Stu Alderman spoke to the club as the Executive Director of the Neighborhood Club.
The Neighborhood Club was formed in 1911 as a service organization. Its mission, as a nonprofit, was (and is) to collaborate to enhance the health and well-being of Grosse Pointe and the surrounding communities by offering recreation, social, and wellness programs.
From 2000 – 2003, a Master Recreation Plan was commissioned, and it was determined that a state of-the-art recreation center and warm water pool were priorities for the area. The Neighborhood Club was willing to take that vision and make it a reality. leading to its current 48,000 square foot building (celebrating its 10th anniversary). To break ground, a loan of $7 million was needed along with a $4 million capital campaign and Mr. Alderman is proud to report that about $2.4 million remains to be paid. Beaumont (now Corewell Health) leases 25% of this space and discussions regarding a new lease are ongoing. Within the structure, there is a pool, a gym, a fitness center, small conference rooms available to rent, and a preschool.
Having a membership provides access to the fitness center, over 55 group exercise classes, the pool (and its aquatic classes), the gym, and discounted fees toward its many youth and adult sports leagues. These sports leagues have been run by the Neighborhood Club for decades. It also operates a thrift shop, at the corner of University and Mack, which will be celebrating its 95th anniversary this year.
After losing 634 households due to Covid, dropping membership to 1,359 by April, 2021, Mr. Alderman is proud to report that it’s now up to 2,100. To learn more, please visit www.neighborhoodclub.net.