About the Club
Hours of Operation
The club is available Monday through Saturday for banquets and meetings. Hours of operation do not always apply to privately booked functions.
| Breakfast Meeting | Mon-Fri | 7:00-10:00 am |
| Lunch-10th Floor | Mon-Fri | 11:30-2:00 pm |
| Athletic Facility | Mon-Fri | 12:00-2:00 pm |
| Dinner | Mon-Sat | 6:00-9:00 pm |
| Lounge | Mon-Fri | 11:30-7:00 pm |
| Office | Mon-Fri | 7:30-5:00 pm |
History of the University Club of Grand Rapids
Charles E. Stearn of the Harvard Class of 1891 is due the credit of starting the University Club of Grand Rapids. Others had previously mentioned the possibility of such a club, but it was he, with his charcteristic enthusiasm, who saw that the idea became a reality. Others shared his vision, gladly assuming their part of the responsibility in the proposed enterprise.
The first informal meeting was held in January, 1923, at the home of Lemuel S. Hillman, with representatives from Harvard, Yale, Michigan, Princeton, Amherst and Colgate. The conference ended at a late hour, the club still in the embryonic state.
Less than a month later the club was actually brought into existence on the evening of February 6th, 1923. A list of potential members was informally selected by those present, limited by vote to one hundred, dues were set at $25.
Attractive and convenient quarters were established in the Pantlind Hotel with Clay H. Hollister serving as the first president.
In the brief period of six years the club grew from one hundred to two hundred and fifty members and in April 1931, moved to the top of the Michigan Trust Building. The Fifth Third Center (formerly Old Kent Bank building) became its present home in the Spring of 1966.
The University Club and the Athletic Club of Grand Rapids, located in the basement of the Fifth Third Center, merged its membership in the fall of 1989. This transaction resulted in boosting club membership to its current four hundred sixty.
The Press Club joined the University Club in January of 2004. Press Club members enjoy the same privileges as Dining Members.
Besides developing a congenial atmosphere and a spirit of good fellowship, the club has established itself as a truly successful organization. The University Club is a tribute to its founders and its current membership.
Dining
One visit tells all. The University Club is indeed one of West Michigan’s finest dining establishments. The experience begins with a dramatic view of downtown Grand Rapids, and continues through to a warm, cordial atmosphere. The University Club prides itself on maintaining a balanced environment: formal enough for any special occasion, yet casual enough for an afternoon conversation over cocktails.
See our dining page for more information, including up-to-date menus.
Meeting And Banquet Rooms
The University Club offers seven meeting and banquet rooms. Talk by the fireside, or over a conference table. It’s all possible at the University Club. Our fireside room seats up to 50, our main dining room 150, our dance area has room for 40 and our small meeting rooms can accommodate as many as 50 each. We will serve you lunch, dinner, or breakfast. We can assist in the design and preparation of wedding receptions, anniversary parties, and other important events, all in a memorable and stylish manner. Whatever the occasion, we’re ready to make it special.
| Breakfast | 10-200 people |
| Lunch | 4-150 people |
| Dinner | 15-250 people |
| Cocktail Reception | up to 450 people |
The above based on availability.
Athletic Facilities Available for Men and Women
Our newly remodeled and expanded facility is available to men and women members with no time restrictions. See our athletics page for more information.
Staff of Professionals
Our personalized service is an integral element in the overall University Club experience. Our manager Cindi Poll and our waitstaff or athletic personnel are willing and able to meet your special requests. The maintenance of this high quality service is reflected in the patronage of our club members, therefore, members are encouraged to entertain guests. Usage reflects revenue, revenue reflects better service, better food, and the continual maintenance and reburbishing of our facilities.
Reciprocal Clubs
The University Club has arranged for reciprocal privileges with more than 100 of the most prestigious private clubs across the country, many of which offer overnight accommodations, golf, dining and other amenities. These include the New York Athletic Club and the University Clubs of London, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Staying closer to home? You can enjoy reciprocal privileges at the Detroit Athletic Club, Holland Country Club and the Muskegon Country Club. See our reciprocal clubs page for a list.
Location and Parking
See our location page for a map and more information.