Prior to the recession, Pinehurst Resort and Country Club planned to raze its members' clubhouse.

"They were going to bulldoze the place and rebuild it," said Richard Lawson, president of the Pinehurst Board of Governors. "Then, the economy went down the tubes."

But with better economic conditions and the upcoming 2014 U.S. Open championships, now is the right time at Pinehurst No. 2 to begin a $3.7 million renovation of the clubhouse.

Work on the exterior, designed by Staagard & Chao Architects in Pinehurst, is scheduled to start Monday and will feature dramatic architectural improvements to the rear veranda overlooking the famed No. 2 course.

White columns, stately arches and a bronze roof will replace the green awnings around the 16,000-square-foot veranda; the roofline will be extended to improve the view; a floor-to-ceiling fireplace will provide a natural separation between the public and member areas of the veranda; and new furniture will welcome outdoor diners.

"It's arguably going to be the best view for dining in the world of golf," said Jay Biggs, senior vice president of golf and club operations.

Alan Staagard, co-founder of Staagard & Chao, said the clubhouse should reflect "the grandeur and tradition of Pinehurst itself."

"When the project is finished, we hope it will feel as if the club and the veranda have been there for 100 years," Staagard said.

Work on the interior will begin early next month and will feature new furniture, fixtures and carpeting. A new elevator will provide access to all three floors, and the grand staircase will be redesigned.

A la carte dining, previously provided only on special occasions, will be offered for lunch and dinner. The member dining room and bar will be relocated to overlook the 18th green of No. 2.

"I've seen the plans, and they're magnificent. Everything they're doing is really first class," Lawson said. "To me, it's the most positive thing that has happened for the members in the 14 years that I've been here. It's much more than we ever hoped for."

The exterior work is scheduled for completion prior to the spring golf season, while the interior should be finished by June 1.

Robert Dedman, owner of Pinehurst Resort, said his goal is to make the membership experience "as distinctive as the brand itself."

"This renovation is the beginning of a broader plan to provide a more dynamic experience for our members," Dedman said. "The vision is to incorporate all the amenities for our members into one central location."

Biggs said the renovation reflects the commitment of the Dedman family.

"Mr. Dedman has been very involved. He's reviewed every sketch," Biggs said. "Most private facilities are going through tough times right now just trying to stay above water. I think this project gives the membership the confidence that the club wants to grow."

Biggs said the club will break ground on a two-story, state-of-the-art swim and fitness complex after the U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open are played in back-to-back weeks for the first time in June 2014.

"We're still working on those plans," he said.

The complex will be constructed between the members' clubhouse and the tennis pro shop.

Biggs said the multi-year plan to improve and expand the membership experience is part of a "revisioning of the entire club."

"We're rethinking every piece of the club to ensure that it's a home away from home for members," he sad. "We're very happy with our plans moving forward and believe our members will be as well."

The club has about 4,600 members.

Contact Ted M. Natt Jr. at (910) 693-2474 or tnatt@the pilot.com.