Building on Promises
Capital projects designed to elevate member experience at The Cliffs
Residential real estate is hot—homes and communities in the Western Carolinas just seem to be selling themselves these days—but that’s not cooling the pace of major capital projects at The Cliffs.
“We are constantly innovating and improving what we offer our members,” says Chris Calloway, Vice President of Operations at The Cliffs. “Regardless of the market today, we are making significant investments in the clubs with an eye toward the future.”
The Cliffs communities already enjoy immense aspirational appeal. Positioned across a stunning swathe of the Carolinas, these seven gems are anchored by award-winning golf courses, dynamic lifestyle amenities, and an abundance of natural beauty. While others might rest on these laurels, Calloway says The Cliffs leadership team believes in building on positive momentum.
Indeed, when South Street Partners acquired The Cliffs in 2019, they committed to fulfill overdue promises from the previous ownership group—and even added a few of their own to the list.
“Our vision is to continue elevating the member experience across all seven communities,” Calloway says, outlining a two-pronged approach that enhances both service philosophy and physical amenities.
Design plans are ongoing—and permits are beginning to wend their way through the approval process—for a new clubhouse at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs as well as The Lake Club, a shared amenity at The Landing within Keowee Springs. Clubhouse refreshes have been completed at The Cliffs at Glassy, The Cliffs Valley, and, most recently, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. A reconstructed Lakehouse at Keowee Vineyards opened in summer 2020, and an ambitious expansion is currently underway at The Cabin in Mountain Park.
“Things are moving right along,” Calloway says. “Progress is always exciting, and enthusiasm is high.”
Following are a few updates (details are subject to change).
Keowee Springs Clubhouse
The Cliffs at Keowee Springs already boasts a family-friendly list of lively amenities—there’s The Beach Club and Surf Shop, The Bistro, The Porch, and an acclaimed Tom Fazio golf course—but the community has long anticipated a true clubhouse of its own.
“Fulfilling this promise to the Keowee Springs community has been a priority for [South Street Partners] from Day 1,” Calloway says. The design has been finalized; construction documents have been delivered to contractors; and the permitting process is underway. The project is expected to break ground in Winter 2021. “This has been a complex process … but we have worked out all the details and we are excited to be moving forward.”
While there have been challenges aplenty, especially surrounding the permitting process, the design is stellar. Conceptualized by Hart Howerton, a top New York and San Francisco-based architectural firm, the clubhouse will sit atop a hill, overlooking the 18th hole and offering exceptional views from every angle.
“It’s going to be a wonderful space,” Calloway says, pointing to a plan comprising open-air breezeways and interconnected pavilions that house a variety of activity areas including a dining room, a bar and lounge, a golf shop, and a wellness center.
The Landing Lake Club
Another almost-shovel-ready project is The Lake Club, which Calloway describes as “a smaller amenity with a little bit of everything.”
This shared amenity enhances The Landing, a development located on a prime peninsula within The Cliffs at Keowee Springs. Designed by Lake|Flato Architects, a Texas-based firm noted for its ability to blend buildings into beautiful surroundings, The Lake Club is conceptualized as one principal structure with multiple social spaces—some inside, some out.
“This is an innovative design—a fresh, new take on club amenities,” Calloway says.
Oriented to make the most of cooling breezes, natural lighting, and passive solar heating, the club will comprise a wellness center with a small yoga deck, an intimate F&B outlet serving “high-end pool food,” a cozy event lawn, and several pools. A private dock will make The Lake Club accessible via boat.
The final plans and budget have been approved; the permitting process is underway. The project is expected to break ground late 2021.
The Tavern and Turnhouse at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
A recent clubhouse refresh is elevating style as well as service at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. The Tavern’s remodeled dining room exudes the ambiance of a high-end restaurant, thanks to new furniture and finishes. The newly covered outdoor patio creates more opportunities for indoor/outdoor dining experiences.
“The Tavern already had a really cool bar. The dining room updates truly bring this space to life,” Calloway says.
The renovation improved functionality within The Turnhouse. The new layout brings golfers directly into the pro shop, which includes a lounge area overlooking the golf course.
“We want all our spaces to foster social connections,” Calloway says, “and this encourages golfers to hang out.”
The Cabin at The Cliffs at Mountain Park
Underway now is a significant expansion—and slight renovation—of The Cabin at The Cliffs at Mountain Park.
“We are keeping the same design intent,” Calloway says. “The Cabin was well-designed initially and its rustic aesthetics are good … we just need to make this space bigger.”
The project will double the size of the main dining room and nearly double the outdoor patio, allowing for larger gatherings and special events. A new, intimate space is being added for private parties that can run concurrent to public dinner service. The kitchen and other back-of-the-house spaces will grow to accommodate the expanded F&B opportunities.
The expansion also will yield enhanced locker facilities and “an appropriate-sized pro shop,” Calloway says.
The Cabin is expected to reopen by the end of Spring 2022. Meantime, golf is operating from a temporary trailer while food and beverage are being served at The Outpost.
Additional details on all capital projects will be shared with members as available.
This story was featured in Cliffs Living magazine. To read more stories like this one and learn more about The Cliffs, subscribe here.
