Landmark Montecito Country Club Closes for Renovations

The landmark Montecito Country Club has closed for renovations that began with designs and city reviews years ago.

The final event was held last night with light music from live guitarists, food, and memories about the 1920’s era facility.

It sits on a hill above Highway 101 and the scenic coastline and it can be spotted from miles away.

The main design approvals for the Ty Warner property came in 2009. Since then, financing and drought concerns had to be sorted out.

Now the time for the estimated $30-million remodeling project has come.

About two months ago the golf course closed and a design assisted by legend Jack Nicholas is now in the works. The current site is brown and dug up while the remodeling is crafted.

The club house will see several changes in the locker room area, a new pool will be built and upgraded dining facilities.

Over 700 new trees will be planted on the 118 acre site.

Water use will be controlled with a drought tolerant plan that includes reclaimed water coming on a direct pipeline from the city.

Current members will be able to keep their status and use their memberships at other Ty Warner properties nearby during the renovation. That includes the Rancho San Marcos and Sandpiper Golf Courses.

Both the golf course and the club house changes should be finished at the same time, in early 2017. A gala grand reopening is expected to take place.