from a competitive sports organization into one of the nation’s most respected private clubs. It is a place where heritage is preserved yet never static, where longstanding traditions intersect with emerging wellness philosophies, and where members find opportunities to challenge themselves, recover, connect, and grow. BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH SPORT The origins of the Detroit Athletic Club reveal a focused commitment to sport. Rob Barr, Director of Athletics at the Detroit Athletic Club, notes that the organization was established by members deeply invested in amateur competition.“We were founded back in 1887 by a group of members that were focused on amateur athletics,” Barr says. “It was all about being active and being involved in sports.” In its early decades, the club fielded teams across a remarkable variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, football, and track and field. “We hosted the first-ever AAU track and field championships,” Barr explains. The club competed against major universities such as Michigan, Michigan State, and Notre Dame, and participated in national baseball championships. Athletic achievement defined the club’s identity, positioning it as a central figure in the region’s sporting landscape. That focus broadened in 1915 when the club opened its landmark downtown clubhouse. With the move came a shift toward civic and social engagement.“It became more of a networking club,” Barr notes, describing how members took on roles as active citizens, community leaders, and business professionals.Although athletics remained a critical pillar, the club embraced a more holistic mission, connecting physical activity with social involvement, civic leadership, and personal enrichment. Today, that legacy persists in a modern form. The club remains active in an expansive list of sports and programs, offering everything from basketball and swimming to hiking, pickleball, squash, cycling, and golf. “We are very active in everything under the sun,” Barr shares, emphasizing that the club’s philosophy centers on keeping people connected and improving members’ quality of life through meaningful engagement. A SEVEN-STORY WELLNESS ENVIRONMENT Walking through the Detroit Athletic Club means stepping into a comprehensive world of wellness. The seven-story clubhouse features a dynamic combination of athletic facilities, fitness environments, recovery spaces, dining venues, and social areas that together create a complete member experience. Barr explains that the club’s mission is to improve quality of life through fitness, wellness, sports, and 127 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 12 DETROIT ATHLETIC CLUB
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