Highland Park Country Club to be renovated for city senior services; given new name
Renovations to the Highland Park Country Club are on the horizon, and anticipated to start in the first few months of 2024. With new beginnings will come a new name for the former clubhouse, but City Council members have yet to decide what the new name will be.
Updates to the city-owned building are needed to make the space more efficient and modern, according to Assistant City Manager Erin Jason, since the Highland Park Senior Center moved into the building in 2020.
The clubhouse building — purchased by the city in 1996 — houses the city’s senior services, and operates as a private event venue on evenings and weekends.
Senior services moved into the former country club after an assessment determined more space was needed. More than 30 activities, ranging from fitness to book clubs and lecture series, are offered to adults over the age of 50.
City Council members are in favor of renaming the entire property, which includes the clubhouse building and former golf course that is now owned and operated by the Park District of Highland Park as a park called The Preserve.
City staff and council members want the new name to more accurately reflect the programming and services offered for adults age 50 and older.
The policymakers, however, were divided on selling naming rights for individual rooms within the facility.
Mayor Nancy Rotering was the first to express that she has a “huge problem” with naming rights, because it’s “not inclusive” and favors those with more money.
Council member Annette Lidawer said that naming rights could be a good way to raise funds and recognize community members. Members Jeff Hoobler, Kim Stone and Andres Tapia agreed.
City Manager Ghida Neukirch said the city is able to cover the entire cost of the renovations.
Hoobler suggested that donations are not solicited by the city, but if presented, then naming rights could be offered.
A donation minimum would have to be agreed upon by the council and outlined in a policy, along with other provisions for the naming rights.
The next steps for city staff are to finalize the budget for the renovations, and put out a request for proposal for a general contractor for the project.
Once a contractor is hired, the construction documents can be completed and bidding for the project can take place. Renovations are anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2024.
The preliminary floor plans include demolishing some outdated — and unnecessary — kitchen space, adding office space and a dedicated first-floor entrance for senior citizens.
Preliminary plans were designed by Holabird & Root, who met with stakeholders, held focus groups and surveys to inform their design.
