Executive-Winter-Spring-2019

A s the weather turns warm and the landscape outside changes from brown to green, visitors to the 1818 Club will also notice a fresh look inside. The members-only club located on the third floor of the Gwinnett Chamber building is in the last phase of renovations that update the club from a traditional country club feel to a more urban, refined vibe. “It’s simple and very elegant,” said Nancy Golden, the 1818 Club’s general manager. “We wanted to get rid of the clutter, create a better flow and make things more classic.” The updated looks had been planned for a while, but the new Frankie’s The Steakhouse restaurant across the hall and Golden coming on board in 2018 convinced the club’s leadership that it was time for a refresh. “It’s the first update in 15 years. It was time to give it a new look,” Golden said. “With Frankie’s here, the entire club level now has a very contemporary, flowing design.” Beginning just before the new year, the 1818 Club’s renovations started with a makeover of the grand ballroom and reception area. “It’s a much grander entrance,” Golden said. “We really opened it up.” The second phase included aesthetic upgrades to the restrooms, hallway and meeting rooms as well as a complete renovation of the bar and grill area, scheduled to be completed by April. This new eating area will not only reflect the new feel of the club but also include a new wine room. The 1818 Club’s 600+ members and their guests will be able to enjoy all the club’s previous benefits and more in the new surroundings, including happy hour deals at the private bar and members-only social events like wine tastings, cooking classes and family-friendly holiday parties. Members can also impress guests with libations provided by Frankie’s in the new members-only bar and grill or hold private events for two to 200 people in the newly updated meeting rooms and ballroom, all of which are equipped with state-of- the-art audio and visual equipment. To help with the renovation, Golden said the club chose Greg Swinks from Asa Carlton as general contractor. Swink’s good reputation was the main factor in the selection but being a fellow Chairman’s Club and 1818 Club member was a big benefit as well. “We always like to utilize club members. We want to support the people that support us,” Golden said. “He’s done a great job; we’ve been very happy with his work.” NEW YEAR BRINGS A NEW LOOK TO THE 1818 CLUB Named for the year Gwinnett County received its charter and having occupied the same space since opening its doors 1999, the 1818 Club touts itself as being a “destination of distinction.” A place to mingle, network, entertain clients or host events, the club is located on Sugarloaf Parkway, just off I-85. “This is a prime spot to entertain clients,” Golden said. It is about to become an even more desirable location as Revel, the $900 million retail, office and residential development surrounding Infinite Energy Center, is being built steps from the 1818 Club’s front door. “We are on target to meet a lot of the needs coming into this area,” she said. the EXECUTIVE 1