The Center Club reinvents itself with an expansive renovation that bridges contemporary style with traditional elegance, putting it at the forefront of change among private clubs nationwide.
The Center Club recently announced its commencement on a $2.7 million renovation of its 15th floor main lobby and dining room located at 100 Light Street (Legg Mason Tower) in downtown Baltimore.
In its first significant upgrade in more than 20 years, The Center Club’s renovation will give a fresh new look to the Club while also remaining connected to tradition and history. RTKL Associates, Inc., a global design firm, was tapped to design the new facilities, while Whiting-Turner is serving as construction manager.
“The buzz of excitement about The Center Club’s renovation is palpable among our members,” said Howard B. Miller, President of The Center Club.
“The Center Club is committed to providing its members with an impeccable dining experience, a variety of activities and special events, and superior service for which it’s known nationally. And even during these challenging economic times, it is a priority for the Club to invest in its future and lead the charge as the premier private dining destination downtown.”
The trend among private clubs nationwide, struggling to adapt to the current economic climate, is to remain weary of expansion and put-off or delay improvements to their facilities. The Center Club, however, is taking the initiative to stay abreast of the needs of its members in this high-tech, fast-paced business world by making the necessary improvements to its facility that are best suited for the 21st century.
The renovation will emphasize the beautiful panoramic views of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, which is one of the most cherished features of The Center Club, by incorporating glass walls in and throughout the dining room so that there will be no area in the redesign that would restrict the view of the Inner Harbor. The glass walls will also enable guests to view one another when in the bar/lounge and main dining room which will encourage networking and camaraderie between members. A new dance floor will also be included in the design.
A new bar and lounge area on the 15th floor will allow members to mingle upon arrival and a new luxurious wine room will showcase The Center Club’s renowned wine collection with a custom-designed table that will act as the focal point of the room.
Traditional and contemporary design elements will be merged to bridge the gap between past, present and future. The color scheme includes the traditional look of bubinga wood with the contemporary look of ebony wood in a dark walnut color to unite both materials into one cohesive look. Shades of blue wall paint will be used to make the connection with the Inner Harbor and the Baltimore skyline and the lighting scheme will accentuate the restaurant and overall dining experience. The main entryway, front lobby, and elevator will feature custom-designed décor elements and accessories for a more high-end look and feel.
“The Center Club is more than a private restaurant in which business leaders dine and do business — it is a full-service in-town club with dozens of special activities and events that offer premier benefits to our members throughout the year,” said Howard B. Miller.
The seating capacity will reduce from 185 to 105 in the main dining room which will create a much more intimate setting for members to conduct business while dining in the restaurant.
“The Center Club is the most prestigious private club in Baltimore and this renovation will provide our members with a beautiful new facility to dine, network, entertain and celebrate among other like-minded individuals from the Maryland business community,” said John Warnack, General Manager of The Center Club. “The renovation will also support our efforts to vigorously market The Center Club to new members in the Baltimore Metro area through 2009 and beyond.”
Renovations are expected to be complete by September 2009. The Center Club is tentatively planning to host a series of grand opening events including, a VIP/press reception on September 9, 2009 and a members-only ribbon cutting on September 10, 2009.
Along with the renovation, The Center Club will also be launching a new website, membership campaign and programming initiatives later this year. This effort, led by Marketing Committee Chair and long time member David H. Nevins, is designed to re-energize The Center Club’s reputation.
According to Nevins, “There are certain organizations and places that are key to Baltimore’s success — of course, the Orioles, Ravens, Fort McHenry, and the BSO. Also, by the way, the great Center Club which is at the heart of the region’s business community, and not to forget, Baltimore’s best crab cakes!”
The Center Club was established in 1962 at a time when Baltimore business and social leaders were seeking an environment that would offer fine cuisine and attentive service in a setting of privacy and tradition, regardless of a person’s race, religion, gender, color or creed.
“The Center Club has been an instrument of change among the Baltimore business community for nearly 50 years,” said L. Patrick Deering, past-President of The Center Club. “As one of the founding members, I am proud to have been a part of some of the major cultural changes to take place at The Center Club. It always was and remains the place that businessmen and businesswomen of all races, religions and ages can gather together and feel comfortable with each other.”
The Center Club’s Board of Governors include Howard B. Miller (President), Saul Ewing, LLP; Gary L. Attman, FutureCare Health and Management Corporation; Tanesha A. Boldin, PNC Bank; Frank C. Bonaventure, Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shriver; Thomas F. Brady, Constellation Energy Group; Phyllis B. Brotman, Image Dynamics; Martin A. Brutscher, McBee & Associates; Roger L. Calvert; Dr. Robert L. Caret, Towson University; Robert A. Chrencik, University of Maryland Medical System; David Dalton, Health Resources; David C. Deger, CPA; John H. Denick, John H. Denick & Associates, P.A.; John D. Dinkel, Baltimore Business Journal; Cynthia Egan, T. Rowe Price; Donald P. Hutchinson, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore; Richard E. Hug, Hug Enterprises, Inc.; Alvin D. Katz, KatzAbosch; Dr. Karyl B. Leggio, Loyola College in Maryland; Richard E. Levine, DLA Piper US LLP; Julie Mercer, American Red Cross; Patricia J. Mitchell, IBM; David H. Nevins, Nevins & Associates; Bonnie L. Phipps, St. Agnes Hospital; William T. Riley, Jr., Reznick Group; Theo C. Rodgers, A&R Development Corp.; Henry A. Rosenberg, Jr., Rosemore, Inc.; Dr. Samuel L. Ross, Bon Secours Baltimore Health System; Thomas Schweizer, Jr., Brown Advisory; Bonnie B. Stein, PNC Bank; Joseph A. Sullivan, Legg Mason; and William J. Toomey, III, BB&T.
About The Center Club
Established by a group of Baltimore business leaders in 1962, The Center Club is a central meeting place where its members conduct business and enjoy fine dining. Since its founding, The Center Club has been one of the most prestigious locations in the city for its members to hold any function, from private breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings to extraordinary social events. The private, members-only club is centrally located in the heart of downtown Baltimore on the 15th and 16th floors of the Legg Mason Tower, located at 100 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, with panoramic views of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, sports stadiums and city skyline.
(410) 727-7788 | www.centerclub.org.
