Standard Club Renovation Recalls History & Legacy
Paul Silver and Michael Jacobson share their vision for the renovation: Preserving Our Past, Forging Our Future.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
After a year of planning, The Standard Club recently completed a major renovation and premiered the new space on Mother’s Day.
Club President Michael Jacobson said, “The goal of the renovation was to create a comfortable relaxing environment for our members and their guests. The key was to highlight our rich history, which is displayed throughout the clubhouse with items like the invitation from the club’s Brookhaven Clubhouse – Formal Opening in 1949 to Atlanta’s first Jewish Mayor Sam Massell’s membership card and club application.”
Additional artifacts on display include photos from clubhouses, such as: Concordia Hall, The White Hall Street Clubhouse, and the Ponce De Leon Clubhouse. This renovation provided an opportunity to modernize the facilities and enjoy club dining including the ever popular matzoh ball soup (served daily).
The Standard Club has had four location changes since 1904. Many “seasoned” Atlantans remember the popular Brookhaven location, which was moved in 1987 to the current location in Johns Creek, off Old Milton Parkway.
According to Jacobson, legacy is part of the club’s tradition. “We continue our Jewish heritage and enjoy our multigenerational members. It actually works both ways: for the younger generation, as well as grandparents moving to Atlanta. I can’t wait for my daughter to move back here from Chicago so that she can join.”
Recently, the club hosted a legacy event with 54 people who have been members for 40-plus years. One couple scored 71 years. Current club membership is 565 households, with 250 of those under age 40. The majority of the membership, but not all, is Jewish.
Paul Silver, House Committee Renovation Chair, stated, “The club has always looked to improve facilities for our members and guests. Over the past few years, we have made significant investment in our golf course, which was featured as a top 20 Georgia golf course in Golf Digest. The history of the Standard Club is on display throughout the clubhouse where a magnificent picture of our signature 17th hole is on display by local Atlanta golf artist Rob Matre.”
Club historian Justin Silver, a fourth-generation member, and his committee were in charge of capturing the club’s history, resulting in more than 75 artifacts being displayed throughout the clubhouse.
“The goal of the interior renovation was to design an environment where our members will want to spend time just being together and watching some great sporting events on more than 25 new TV’s throughout,” Silver said. “The furniture selected by our design team, in partnership with important efforts of the House Committee, chaired by Chuck Tilis, focused on elevating the interior to be modern and comfortable while preserving the rich 150-plus year heritage.”
Kali Hough of Troon Golf, the interior designer (along with Power Architects LLC), said, “The design was unique due to the goal of integrating contemporary elements while preserving the timeless elegance of the club.”
The upgraded areas include: Concordia Hall, The 1867 Grille, The Member Bar, The Brookhaven Lounge, The Standard Room, the fitness center, kids’ club, main entrance, and Presidents Hallway. Sports is a huge club amenity: 16 outdoor and four indoor tennis courts; eight outdoor and four indoor pickleball courts; the 18-hole championship golf course on 300 acres was constructed by Arthur Hills with no houses anywhere on the course. Shortly, Mizuno Golf will open a state-of-the-art R&D center with an indoor teaching and golf fitting studio.
Some member events include wine tasting, prime rib night, Mother’s Day Brunch, and July 4th with day-long activities for adults and children, culminating in nighttime fireworks. Concordia Hall, the grand ballroom, hosts lifecycle events including more than 30 weddings per year.
Standard Club History
* The Standard Club, through its predecessor, The Concordia Association, traces its history back to 1867, making it the oldest social club in Atlanta.
* The first social event held in the club’s quarters was the first Jewish wedding in Atlanta, Mr. and Mrs. A. Rosenfeld, on Jan. 1, 1867.
* In 1904, the club changed its name to The Standard Club.
* The Standard Club has made four location changes since 1904, with the first golf course built in Brookhaven in 1947 by architect Robert Trent Jones.
* In 1987, the club’s current location in Johns Creek was formally opened.
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