Frequently Asked Questions

February 2012

The Columbia Association (CA) is in the process of redeveloping the Hobbit's Glen Golf Club Clubhouse and we want to make the project as inclusive as possible with input and feedback from the Columbia community on the future of the clubhouse. Here are some frequently asked questions about the redevelopment project.

Why is the Columbia Association redeveloping the Hobbit's Glen Golf Club Clubhouse?
When the clubhouse was originally built, it wasn't supposed to be permanent. The plans were scaled back for economic reasons, and the clubhouse that stands today -- 40-some years after it was built -- was only meant to be a temporary building. A lot has changed since the clubhouse was built back in 1967 and it's important that the clubhouse be enhanced and redeveloped to meet the needs of today's golfers. It's time for CA to give the golfing community -- and the community as a whole -- the clubhouse that should have been built years ago.

$6 million dollars! Why is CA spending this amount on a golf club clubhouse?
The facilities and programs that CA offers help enhance the quality of life (and let's not forget, property values) for people and businesses in Columbia and the vicinity. We make it a priority to assess the condition of each amenity to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the community. It is important to us that we continue to invest in our amenities that make the community more attractive to homeowners and businesses, and the Hobbit's Glen Golf Club is one of those such amenities.

Which architectural/engineering firm has been selected for this project?
In 2011, the CA Board of Directors approved up to $6 million to either renovate or replace the Hobbit's Glen Golf Club Clubhouse. After issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) in July 2011, the H. Chambers Company (www.chambersusa.com) was hired to perform architectural and engineering services for the renovation or replacement of the clubhouse.

Chambers, founded in 1899 and headquartered in Baltimore, has specialized in the golf and country club industry for the last 65 years. Chambers has served numerous private clubs across the country including their first club client, Baltimore Country Club in 1945. Recent club clients include Inverness Country Club in Birmingham, Ala., winner of Golf Inc. Magazine's New Clubhouse of the Year award, and the Charlotte Country Club in North Carolina, which took second place honors from Golf Inc. for extensive renovation to its 100-year-old clubhouse. Other clients include Westmoreland Country Club in Chicago, Ill., and Illahe Hills Country Club in Salem, Ore., Chambers also provides commercial architecture and design services and residential interior design.

Has a decision been made on whether the clubhouse will be rebuilt or renovated?
No. The CA Board has asked that H. Chambers Company and the Hobbit's Glen Golf Club Clubhouse Redevelopment Work Team (comprised of CA staff, Chambers staff, members of CA's Golf and Greens Advisory Committees and members of the community) develop three different options to improve the current clubhouse. One option will include a renovation to the current facility, including the gold operations and the CoHo Grille. The second option is a new clubhouse and the third option will be one of Chambers' choosing. The options will be presented to the CA Board of Directors for approval. The Board will then make a decision to rebuild, or renovate, the existing building.

How long will this project take?
As of February 2012, we are in the first phase of a three-phase process. During this Phase 1, H. Chambers is meeting with the Hobbit's Glen Golf Club Clubhouse Redevelopment Work Team and community stakeholders to gather information to complete conceptual designs for the clubhouse. At the end of this phase, H. Chambers will present three options to the CA Board of Directors: one renovation, one replacement and one at the discretion of the consultant.

Phase 2, the design development and permit application phase, is scheduled to take place from June through September. Following Phase 2, we have to wait for the permits to be approved by the county before we can begin the redevelopment. Phase 3, when construction will begin, is scheduled to take place in 2013.

Will golfers still be able to play the course while the redevlopment is going on?
Yes! The golf course will remain operational while the clubhouse is being rebuilt or renovated. The Hobbit's Glen Golf Club has been voted "Best Golf Club in Howard County" by Howard Magazine's "Best of Howard County Readers' Poll" 11 years in a row, beginning in 2000, and it's important to us that golfers can continue to enjoy the golfing facility throughout the redevelopment process. During renovation and/or new construction of the clubhouse, temporary facilities for golf operations and possibly limited food and beverage services will be provided.

How can the community get involved?
During Phase 1 of the process, H. Chambers will actively work to engage community stakeholders and make this an inclusive project with plenty of community support and input. The consultants will be hosting a sit-down with the Columbia community on Monday, March 12, at 7pm at Amherst House to discuss the project.

During this meeting, H. Chambers will give a brief presentation on the initial programming document and the preliminary conceptual options/elevations that have been developed to date. After the presentation, residents will be invited to provide feedback on the preliminary options and respond to a one-page exit survey. The information received from community members will assist H. Chambers and the work team as they continue to develop the three options that will be presented to the CA Board of Directors for their review and approval. We'd like to invite you all to come to the community meeting on March 12 and RSVP here: http://hobbits-glen-clubhouse-community-meeting.eventbrite.com/. Registration is appreciated, but not required.