History of The Fontana Club

at Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs was the first planned community on Geneva Lake which was developed in 1892.  It was said to have three mineral springs that could run 50,000 gallons of water through the property in a single day and some believed that they had special medicinal benefits. This area was considered to be one of the most desirable on that lake, with all boats stopping at Glenwood, and close connections with trains from the Williams Bay depot. This was also the location of a trailhead that led travelers all the way to and from Chicago.

Formerly a village occupied by the Potawatomi Indian tribe, this is where Geneva Lake, known earlier as Big Foot Lake, was first seen by early explorers in 1831. Eventually, the land was developed by the Lake Geneva Land Co. with approximately 100 lots at the time, that were 40x95 feet, all within a 17-block area. A park was created in their master plan that followed the 1,500 feet of shoreline and extended up 100-200 feet in front of the lakefront homes. They wanted “the price of lots to be within the reach of men of moderate means, giving each a shoreline of over 1,500 feet.”  Their advertisement for the community touted that “a man doesn’t have to be a multi-millionaire to enjoy Glenwood.” 

Restrictions listed at the time were that “no barns could be erected on the grounds, (and) no intoxicating liquors could be sold,” Taxes were $2.00 per year on each lot to maintain parks, walks, and drives. For those looking for accommodations for horses, they offered 25x30 foot horse lots south of “the boulevard” for $25 or care was available in the “company barn” for owners.

In 1894, the Glenwood Hotel was built on the shore of Geneva Lake, in the heart of Glenwood Springs. Guests often arrived by steamboat, docking at the large community pier directly in front of the hotel. To the west of the hotel stood the Annex, adding additional rooms for the popular destination. There were 14 guest rooms for visitors with “prices at a nominal rate and good, wholesome cooked meals.” They also advertised the area as having a safe shoreline for bathers and that steamers could get within 100 feet of the shore. 

By 1999, after years of neglect, the old hotel was torn down and replaced by the Fontana Club Condominium, built on the original footprint of the hotel. Unlike the historic structure’s open, wraparound porches, the new design featured a larger interior space with no balconies. The development initially included eight condominiums and a single-family home at 431 Harvard, for a total of nine residences. Over time, two condo owners expanded their units by combining with adjacent ones, resulting in the Harvard Club Condominiums having six condominiums plus the single-family home. Residents enjoy the amenities it has to offer, including the private pier for boat loading/unloading and short term overnight parking, as well as a spacious private patio with grilling stations, overlooking the lake. A large private parking surface is also available to the condo residents, offering plenty of guest parking, a rarity in the Glenwood Springs community. Additionally, residents of the Fontana Club Condominiums also enjoy access to the amenities of Glenwood Springs, including the 1,500 foot long lakefront park, two swim piers, large community gathering pier, buoys, and access to all the association events planned throughout the summer.

Today, Glenwood Springs is a thriving community with 140 homes spanning on both sides of Lake Shore Drive. There are two community swimming piers and for those homes that don’t have private piers for their boats, there are buoys and boat slips available for rent, (There is a waiting list for the boat slips.)  

Glenwood Springs is conveniently located near Fontana’ beach and restaurants including the infamous Chuck’s and Gordy’s. You’re also near the Big Foot Country Club and the award winning Avani Spa at the Abbey Resort. Special events occur each year in Fontana including the Lobster Boil, Antique Boat Show, Pig in the Park, Movies on the Beach, Fourth of July Fireworks and more.

Glenwood Springs puts you in the middle of all the fun, while still being able to relax and enjoy (from the Glenwood Springs advertisement in 1892) “the sparkling water, clear azure skies; rolling, picturesque, scenery and romantic backgrounds.”