Morning Side Clubhouse | Clubhouse Renovation and Addition
Rancho Mirage, CA

The Morning Side Clubhouse renovation and addition in Rancho Mirage, California, transformed an existing community hub into a modern, accessible, and dynamic space for wellness, dining, and relaxation. The project included a new coffee bar, an expanded gym, several new physiotherapy offices, indoor and outdoor yoga rooms, and a large restaurant dining terrace that enhances the clubhouse’s connection to the surrounding landscape. In my role as the registered architect and designer, I utilized tools such as Rhino3D, Lumion, and AutoCAD to create detailed and cohesive plans that brought this vision to life.

One of the main drivers behind this renovation was the need to update the facility to meet state standards. With the expansion of the clubhouse, a series of accessibility upgrades were required by California regulations, including a complete overhaul of the bathroom facilities to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Additionally, new ADA-accessible parking spaces were added to accommodate the increased capacity of the club, ensuring that all members and visitors can access the amenities comfortably.

The planning process also involved addressing site-specific challenges. The proximity of the lot lines to the existing building meant that we needed to request a lot line adjustment from the City of Rancho Mirage. This adjustment was critical to allow for the necessary expansions while staying within regulatory guidelines. The new dining terrace, designed to provide a relaxed outdoor dining experience with panoramic views, required significant excavation work to integrate seamlessly with the existing clubhouse structure. This terrace not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the clubhouse but also connects diners to stunning views of the golf course and surrounding mountains.

The construction phase of the project coincided with the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced unique challenges. Health protocols, supply chain delays, and workforce limitations required us to adapt our approach, ensuring both the safety of the construction team and the continuity of the project timeline. Despite these obstacles, we successfully implemented a phased construction schedule that minimized disruption and maintained progress under uncertain conditions.

The expanded gym is now a major highlight of the clubhouse, offering a spacious, modern environment where members can enjoy a wide range of fitness activities. Designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, the gym features state-of-the-art equipment in a bright, welcoming space that encourages wellness. The increased floor space and improved layout provide a more comfortable and accessible environment, supporting the club’s commitment to health and fitness.

Adjacent to the gym, the new coffee bar offers a convenient and inviting spot for members to relax and refuel. Located near the terrace, the coffee bar serves as a central gathering point that connects the club’s various amenities, including access to the tennis courts and other outdoor activities. This new addition adds a sense of community to the clubhouse, where members can enjoy a cup of coffee and socialize in a casual setting.

The new restaurant dining terrace further enhances the clubhouse experience by bringing the indoor dining atmosphere outdoors. This spacious terrace is thoughtfully designed to maximize views of the surrounding golf course and the picturesque mountains beyond. Members can enjoy their meals in a scenic, open-air environment, creating a unique dining experience that is both visually and atmospherically enriching.

The addition of dedicated indoor and outdoor yoga rooms provides members with serene spaces for mindfulness and physical wellness. These rooms are equipped with large ceiling fans to maintain a comfortable temperature, offering a shaded retreat where members can enjoy a relaxing yoga session. The outdoor yoga space, in particular, allows for a direct connection with nature, enhancing the meditative aspect of the practice and supporting the holistic approach to wellness that is central to the club’s offerings.

In summary, the Morning Side Clubhouse renovation and expansion project represents a holistic transformation of the existing facility, creating a more accessible, functional, and enjoyable environment for members. From enhanced fitness amenities to new social spaces and accessible features, the clubhouse now offers a comprehensive range of services that cater to the diverse needs of its community. This project reflects a commitment to modernizing the clubhouse while preserving its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, allowing it to serve as a vibrant community hub for years to come.