Cedar Rapids sees new $3.5 million Ellis Clubhouse as economic driver

CEDAR RAPIDS — The oldest golf course in Cedar Rapids will be able to serve golfers and the community with a rebuilt clubhouse that city officials anticipate will spur economic development in the flood-damaged northwest quadrant.

City officials recently celebrated the opening of the new $3.5 million, 3,500-square-foot Ellis Golf Course Clubhouse that replaces the one that was destroyed in the August 2020 derecho, which was the original built in the 1960s. It was designed by OPN Architects in Cedar Rapids.

“This is one of those projects that is once again an example of how Cedar Rapids recovers,” Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said. “We don't just recover — we come back bigger, and we come back better.”

The new facility is larger in part to make way for the addition of a 2,300 square-foot event space that can fit about 120 people, though that is flexible depending on the arrangements. Overflow space on the patio allows another 70 people. The event space will be available for public rental for weddings, reunions, graduations, retirement parties and corporate events.

The clubhouse’s larger size also improves ADA-accessibility and overall allows for a more spacious facility to serve the golf course, located at 1401 Zika Ave. NW.

The project, funded using general fund money and insurance proceeds, includes solar power and wood on the ceiling to help warm the building. The overall facility was built in steel to maximize its life expectancy.

Other features include a concession area and pro shop, indoor and outdoor seating and photos in the event center and corridor depicting the history of the Ellis Park area and Ellis Golf Course, respectively.

“We’re proud of this neighborhood,” City Manager Jeff Pomeranz said. “We’re proud of the community. We’re proud of the golfers that have sustained this facility, and the staff that has sustained this golf course and the prior clubhouse and now this beautiful new facility.”

City Council member Ann Poe, who grew up in the northwest quadrant and often came to Ellis Golf Course throughout the year, said this project coincides with work to connect Sixth Street and Ellis Boulevard NW. City officials say that project will ease traffic flow and improve access to the Northwest Neighborhood, while more directly connecting the area to Interstate 380 and downtown via First Avenue W.

She said this clubhouse provides a recreational amenity that will help families see opportunities to rebuild in the flood-devastated area and to bring more people together in this part of town.

The clubhouse provides an opportunity to “continue to grow this area and be what it deserves,” Poe said.

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com