The Andalusia Country Club is set to launch a number of initiatives aimed at providing more space and ease of use for guests and members, local businesses being the first to get the work completed.
The project is managed by a woman-owned and locally owned Advantage Contracting with the first phase scheduled to start in October and end with a date of the end of November. The first phase will consist of an expansion of the patio area to create more relaxing space and also renovating the club’s dining room with the addition of brand new furniture according to the general manager of the club, Casey Jones.
“What we’d like to do is expand our patio. We constructed a patio cover some time ago, but we are expanding at such the rate of getting a little cramped around the pool, particularly during summer. We’ll be extending the one side of our patio to match the other which will allow us to build another collection of chaise lounges. We will arrive with a lovely retaining wall that will be illuminated. It will also give us more space for weddings and other celebrations,” Jones said.
In order to lead the project the club turned to Advantage Contracting owner Andrea Baldwin along with her husband Charles is putting together a group of local owned companies to finish the project.
“We are privileged to be the primary contractor for this important remodel of the Andalusia Country Club. Our team is committed to bringing modern, fresh elements to the cherished institution while encouraging cooperation with local companies. We are convinced that this initiative will not just elevate the club’s status but improve the reputation of the city as a center for leisure and culture.” Andrea Baldwin said.
What makes Advantage Contracting stand out is the commitment to working with local businesses in a variety of ways that reflect Advantage Contracting’s dedication to community involvement and the growth of local economies. This project will bring together a wide range of skilled suppliers as well as local experts from the Andalusia region, showcasing the talent and skills of the region. Local subcontracting “dream team” which will be managed by Advantage Contracting include Premier Construction and Contracting, King Landscaping and Pools, Salter Contracting, Alexander Electric and Plumbing as well as Gary Tillman, P.E. Gary Tillman, P.E.
As per the Baldwins The main focus of the project’s renovation is the pool deck which will be transformed by a new deck, retaining wall and brand new lights will turn the area into a contemporary and welcoming area. “Members as well as guests will be able to relaxing afternoons as well as bright evenings in a setting with a dazzling sophistication,” Andrea said.
Furthermore, she noted that the dining room’s interior is slated for a major transformation, making sure it is that Andalusia Country Club will continue to offer a classy dining experience to its customers.
Charles and Andrea relocated into Andalusia in 2014 and started Advantage Contracting in 2020, beginning with various government contracts, as well as local projects. This includes cooperating with city officials for environmental projects in the Timmerman Building and the library in downtown Andalusia. They make a great team, with Charles with a vast experience in construction and Andrea managing the business aspect of things. Andrea holds an undergraduate degree in business administration.
“We are extremely fortunate to be a part of this project and to have such a fantastic people who are working in the process,” Andrea said.
“The subcontractors we are working with are an amazing team. They’re booked between 8 and 10 months in advance which is why being able gather them to work on this project is a dream,” Charles added.
Both expressed pride to have been part of the project that will make an effect on the entire community.
“This upgrade project is expected to generate a buzz of excitement across Andalusia, attracting people and residents alike to visit the new country club. It’s an excellent illustration of how the community along with local partnerships and a skilled craftmanship can come together to create something amazing. When the renovation plan is in the process of being completed, Andalusia can look forward to a brighter and more promising future for this famous institution and for the entire city,” Andrea said.
The country club is the target it is the most recent in its attempt to create a warm environment for its ever-growing membership.
“We constantly work on ways to improve the value of our club, in order to improve the amenities available to our members and to make it more appealing to potential customers,” Jones said. “We’ve experienced many successes in growing our membership over the last few years, to 220 in the year 2020, to with 370 members. We’re hoping to grow to 400 by the end of this year.”
The country club is renowned for its outstanding 18-hole course, Jones says that most of the members are there for other benefits. The club’s golfers comprise around 40% of the total number of members. The remainder members enjoying other amenities the club offers.
“We are awestruck by our golf course. However, we also have brand-new tennis courts that we built in 2022. We also have a huge swimming pool, as well as an on-site restaurant offering top-of-the-line services and food. It is our goal to make people understand that we’re more than only a golf club. We’re so much more,” Jones said.
Although the list of projects doesn’t include golf, Jones said that is due to the efforts by John Wirnsberger, who joined the staff of the club about two years ago to be the greens’ director. “He is doing a fantastic job. One of the things that people — particularly golfers have been most impressed with is the improvement and quality of our golf course.” Jones said.
Jones stated that after having a conversation about the project with Andrea Charles and Andrea Charles about their goals of the renovations it was the best decision to let them run the project.
“They are members of this group and that’s a sign they’re to play. They want to ensure the project looks great, too. After we heard their ideas regarding the venture, we realized we could find the best people to do the job,” Jones said.
Improvements to this club’s facilities will go on to progress until 2024 as the club enters the third and second phase of the overall renovation. Phase two will see the revamping of two banquet rooms. Phase three will include the kitchen and lounge areas. Jones stated that the work will likely begin around mid-year and would be based around the needs of its members and planned events.
These projects are a tribute to the board of directors of the club who, Jones stated are dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment for members who are currently a part of the club as well as those looking to are planning to join the club in the near future.
“We are blessed to have a members who see the big image,” Jones said. “They would like to make a significant investment into the club to make it something we can all take pride in for the years to in the future.”
The article Andalusia Country Club is set to begin renovations in conjunction with local contractors was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.
