Steve Handley
The Center at Eastman, commonly known as “The Center,” reopened in the summer of 2016 with a new look inside and out. The most striking change to the exterior is the array of solar panels on the roof. The $4.5 million renovation includes an expanded pub, an enlarged and reconfigured Draper Room, a redecorated Hearth Room, increased square footage for outdoor dining on the deck, a larger Golf and Ski Pro Shop, and inclusion of the Eastman Community Association’s business offices and conference room.
The pub at The Center at Eastman, built in 1997, had been an afterthought, added on to replace the six-seat bar in the Hearth Room. It was 750 square feet and, over the years, had become the venue of choice over the Hearth Room, often with standing-room-only. The bar and the high-top tables in the “upper section” of the pub were the most popular. All of this was taken into account when the new pub was designed and furnished.
The ECA Office moved from the Draper Road building and is in the area previously occupied by the Golf and Ski Pro Shop. Relocating the business offices to The Center assures that the building is open and the meeting room accessible for Eastman Community Association (ECA) Members more hours Monday through Friday. The ECA’s business offices on the lower level of the Center include: four offices for managerial staff, an open-concept work area for the accounting staff, a small kitchenette, the reception area, and a state-of-the art conference room equipped with a smart board and a wall-mounted monitor.
Fred Orkin
The Hearth Room still has the beautiful hearth for which it is named. The new colors and lighting are subdued for a casual feel. It’s intimate ambience provides a quiet and comfortable place for a romantic dinner or a night catching up with friends. The popular three-season screened porch—with views of the 11th and 18th Greens of Eastman Golf Links—is accessible through the Hearth Room.
Fred Orkin
Considerably larger than the former room, the pub features floor-to-ceiling windows for great lighting, views of the Eastman Golf Links’ 18th Green, a 17-seat bar with 12 draft lines, and plenty of high-top tables. A large dining deck is accessible from the pub when weather permits.
Richard Sachs
On the lower level of the building, the reception desk is visible immediately from either the stairway from the main entrance or from the elevator. The new service window may seem low to some, but it is built to be compliant with guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Peggy Martineau, executive assistant to the general manager, is able to work on her computer while keeping an eye out for visitors to the ECA offices.
Fred Orkin
On the north side of the building overlooking the 1st Tee of Eastman Golf Links, the renovated and expanded Draper Room is bright and modern. The audio/visual equipment is state-of-the-art and enhances the room’s functionality for weddings, business functions, The Center Presents programs, post-golf tournament gatherings and more. The room also has its own dedicated bar with draft lines, making it easier to serve guests in the Draper Room.
Fred Orkin
Four televisions—three over the bar and one on the wall near the high-top tables—allow patrons many options for what to watch: baseball, football, golf… Jeopardy? The banter around the U-shaped bar is likely to get lively when the Red Sox or the Patriots are on the screens!
Fred Orkin
The Golf and Ski Pro Shop on the lower level of the building is adjacent to the side parking lot. Its increased square footage makes it easier to browse the merchandise and check in for tee times or buy ski passes. The pro shop now faces the 1st Tee, making it easier for staff to monitor and guide golfers. In winter, when the Golf Pro Shop is converted to the Cross Country Ski Center, the layout will make in-and-out access easier when renting skis, snowshoes and skates.
Fred Orkin
The deck is one of the most popular areas “in season.” Watching people coming up the 18th Hole and putt out is fun for everyone – whether you are a golfer or not. Umbrella-covered tables provide shade for outdoor diners or golfers having aprésround beverages and perhaps settling bets. With “in season” being so short in New Hampshire, guests appreciate having a larger place to soak up the sun and fresh air. Additionally, there is ample storage room for Eastman’s fleet of golf carts under the newly expanded deck.
Lorie McClory, ECA Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, and Judi Platt, Editor of Eastman Living, contributed to this article. Steve Handley, Fred Orkin, and Richard Sachs were photographers for this article.
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