The Cobbs Creek Foundation

Cobbs Creek Golf Club

Philadelphia, PA

Cobbs Creek Golf Club has a legacy as one of the finest public courses in America, once celebrated as a home to pioneering Black and female golfers. However, the clubhouse was tragically lost to a fire in 2016. In 2022, the non-profit Cobbs Creek Foundation was granted a new 70-year lease to restore and operate the golf course. This commitment led the foundation to a comprehensive, phased renewal of the grounds and facilities, aimed at revitalizing Cobbs Creek into a vibrant, welcoming public space while preserving its rich historical significance.

 

To reestablish Cobbs Creek as a premier public amenity, the Cobbs Creek Foundation recognized a need for modern, dynamic interior spaces that support a diverse range of activities. One of the new buildings on the site is a Driving Range facility, housing a restaurant, bar, event space, pro shop, heritage center, and outdoor hitting bays.

 

EwingCole’s approach was not to create a traditional clubhouse but one that feels accessible to all. To achieve this, the team incorporates thoughtful programming and design elements, grounded in Cobbs Creek’s site and history, balancing intimate moments with open views and connections to the surrounding landscape. The main level, designed as the primary social hub, features a restaurant and bar with large windows that connect the interiors to the course and hitting bays. Inside, warm wood finishes, steel accents, and a central floor-to-ceiling fireplace create a welcoming atmosphere. Mesh panels separate distinct dining and bar areas, providing visual flow across the space.

 

The second level provides a flexible event area that can accommodate up to 100 guests or be partitioned into three private rooms, with wood-paneled walls and a coffered ceiling that harmonizes with the building’s industrial millhouse aesthetic. By incorporating raw elements like exposed columns and thin black mullions on glazing, EwingCole’s design honors the original architecture while adding modern conveniences.

 

The design strikes a balance between historic respect and modern functionality. By enhancing connections between interior spaces and the course, incorporating a heritage center, and offering varied dining and event experiences, the new design establishes a revitalized social and recreational venue for the Philadelphia community. The phased renewal reaffirms Cobbs Creek’s role as a community-centric destination with lasting cultural impact.