Trials in renovation

[Ronald Montesano]

Some might call it renovation; other, restoration. Others still, restovation. Whatever it might be, here is a piece from Will Bardwell's Lying Four site, on the Country Club of Farmington.


https://www.lyingfour.com/conversations-blog/2021/2/5/voices-trials-in-renovation

[Mark_Fine]

Ronald,
You could replace the Club name in that article with hundreds of other ones and it would still work    Many go through this same kind of experience.  There are a lot of us that have been taking on projects like this for a long time.  Of course some say "it doesn't really count as real GCA work".  Honestly, I think it is much harder!  But is it rewarding if you have the time, patience, and persistence as well as the thick skin required. 

[mike_malone]

If Doctor Manton reads this please contact me at md1950malone@gmail.com to discuss our shared efforts to bring our courses to their best selves.

[Jim_Coleman]

   I’m sure Mr. Manton thinks he knows as much about architecture as any architect, and maybe he does.  But I doubt it.  I have heard his point of view for years. It is arrogant and ignorant in my opinion.  I continue to believe that no significant renovation or restoration work should be undertaken without input from a quality architect.

[Tim Martin]

I’ve played the course a fair amount over the years but not lately. Looking forward to seeing the changes this coming season. I’m a big fan of superintendent Scott Ramsay.

[PCCraig]

   I’m sure Mr. Manton thinks he knows as much about architecture as any architect, and maybe he does.  But I doubt it.  I have heard his point of view for years. It is arrogant and ignorant in my opinion.  I continue to believe that no significant renovation or restoration work should be undertaken without input from a quality architect.

Sounded from the article that he was working from a master plan from Gil Hanse? Or is the club just undertaking most of the work in-house?

[Jim_Coleman]

  I got the impression the Hanse plan had been done a while ago and had been put on the back burner.

[Tim Martin]

  I got the impression the Hanse plan had been done a while ago and had been put on the back burner.

Jim-Matt Dusenberry is the architect involved. I believe he got on the club’s radar as a result of the work he did at Keney Park in Hartford which has 9 original Emmet holes.

[mike_malone]

The article was pretty clear that they are working with an architect now as it should be when dealing with a classic course.

[Jim_Coleman]

   If so, great.  If the member and the super on their own undertook a major tree removal program to realize their “vision” of original intent, not great.

[mike_malone]

   If so, great.  If the member and the super on their own undertook a major tree removal program to realize their “vision” of original intent, not great.

Totally agree.

[mark chalfant]

Scott Ramsey and Matt D. are a very good team.

They are wisely relying on valuable tools. These include Devereux Emmet's circa 1926 plan, study visits to St. Georges(1917), discussions with CGCS Adam Jessie, and the superb 1934 State of Connecticut aerial photo. The transformation will probably make the Country Club of Farmington worth a special trip. As the Emmet expert I am thrilled that they are carefully restoring the greens along with Devereux's elaborate bunkering. Thanks for sharing this Ron.