Champion Lakes Resort: Clubhouse Expansion & Hospitality Experience
Project Snapshot
Location: Ligonier, Pennsylvania (Laurel Highlands)
Project Type: Hospitality, Recreation & Commercial Addition
Scope: Architectural Addition, Interior Remodel, Master Planning
Key Features: Timber Frame Construction, Two-Story Dining, Pro Shop Expansion
Client: Champion Lakes Golf Course
Architect: David Stumpf Architecture (David Stumpf, AIA)
Project Narrative
Elevating the Resort Experience
Champion Lakes Golf Course, located in the scenic Laurel Highlands, engaged David Stumpf Architecture to transform their existing clubhouse into a destination that matches the quality of their course. The challenge was to expand the footprint of the simple red brick structure to create a true "Resort-Style" experience.
Our solution was a two-story timber frame addition that anchors the building to its site. By introducing heavy timber trusses and stone foundations, we established a cohesive architectural language that ties the clubhouse to other structures on the course, unifying the brand identity of the property.
Materiality with Meaning: The Legacy Connection
True Boutique Craft tells a story. The design pays homage to the course founders, Pittsburgh Pirates teammate Jerry Lynch and NBA legend Dick Groat. We selected "Duke Stone" for the foundational masonry—a material chosen specifically for its unique coloring and its connection to Duke University, where Mr. Groat was a two-time All-American. This thoughtful material selection grounds the addition physically in the landscape and metaphorically in the legacy of the owners.
Operational Flow & Revenue Optimization
Beyond aesthetics, the expansion was driven by operational rigor. The design includes:
Expanded Dining Capacity: Two stories of covered outdoor social spaces allow for increased guest occupancy and event hosting, directly impacting revenue potential.
Interior Reorganization: A complete remodel of the first floor streamlines the flow between the Pro Shop and the casual dining room, improving the guest journey from arrival to the 19th hole.
Views & Vantage Points: The architecture frames panoramic views of the Laurel Highland mountains, turning the patio into a prime asset for the business.

