History

Our History

The Park Club has been an integral part of Kalamazoo’s social fabric since its founding in 1904. The club was formed through the merger of three prominent men’s clubs—The Kalamazoo, The Academy, and The Cosmopolitan—and was originally housed in the Nathaniel Balch home on the corner of Rose and South streets, facing Bronson Park.

For 20 years, the Club operated from this Italianate building. However, as the city grew and prospered in the early 1920s, members began to envision a larger, more modern facility. In 1927, after purchasing the former William Lawrence mansion for $50,000, extensive renovations were completed, transforming the property into the elegant venue we know today. The mansion, originally built by Lawrence in 1889, was updated with a Rathskeller in the basement and a new Garden Room, later renamed The Victorian Room.

The Club continued to evolve throughout the 20th century. In 1955, the original lawn was replaced with a parking lot, and by the 1970s, a new addition was built to house expanded kitchen facilities. The front entrance was opened to women, and an elevator tower was added in the 1980s for improved accessibility.

For its centennial in 1989, the Club was restored to reflect its Victorian origins, with much of the original Tudor-style furniture still in use. The addition of The Pub dining area in 1991 and the restoration of the Park Street Porch in 1996 further modernized the Club, ensuring it remains a beloved destination for members.

Now entering its second century, The Park Club continues to serve as a welcoming, elegant gathering place, blending history with contemporary comfort for its members.