A True Baton Rouge Institution

+ Mission Statement

To enrich the professional and social lives of the Greater Baton Rouge community through a tradition of fine dining and extraordinary membership experiences.

+ Vision Statement

The premier business and social club experience in Louisiana.

+ Overarching Goals

Grow membership to 1,250

Increase revenue to decrease Debt allowing for further investment In Programs and Facilities to enhance the Membership Experience

+ Conceptual Strategic Initiatives

Continuing to seek opportunities to create partnerships with area organization to provide unique membership events and benefits,

Regularly seeking membership input on Club matters such as events and cuisines offered, Increasing variation in lunch and dinner menus,

Continuing to improve the website portal for online reservations to make it as convenient as possible to scheduling usage of the Club, and

Improving and increasing usage of the Club facility to allow more spaces for dining, drinks or work throughout the day.

+ History of the City Club of Baton Rouge

AN ARCHITECTURAL BEACON IN DOWNTOWN BATON ROUGE

For over 60 years, City Club has been downtown Baton Rouge’s premier dining club where membership is by invitation only. Our over 900 current members represent all business sectors, generations and fields of expertise. We are united by a common commitment to our City and region and to a lifelong pursuit of personal and professional excellence. The City Club is a “home away from home” as well as an extension of the office.

Since its inception in 1957, The City Club has been a beacon of tradition and excellence in the capital city. Conveniently located downtown on the corner of 4th Street and North Boulevard, boasts 14 meeting rooms, a second floor private ballroom and veranda accommodating up to 250+ people. Our third floor has private dining, bar and board room.

What began as a men’s club over six decades ago is today a thriving professional and social club that welcomes a culturally diverse membership. Providing more than 60 years of consistent award-winning hospitality and impeccable service, we invite you to discover and explore the City Club of Baton Rouge.

The City Club, a magnificent brick and masonry structure with an Italian Renaissance façade, was completed in 1894 on property purchased by the United States government for $14,500 from Dr. Jean Bertrand Duchein for use as a post office and federal courthouse. After years of use for those purposes, and several years of serving as city-parish offices, the building was remodeled to become the City Club of Baton Rouge. Two years prior to the Club’s opening in 1957, Baton Rouge was the only major Louisiana city without a men’s club. New Orleans had the Boston Club, Lake Charles had the Pioneer Club, Lafayette had the Petroleum Club, and Monroe had the Lotus Club. Before adopting its official name, others like The Magnolia Club and The Capital City Club were considered. The original decor was designed by nationally respected interior decorator, William Parker McFadden, who was recommended by an editor of House Beautiful Magazine. McFadden was also responsible for creating the Club’s symbol, crossed batons centered with a fleur-de-lis. It is seen in many places throughout the building as well as on Club correspondence. In 1994, under the tenure of Francis X. Guglielmo, president, the City Club dining and service areas were refurbished by local Baton Rouge interior designers, Becki Abercrombie and Helaine Moyse. Although the fine tradition of good food and fellowship has remained constant over the years, there have been changes at the City Club. Because it was formed as men’s club, for many years, ladies were always considered guests. Today, resident membership includes both male and female business persons. As always, many of our city’s leaders are members of the City Club.

A building of major historic and architectural significance, the Old Post Office is constructed in an eclectic Renaissance Revival style. It served as the U. S. Post Office from 1894 to 1935. It was renovated in 1935 and was used as the City Hall until 1955.

The City Club is a “home away from home” as well as an extension of the office. Offering unparalleled private dining, social events, entertainment and meeting venues, and business networking among a culturally diverse membership.