Cigar Lounge – Opening by August 31, 2026
 
The Ranchmen’s Club is pleased to provide a current update on the development of the new Members’ Cigar Lounge, a refined amenity that reflects the Club’s long-standing traditions of fellowship, comfort, and understated elegance.
 
The project is advancing in a measured, disciplined manner with a target opening date of no later than August 31, 2026.
 
Project Status – March 2026
 
As design development progresses, the Club has received a refined conceptual cost range from the architect and engineering team. At this stage of planning, the current estimates are as follows::
 
Optimistic scenario: approximately $140,000
Most likely scenario: approximately $190,000
Pessimistic scenario: approximately $280,000
 
These estimates include construction scope, mechanical and ventilation systems, millwork, finishes, furnishings, and appropriate contingencies at this stage of development. As drawings advance and trade pricing is validated, the range will continue to be refined.
 
Importantly, the Project Committee is sequencing work carefully to allow long-lead items to be ordered early while maintaining financial discipline.
 
Capital Campaign Update
 
The Cigar Lounge is being funded through a voluntary capital campaign, with no levy, assessment, or borrowing imposed on Members.
 
To date, approximately $90,000 has been donated or formally committed toward the projected cost. This represents strong early support from the membership and provides confidence as the campaign moves into its next phase.
 
Cigar Lounge Project Committee
 
The Committee of Management formally struck the Cigar Lounge Project Committee on 16 January 2026 to act as the owner’s representative for the project. The Project Committee reports through the General Manager and continues to coordinate closely with professional advisors to refine design, schedule, fundraising, and implementation.
 
The Project Committee includes: Craig Farkas, Aleksey Julanov, John Larsen, Dustin Nelson, Harvey McKernon, and Eppo van Weelderen (Chair)
 
Location Within the Club
 
The Cigar Lounge will be located on the far east end of the first floor, adjacent to the North Lounge and the Library. This location provides an intimate, contained setting that will be fully integrated with the main-floor experience while minimizing impact on existing member spaces. The selected room was previously used for administrative and storage purposes and does not displace established member programming space.
Design & Air Quality
 
The Lounge will be a traditional, enclosed cigar room; warmly appointed, discreet, and consistent with the Club’s architectural character.
 
A dedicated, purpose-built ventilation system will maintain negative air pressure within the Lounge and exhaust air directly outdoors. This will prevent smoke migration into adjacent Club areas to protect the comfort of all Members.
 
What Comes Next
 
Over the coming months, the Project Committee will finalize detailed design drawings, advance permitting, confirm trade pricing, order long-lead materials and furnishings, accelerate capital campaign outreach, and sequence construction to minimize disruption to Club operations.
 
With disciplined execution and continued Member support, the Lounge remains on track to open no later than August 31, 2026.
 
Member Engagement & Participation
 
Members who wish to support the project, contribute to the capital campaign, or learn more about the Lounge are encouraged to contact the General Manager or any member of the Cigar Lounge Project Committee.
 
This project represents an enhancement to the Club experience by offering Members choice, comfort, and a space designed specifically for those who enjoy the tradition of cigars, while fully protecting the experience of those who do not.
 
Further updates will be shared as key milestones are reached.