Council approves Country Club of Detroit accessory buildings; conditions include required tree survey

The Grosse Pointe Farms City Council granted site-plan approval on Oct. 13 for two accessory structures at the Country Club of Detroit: a pump house associated with an irrigation/drainage project and an “oasis” building that will provide restrooms, a small refreshment area and storage for tournament use.

Edward Russell, representing the Country Club’s board of governors, presented elevations and renderings that he said borrow materials and design from the club’s earlier village-style buildings. He told the council the pump house is sited behind an existing gravel access road and will be built in the same material palette as other club buildings; the oasis will connect to a recently installed sanitary sewer and include heated and air-conditioned restrooms.

The council’s motion approving the site plans was conditioned on receipt of a complete application and a required tree survey before administrative sign-off. Council member Wood, who moved the motion, said approval is subject to “receipt, and administrative approval of a completed application and site plan information, including the required tree survey.” The motion passed with council support.

Public commenters asked whether existing trees near the proposed pump house would be removed; presenters and staff explained the proposed pump-house location sits behind the buffer of trees near the 7th and 8th tee boxes and that the pump building is sited to avoid prominent tree removal. A resident asked whether the pump house would have generator backup during storms; a project representative replied in the affirmative.

The approval also requires standard administrative follow-up on final lighting and construction details, the council said. Staff noted the applicant must submit required documents, including a tree survey, before the administrative permit is finalized.