Downtown Detroit’s prestigious Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) is set to undergo a significant transformation with an $11 million renovation project, marking a notable development in the city’s private club scene. The project, starting early this month, is focused on modernizing the club’s facilities while preserving its historical charm.
The renovation will cover two primary aspects: a $3.5 million upgrade of 29 overnight rooms and a $7.5 million overhaul of the main kitchen. The rooms, last updated in 2011, will receive new furniture, updated fixtures, and enhanced HVAC systems, aiming for completion by mid-year.
However, it’s the comprehensive kitchen renovation that stands as the centerpiece of this project. Scheduled to begin in mid-February, this renovation involves a complete redesign, the introduction of modern equipment, and utility updates. A unique feature of this overhaul is the creation of the Chef’s Table, a private dining space within the kitchen, exclusively for DAC members. The club has assured that the renovations will cause minimal disruption to its dining services, as each restaurant within the DAC operates with its own kitchen.
This ambitious project is being managed by local firms: Jonna Construction and Kraemer Design Group for the room renovations, and McIntosh Poris Associates and Frank Rewold & Sons for the kitchen. This initiative follows the club’s recent $7 million renovation of its Bowling Abbey, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining high standards.
The DAC’s project is part of a broader trend in Detroit, where private clubs are investing heavily in upgrades. The Detroit Golf Club recently completed a $9 million upgrade, Pine Lake Country Club is undergoing a $20.4 million renovation, and Forest Lake Country Club is in the midst of a $10 million overhaul. These investments underscore a growing movement towards enhancing private club offerings in the region.
The historic Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) has achieved a remarkable feat, being named the No. 1 athletic club in the United States by the prestigious Club Leaders Forum and Advisory Board. This distinguished recognition comes with the Platinum Clubs of America designation, an honor reserved for the top 5 percent of America’s elite private clubs. Garnering this accolade is a testament to the DAC’s exceptional commitment to excellence, as the selection process is both rigorous and comprehensive. Over 3,000 private club managers, owners, and presidents participated in the biennial election, casting their votes over a 90-day period. The integrity of this election was meticulously upheld, with final votes being tabulated and certified by an independent third party, underscoring the credibility and significance of this acknowledgment.
The Platinum Clubs of America award, presented every three years, is the most revered recognition in the private club industry. It evaluates clubs based on several critical criteria: the quality of services offered to members, the excellence of club facilities, the club’s heritage, and the leadership demonstrated by its management and board of directors. The DAC, with its rich history dating back to 1887, has consistently been a frontrunner in these award cycles, securing second or third place nationally in previous editions. This year’s top ranking further cements the Detroit Athletic Club’s status not only as a beacon of sporting and social excellence in Detroit but also as a shining example of the city’s broader resurgence and vibrancy. Detroit, through institutions like the DAC, continues to outshine, demonstrating its enduring spirit and capacity to excel on national stages.
Additionally, in a moment that’s both historic and transformative, the Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) has shattered a century-old glass ceiling by electing Derron Sanders, a distinguished leader from Bloomfield Hills, as its first Black president since its inception in 1887. This groundbreaking decision, made on January 25, 2022, signals a new era of excellence and inclusivity at the DAC. Sanders, the CEO of Southfield-based SG Cos., a notable investment advisory firm, will officially start his presidency in 2024, following a period of mentorship under the current president, David Devine.
Sanders’ election, which saw him triumph over two other candidates, Michael Lotito and J. Michael Bernard, for this prestigious role, reflects a significant shift in the DAC’s trajectory. The club, which began as an exclusive hub for amateur athletics and social networking by privileged young men, has evolved significantly since its founding and its relocation to Madison Avenue in Downtown Detroit in 1915. The DAC, a cornerstone of Detroit’s social fabric, has often been a reflection of the city’s industrial and automotive elite.
But now, with Sanders at the helm, the club is ushering in an era where inclusion and opportunity are not just buzzwords but actionable priorities. This is a pivotal moment, following the election of its second female president, Kristin Ritter, in 2020. The DAC is no longer just a symbol of Detroit’s storied past; it’s becoming a beacon of its dynamic, diverse future. This year marks a year of all things refreshing as Sanders’ leadership and the new renovations turns a new chapter in the DAC’s storied history, one that promises to be as inclusive as it is illustrious.
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