Acushnet: Golf Committee Oct. 06, 2026

The Acushnet Golf Course Management Committee met on Tuesday, October 6, to interview four architectural design firms bidding to design a new clubhouse at the Acushnet River Valley Golf Course. The town sought to replace the long-standing temporary trailer that has served as the facility's clubhouse for more than 25 years. The committee's goal was to evaluate firm qualifications, design philosophies, approaches to phasing construction during active golf operations, budget management, and methods for controlling contractor change orders.

The committee heard detailed presentations from JMBA Architects, RGB Architects, Habeeb & Associates Architects (partnering with Beals and Thomas), and Stephen Kelleher Architects. Each firm critiqued the town's initial feasibility concept prepared by Catalyst Architects. Discussions centered around balancing full-service dining and banquet functions with daily golfing operations, upgrading the aging Title 5 septic system, and managing the project within the town's $3.5 million budget. Stephen Kelleher presented an alternative concept proposing the retrofit and relocation of the existing modular clubhouse structure to reduce square footage and avoid projected cost overruns.

Following the interviews, the committee agreed to independently complete score and ranking sheets prepared by project manager George. These evaluations will be compiled to form a single recommendation for the Board of Selectmen, who hold the statutory authority to award the contract. The meeting adjourned unanimously at the conclusion of the session.

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