Smith Mountain Lake, VA (March 9, 2009) – The Aspen Corporation, based in Daniels, West Virginia, was recently awarded the Golf Course Industry Builders Legacy Award for Renovation of the Year with its work at The Water’s Edge Country Club. Golf course architect Richard Mandell worked closely with Aspen and The Willard Companies to undertake the extensive renovation specifically to update the golf course’s infrastructure and re-capture its standing as one of the top golf courses in the state of Virginia as it was when it first opened almost twenty years ago.
“I’m proud that with the cohesive team involvement of golf architect Richard Mandell and owner Ron Willard, we were able to complete the project within two weeks of the original deadline without compromising quality”, said Donnie Adkins, President of Aspen. Ronald Willard II was given the task of selecting the golf architect for the project and after interviewing several prospects and meeting with Mr. Mandell, he told his father, “You don’t need to talk to anyone else”. Richard’s task was to update the historic layout yet preserve the character of the site.
Richard Mandell Golf Architecture developed a Renovation Business Plan in 2005 and construction began the following summer. The challenge of implementing the plan in a timely fashion was complicated by the extremely sensitive site, with many golf holes bordering Smith Mountain Lake. But the strength of Aspen and willingness to provide the best product by the Willard family made Mandell’s task a walk in the park. The results speak for themselves. “I was quite impressed with Aspen Corporation’s ability to plan ahead and focus on the hot-button areas of the site without losing focus on the goal” said Richard. “To be involved in any award-winning project is flattering, but it is really a testament to the overall team, and particularly a contractor like Aspen.”
Ronnie Adkins, Vice President of Aspen, echoed those sentiments, “The Water’s Edge project success is an example of how important it is to put the right team in place on such a demanding golf course renovation.
Working with Richard Mandell made Aspen’s task a lot easier. He understood the importance of team work and provided the leadership to keep the project and team focused.” Ronnie stressed the Architect’s involvement was a welcome change from other projects. “Richard provided clear direction during his site reviews. Decisions on site changes were efficient and quick. He also provided a written description at the end of the walk- through that matched what we had discussed. I have never experienced that before”, Adkins pointed out.
According to Ronald Willard, President of The Willard Companies, “The renovations done by Richard’s team and Aspen Corporation are truly remarkable and have undoubtedly brought an entirely new level of excitement to the game on this course. By incorporating some of the most cutting edge golf architecture techniques and technology, we are ensuring a truly memorable experience for those who have the opportunity to play.”
The award was presented to Aspen at the Golf Course Builders Association of America’s annual dinner in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show on Friday, February 6, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Golf Course Industry, a national golf course management magazine, has sponsored the Builder Excellence Awards for five years specifically to recognize outstanding project construction in four categories: New construction, re-construction, renovation, and environmental achievement. Judging criteria included scope of work, degree of difficulty, quality of performance, and creativity among other considerations.
###
The Willard Companies is the umbrella for Willard Construction of Roanoke Valley, Inc., Prudential Waterfront Properties, The Waterfront, The Water’s Edge and The Westlake Golf and Country Clubs. The company is involved in country clubs, building, developing, marketing and real estate. The Willard Companies is also affiliated with Westlake Towne Center, Westlake Cinema, Smith Mountain Building Supply and The Farm.
–>
