Rainier Golf & Country Club

The Rainier Golf and Country Club is the second oldest private golf club in Seattle. It was founded on March 11, 1919, and a 3,400-square-foot clubhouse was built in 1922. The club and clubhouse grew quickly. By 1924, the golf course had expanded from 9 to 18 holes and the clubhouse had grown to nearly 18,000 square feet through a three-story addition north of the original clubhouse.

Aging building systems, deteriorating material assemblies, and outdated spaces struggle to serve the Rainier Golf and Country Club's operations and to appeal to new members. SHKS provided a comprehensive master plan for building improvements that will help the club fulfill its mission and vision.

The original clubhouse, designed by notable Seattle architect Ellsworth Storey, is visible in this contemporary image as the single-story gable roof in the center of the building.

As membership expanded over the years, the club responded to the demand through a series of ad hoc building additions. Today, the result is a large building of approximately 33,000 square feet.

Circulation paths (yellow) aligned with major building axes (blue) in the 1922 and 1924 buildings. Subsequent additions have obscured that relationship, resulting in convoluted circulation patterns through the building.

The existing program distribution and configuration is no longer able to serve the modern needs of the golf club. Interior improvements—simplifying circulation, updating program spaces, upgrading plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, and improving occupant comfort—will greatly increase functionality for building operations, and enhance the user experience.

Improved visual and physical access from the clubhouse to the greens is provided by uncovering a portion of the original 1922 clubhouse, and re-configuring prior additions to better complement the original form of the historic building.

In addition to building system upgrades and building repairs, the current renovation improves the arrival and procession of members and guests to and from the clubhouse.

The members lounge is organized with a variety of seating and social elements, while large expanses of windows will open onto an enlarged terrace with views of Mount Rainier.