Architectural photographer (and Club Member) Stirling Elmendorf photographed the new Club as it began opening — while awaiting final touches — for business.
Dedicated elevators open on the fifth floor to an open, glass-fronted Reception,with the hallway leading off to the right to the Club proper. (The photos temporarily hung behind the reception desk will be replaced by monitors.)
The wide hallways feature monthly exhibitions
Of course, the Club’s ultimate raison d’être is the work of journalism. Four adjoining Function Rooms of adjustable size will host the Club’s regular press conferences (above) and other events.
The VIP Room will host speakers awaiting their press conference appearances. It has access to the balcony (page 15) and can also be rented for member’s events. The large windows offer a view of the Meiji Seimei Kan, a building designated as a National Important Cultural Property (and home of the post-war GHQ).
On the 6th floor is the Library and journalists’ Work Room . The windows have blinds to avoid distraction. It has a comfortable seating area, a work table and computer and printer access. The library books are housed in a glassed-off area. The work room has 20 work areas, screened for privacy and quiet. Both rooms feature the comfort and function of Herman Miller office chairs.
USM has provided modular furniture for use throughout the Club, including the Library’s magazine rack and the side tables in the hallways and the VIP Room.
At the heart of the Club are its social and dining facilities. The Main Bar and Restaurant features a large space with corner view of the Mitsubishi Ichigokan museum (a faithful reconstruction of its 1894 design). A piano graces the entertainment space, the correspondents’ tables nestle in the corner next to the open table, and all the chairs are freshly refurbished.
The restaurant opens onto a Balcony Terrace that will give Members an uncommon chance to experience open-air dining in the middle of Marunouchi.
Fine dining is provided by two restaurants – the Pen and Quill, which is part of the adjustable complex of function rooms and can be screened off or left open to the Main Bar, and Masukomi Sushi on the floor above – a renowned sushi restaurant that has come with the Club from the Yurakucho location.
