Cigar Lounge – opening by August 31st!
The Ranchmen’s Club is pleased to share an initial update on the development of a new Members’ Cigar Lounge, a refined amenity that reflects the Club’s long-standing traditions of fellowship, comfort, and understated elegance.
Committee Established
The Committee of Management has formally struck an Ad Hoc Cigar Lounge Project Committee to advance the planning and delivery of the new lounge. The Committee has been tasked with acting as the owner’s representative for the project, coordinating design and implementation, reporting through the General Manager, and leading a capital raise to fund the costs associated with the Cigar Lounge.
The Committee includes Craig Farkas, Aleksey Julanov, John Larsen, Dustin Nelson, Harvey McKernon, and
Eppo van Weelderen (Chair)
The Committee is now underway and working closely with the General Manager and professional advisors to refine the design, schedule, and member engagement.
Location Within the Club
The proposed Cigar Lounge will be located on the far east end of the first floor, immediately adjacent to the North Lounge and the Library. This location was selected to provide an intimate, contained setting while remaining well integrated into the Club’s existing main-floor experience.
Design Concept and Air Quality
The Club envisions a traditional, enclosed cigar lounge that is warmly appointed, comfortable, and discreet, consistent with the architectural character of the Club. Detailed design development, regulatory approvals, and mechanical planning are underway, and further updates will be shared as milestones are reached.
A dedicated, purpose-built ventilation system will serve the cigar lounge. This system is being designed to maintain negative air pressure within the space and to exhaust smoke directly outdoors, ensuring that cigar smoke does not migrate into other areas of the Club. Protecting the comfort of all members and preserving air quality throughout the building is a core design requirement.
Project Status
The project is now moving from concept into formal development:
- The architect and engineering consultants have been retained and are preparing the drawings and technical materials required to support development and building permit applications.
- Long-lead items are being addressed early; new club chairs have been ordered to ensure availability and alignment with the overall design intent.
The Committee, General Manager, and professional team are working to maintain momentum and minimize disruption to Club operations. The current target is to open the Cigar Lounge no later than
31 August 2026.
Member Information Evening – Cigar Night
Members are invited to an informal Cigar Night where the project will be introduced and discussed:
Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: East Wing
This evening will provide an opportunity to meet members of the Committee, review the conceptual direction, and learn more about the project’s objectives and anticipated timeline.
Member Interest and Support
Members who wish to learn more about the project or express interest in supporting the Cigar Lounge initiative are welcome to contact the
General Manager or any member of the Cigar Lounge Project Committee. Further information on the project and opportunities for involvement will be shared as the work progresses.