"It's a total transformation that re-establishes the club forthe next 30 years," says Dave Woodyard, EVP of business and sportsclubs for Dallas-based ClubCorp Inc. The 150-seat ballroom will beexpanded to accommodate 250; the dining room redo will create eightprivate rooms, an increase of two, for parties from casual toformal dress; and offices will be relocated to expand the diningroom and bar/grill areas. He says the work will take "four to fivemonths" to complete, with the 1,700-member Tower Club staying openthroughout the phased-in makeover, which will include new fixturesand furniture for ClubCorp's flagship property in the1.4-million-sf high rise at 1601 Elm St.

"I think Dallas is really going to love it," Woodyard tellsGlobeSt.com. The renovation cost is being shared by high-riseowner, Los Angeles-based Younan Properties Inc. Woodyard says it'salso tied to a ClubCorp plan that allocated $28 million for its2007-08 cap ex program nationwide. In Chicago, the Mid-America Clubat 200 E. Randolph Dr. is getting a $3.5-million overhaul and theMetropolitan Club at 233 S. Wacker Dr. is in line for $6 million ofupgrades. The Houston City Club at One City Club Dr. is being pacedthrough a $3-million renovation and eight other clubs each will get$1 million of upgrades.

ClubCorp did have brokers sizing up Downtown relocation sites,but "we decided in the end this was the best alternative," Woodyardsays, adding both existing and new high rises were under review."The synergies in the new buildings were not as positive as stayingwhere we are and renovating."