The Classic & Modern Collide
The renovation of the nation’s oldest country club is transformed with expanded dining, restored architectural details, and daylight-filled gathering spaces.
St. Martin’s Clubhouse Renovation
Philadelphia, PA
Founded in 1854, the Philadelphia Cricket Club is the oldest country club in the United States and a renowned destination for private, family-oriented recreation and athletics. With campuses in St. Martins and Flourtown, the club offers a rich mix of sports and social amenities steeped in tradition and excellence.
The clubhouse renovation coincided with upgrades to the racquet sports facilities, which include three new paddle tennis courts and four paddle courts.
A Comprehensive Vision
To continue meeting the expectations of its members, the club launched a five-year master plan focused on revitalizing the Cricket Club’s facilities. One of the initial priorities was to enhance the dining experience at the clubhouse by increasing seating capacity, improving kitchen operations, and fostering social interaction within a more relaxed and open setting.
EwingCole reimagined the St. Martins Clubhouse interior to reflect the club’s legacy, sporting culture, and the character of the surrounding Wissahickon Valley. The design removed interior walls around the main bar to introduce expansive views of the Great Lawn and increase natural light. The lower-level banquet kitchen was reconfigured to improve service to the Ballroom, Cricket Room, and Blue Room. In contrast, the central kitchen was relocated to the main level to improve circulation and expand the dining floor plan.
Central to the Space
At the center of the redesign is a dramatic two-story space above the new bar, featuring a third-floor skylight that introduces daylight into the heart of the clubhouse. This architectural centerpiece is a focal point, imbuing the club with grandeur and elegance beneath a new third-floor skylight. Introducing an extensive skylight system in the sloped roof above the main level bar floods the space below with natural light, imparting a warm and inviting ambiance.
On the second floor, the team also transformed the previously unused attic into a new lounge and business center for third-floor members. Five historic dormers and a cupola, which had been lost to fire years earlier, were rebuilt to restore the charm and character of the building’s original design.
By blending historic preservation with contemporary hospitality design, the Philadelphia Cricket Club has created a refined yet welcoming environment that supports member comfort, social connection, and continued excellence.
Meet the Design Team
