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Featuring 36 holes and a driving range with expansive mountain views—as well as an executive course, Par 3—Foothills Golf Course is one of the Denver Metro Area’s most popular public courses.

However, the original clubhouse, built in 1974, was no longer serving the needs of daily golfers and the nearby community. In turn, the Park & Recreation team sought a new design with an expanded restaurant and terrace (including an indoor-outdoor bar), events space to accommodate various tournaments, and storage for a new fleet of electric carts.

The design establishes a strong sense of arrival through an architectural expression that balances approachability with aspiration. Central to the project was the creation of a flexible social hub where golf and community are equally celebrated. Expanded dining and lounge areas, a larger event venue, an indoor-outdoor bar, and a west-facing terrace support a range of experiences, from everyday use to tournaments and private events. The restaurant and event spaces are designed to function independently or as a unified venue, adapting seamlessly to changing operational needs.

A defining characteristic of the original clubhouse was its elevated position overlooking the course and Front Range. The new design preserves and amplifies this relationship by lifting the primary public level above the 18th hole, creating a commanding vantage point and strengthening the connection between the clubhouse and the landscape. This strategic move enabled the creation of an amphitheater-like terrace that extends activity outdoors and provides a front-row seat to the game. A walk-up café, direct access to the cart barn, and conveniently located player amenities further enhance the daily golfer experience.

Sustainability and material expression were integral to the project vision. The exposed mass timber structural system serves as both the building's primary architectural feature and a low-carbon design strategy, bringing warmth, texture, and craftsmanship to the interiors. The exterior combines a highly insulated metal rainscreen façade, high-performance glazing, and custom shading devices that mitigate western solar exposure while preserving views. Bronzed metal panels, black steel-framed glazing, and layered sun screens create a dynamic façade that changes throughout the day with shifting patterns of light and shadow.

At the heart of the clubhouse, large operable glass walls open the bar and lounge directly to the terrace, dissolving the boundary between indoor and outdoor space. Integrated shade structures, radiant heating, and misting systems support year-round use, ensuring the clubhouse remains active in every season.

Rooted in the culture of a dedicated golfing community, the project reimagines what public recreation architecture can achieve—combining operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, and elevated design to create a destination that feels both timeless and deeply connected to its place.