Revitalizing Deerwood Country Club: A Transformative Master Plan

View of the Bar and Dining of the 1960 Room at Deerwood Country Club.

The 1960 Room, a high-end yet casual dining venue and bar where members can gather for both intimate dinners and lively celebrations at Deerwood Country Club.

Jacksonville’s Northside community is home to Deerwood Country Club, a private club renowned for its tradition of excellence in recreation and social engagement. To ensure this legacy continues to thrive, the club partnered with ELM to develop a comprehensive strategic master plan—evaluating existing facilities, aligning shared priorities, and crafting a phased implementation strategy tailored to member needs and funding availability.

Crafting Recreational Excellence

ELM collaborated closely with club leadership to reimagine the racquet sports complex, strategically siting new pickleball courts and reconfiguring parking to optimize circulation and play. Completed in fall 2024, these vibrant courts have quickly become one of the club’s most popular amenities, reflecting ELM’s commitment to member-driven recreational offerings.

View of the 1960 Room Dining area.

Casual dining reimagined as the 1960 Room at Deerwood Country Club.

Reimagining Dining and Social Spaces

The once-underutilized Palm Room has been reborn as the 1960 Room, a high-end yet casual dining venue and bar where members can gather for both intimate dinners and lively celebrations. Subsequently, ELM transformed the long‑standing Sam’s Grill with a sleek island bar, multiple dining zones, and a private overflow room—breathing new life into the adult‑only dining experience and earning enthusiastic praise from members.

Kitchen Transformation for Generations

Recognizing culinary operations as the heart of any club, ELM replaced the mid‑2000s kitchen with a state‑of‑the‑art facility capable of seamlessly supporting à la carte service and large‑scale events. This modern kitchen ensures Deerwood’s dining services remain efficient, adaptable, and primed for excellence well into the future.

View of the new resort-style pool with swim lanes

Multiple lounge areas and integrated landscaping surround the pool.

A Resort‑Style Aquatic Oasis

At the heart of Deerwood’s outdoor amenities, ELM designed a dynamic new pool complex to replace the original 50‑year‑old facility. Embracing a resort‑style approach, the design features interactive water elements, zero‑entry access, and seamlessly integrated landscaping. A dedicated six‑lane lap pool supports the club’s competitive swim program and fitness classes—creating a balanced destination for both leisure and athletic training.

Through each of these targeted improvements, ELM’s holistic design approach has elevated Deerwood Country Club’s member experience, setting a vibrant course for decades of enjoyment and community connection. With this master plan roadmap in place, future phases promise to build upon a legacy of thoughtful design and exceptional service.

Interested in partnering with ELM for your next project? Contact us to learn how we can transform your vision into reality.

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