How it all Began
When Bellevue was chosen over Kent as the site for Puget Power Company’s headquarters in the early 1960s, a group of Kent businessmen recognized that the community needed more to offer corporate executives and their families. Industrial development in the Green River Valley was booming, yet the people moving into the area found few first-class residential or recreational options nearby.
In response, the idea of creating a country club was born in 1962. Local business and professional leaders envisioned a private golf and country club that could rival those in Seattle and Tacoma—both to attract newcomers and to enhance the quality of life in Kent. Meeting over weekly coffee, this group, led by Jack Lynch Sr., began turning their vision of a premier golf course and gathering place into reality.
The Dream Becomes A Reality
The final step in establishing the legal foundation for the project came in January 1966 with the creation of the Meridian Valley Associates Limited Partnership Agreement. Under this structure, individual property owners became the limited partners, while Valley Development Company served as the general partner.
On January 18, 1966, the first general meeting of Valley Development Company was held, with Director Ralph Pozzi serving as master of ceremonies. During the meeting, the legal framework and benefits of the limited partnership were outlined, and membership certificates for the newly formed Meridian Valley Country Club were issued.Members were also encouraged to recruit new golfers and expand the club’s base. “We are doing everything possible to meet our goal of 400 members by April,” noted Joe Bowen.
From Humble Beginnings
According to the original planners, the clubhouse was envisioned as a centerpiece of the club, complete with a bar, pro shop, snack bar, exercise and sauna facilities, and carpeted locker rooms. Future phases of development were to expand amenities even further, adding swimming, tennis, handball, and squash courts; additional exercise and gym facilities; saunas and steam rooms; and recreational lounges designed for both high school and grade school children.
As early as 1967, the Clubhouse Committee began the search for an architect who could bring this vision of a first-class golf club to life. The clubhouse was to be carefully sited to capture glare-free vistas of the course and surrounding scenery, with construction expected to occur in stages.
The design was intended to balance modern décor with the charm of country living, reflecting the lifestyle members sought to enjoy. A brochure published by the club described the clubhouse as featuring a main dining room overlooking the golf course, the putting green, and “beautiful lakes.”
