. With the new spa built above a new lower level parking facility, this allowed the club's old spa area to be converted into administrative offices, a new card room complex, and the new Cabana Grill.

A complete overhaul of the food service design and function of the Polo Club added a multi-functional aspect to the larger clubhouse where members could now host different events in separate parts of the building without interference with one another. Formerly the club area had one main formal dining area called "The Laurels," and one informal dining area called

"The Steeplechase."

The development team added the Cabana Grill plus a new 19th Hole Lounge to the mix, giving the members two much-needed informal dining options. The existing "Traditions Lounge," adjacent to the Laurels, was renovated to offer additional amenities. Once the Cabana Grill was completed and opened to members, the club shut down the older facilities for renovation, allowing food service for the membership to remain available throughout the project.

For the more formal-minded members, the Polo Club's new "Crown Room" boasts an intimate, high-end dining option for formal events, seating a maximum of 50 people. Perched atop the 19th Hole Lounge, this octagonal-shaped, window-lined room overlooks completely re-landscaped grounds and a renovated golf course. A new fountain was also constructed adjacent to the 19th hole with dining views in mind.

The end results are a phenomenal clubhouse that is extensive and diverse enough to cater to a host of different membership needs simultaneously. Despite its size, the expansive club facility of over 140,000 square feet flows nicely, and tiered rooflines break up what would otherwise be a massive structure. Separate formal and informal entries and porte cocheres add character to the building from different approaches. The resulting project successfully conveys the intimate exclusivity so important to any private club community.