News Source: Cleveland.com

PARMA, Ohio -- Laying up for more than a year, Parma is ready to get out its driver and attack the hole, er, goal.

With an Independence Day 2025 grand opening date the plan, construction at the proposed Ridgewood Golf Course clubhouse and event center is set to begin this spring.

Architecture and engineering firm American Structurepoint -- along with construction manager at risk Albert M. Higley Co. -- last week presented updated plans to Parma City Council with the new venue’s price tag holding at $12.3 million.

“I want to applaud our Service Director Tony Vannello with his construction background, who sharpened his pencils to get it to that $12.3 million level,” Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter said. “I’m also very proud of the work that the architect engineering team American Structurepoint did with our contractor Albert M. Higley Co.

“You just got one shot to get this right. I think we’re definitely on the right road to success. I’m looking forward to actually breaking ground at the site and getting construction moving hopefully later in the spring.”

American Structurepoint Principal – Cleveland Operations Ed Kagel said the new clubhouse and event center have a few updates compared to what was presented last year.

“The entire team has been collaborating closely to refine the design to optimize revenue opportunities for the city and ensure the final layout supports the goals of the project and continued growth into the future,” he said.

Included in the changes were increased seating capacity in the event center from 160 to 180 people and an improved grill and bar/lounge area to accommodate added patrons and support increased food and beverage sales.

“We also relocated the new pavilion from the lower parking lot to the upper site near the new clubhouse to provide more capacity for outdoor events and venues,” he said.

“We increased the golf simulator bays from four spaces to six to support additional patrons and accommodate year-round use -- including more capacity for indoor winter leagues.”

The current plan calls for the construction of an 11,400-square-foot venue along with outdoor amenity spaces such as patios, covered porches and porte-cochère.

“The design team did a great job of separating the golfer from the event space with both sharing the same beautiful views of the golf course,” Parma Service Director Tony Vannello said.

The new layout -- including outdoor patio seating -- was designed to take advantage of the topography. There are also 166 parking spaces.

“We have one shot at doing this and we want to do it rightm” Parma Parks & Recreation Director Mickey Vittardi said.

“Operationally, we want to do what’s most effective for us. Some of the building layout is now better suited with that in mind.”