Our first goal was to reinvent many of the outdated areas of the building to create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere that would appeal to younger members.
– John Kirk

Cooper Robertson are transforming the historic Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, Virginia, to make it more inclusive for women, children, families and younger generations.

The buildings at Farmington date back to the 1760s, with the east wing of its clubhouse building having been designed by Thomas Jefferson and the club itself having been established in 1927.

As Cooper Robertson has pointed out, though, "While private-membership clubs [in the US] remain a staple of many affluent communities, they're struggling to stay current and prime the pump for a new, younger demographic of members."

The challenge for Farmington has been to modernise while maintaining its historic appeal, so Cooper Robertson were enlisted to develop a masterplan of short- and long-term improvements to be made to the campus until its hundredth anniversary in 2027.

The project is focussing on several key areas, including the arrival experience and front door, social gathering and dining spaces, sports facilities, locker rooms and guest rooms.

Two social and dining venues have already been as part of a first phase of work, with an existing space having also been renovated, and a new children’s centre has been created so that parents can enjoy activities while their kids are looked after.

Elsewhere, a guest cottage, an outdoor pavilion and new indoor and outdoor tennis courts have been constructed, while renovations and upgrades have been made to its fitness and locker facilities.

"Our first goal in the Farmington masterplan was to reinvent many of the outdated areas of the building to create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere that would appeal to younger members," said John Kirk, partner at Cooper Robertson. "In the second phase, we’ll be building on the club’s growth and expansion and its unique appeal to the members of tomorrow."