Agawam Hunt

Rumford, RI

Established in 1874 and chartered in 1897, Agawam Hunt is the oldest country club in Rhode Island. Following the acquisition of the Underwood farmhouse in Rumford to be the clubhouse, it has evolved into a clapboard-clad accumulation of seemingly ad-hoc (though picturesque) additions that express a comfortable domestic manner as the focus of the grounds.

The challenge with the renovations and additions to the clubhouse was to balance all of the modern needs and code requirements with the goal of preserving this important piece of Rhode Island history. A new stair tower, terraced patios, and an interior corridor connecting multiple disparate additions were created to address life safety deficiencies while maintaining the appearance of the club’s ongoing evolution. Social spaces and locker rooms were refreshed, while a new addition contains accessible, code compliant toilet rooms. New landscape features integrate accessibility improvements while enhancing the overall aesthetics of the grounds.

Throughout the project, the much-cherished history and the familiar and comfortable character of the club have been respected and preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

 Steven Ehlbeck was designer and project architect while with William Kite Architects