The Commodore Historic Lakefront Restaurant Renovation - Delafield, WI

TL;DR

The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant has reopened on the shores of Nagawicka Lake after an extensive renovation led by C.D. Smith Construction. The 34,000-square-foot facility blends historic charm with modern amenities, featuring spaces like the Grand Heritage Room, Baldwin Lounge, Nagawicka Suite, Pleasant View Pavilion and Fountain Patio. With upgraded interiors and exteriors, the transformation delivers a premier destination for dining, events and weddings while honoring the legacy of the 1902 building.

A Historic Reimagining on Nagawicka Lake

Nestled on the scenic shores of Nagawicka Lake, The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant, a newly renovated Bartolotta venue, has opened its doors. This 34,000-square-foot facility offers a stunning main dining room on the ground floor and an expansive gathering space on the upper level, both featuring breathtaking views of the lake. Extensive renovations have revitalized the iconic 1902 building, combining modern amenities with a deep respect for its historical and cultural heritage.

C.D. Smith was entrusted with construction management, general contracting  and self-perform services to transform the former Seven Seas restaurant into a premier dining and event  destination in Delafield, WI.

👉 Explore more about hospitality construction and how historic preservation meets modern amenities.

Signature Event Spaces

• The Grand Heritage Room: This top-floor ballroom pays homage to the property’s vibrant past. The Grand Heritage Room offers panoramic views of Nagawicka Lake and can accommodate up to 200 guests for seated dinner, or 250 for cocktail reception.
• The Baldwin Lounge: Named after Dave Baldwin, former owner of Heritage on the Lake and the Spirit of ’76 Resort & Disco, this intimate lounge is located off the north side of the Grand Heritage Room on the second floor.
• The Nagawicka Suite: Designed as a bespoke bridal suite, the Nagawicka Suite provides a private, luxurious space for brides and special guests to prepare for events.
• The Pleasant View Pavilion: A tribute to the original 1905 Pleasant View Hotel and Resort, this outdoor pavilion offers stunning lakefront views.
• The Fountain Patio: Adjacent to the Pavilion, this charming space features a beautiful fountain, making it ideal for intimate ceremonies and cocktail receptions.

Construction and Design Enhancements

Exterior Upgrades:

• Replaced siding, windows, and roofing with premium materials, including stone veneer and decorative dormers.
• Built custom cupolas with unique copper weathervanes.
• Renovated pavilion, adding a new bar with a custom copper countertop and salvaged materials.
• Constructed masonry features, ceremony walls, fountain patios and seat walls.
• Upgraded the parking lot with permeable pavers, stormwater systems and bio-retention landscaping.

Interior Features:

• Demolished and reframed structural elements, adding insulation, HVAC and fire protection systems.
• Completed event spaces, kitchens, bars, and restrooms with unique finishes, such as Venetian plaster and decorative millwork.
• Enhanced accessibility and functionality with new elevators, soundproofing and wine rooms.

Specialty Details:

• Added custom furnishings, including booths, banquet seating, and cabinetry.
• Repurposed spaces, like the cistern room for fire system storage and Club 1902 as a private club.

Why It Matters

By combining craftsmanship, modern functionality, and historical preservation, The Commodore is now a hospitality destination unlike any other. For weddings, events or lakeside dining, it offers a blend of elegance and heritage that connects Delafield’s past with its future.

Discover more about historic renovations and restorations completed by C.D. Smith.

Key Takeaways

• 34,000-square-foot renovation: Revitalized The Commodore into a premier Bartolotta venue
• Event-ready spaces: Grand Heritage Room, Pleasant View Pavilion, and Nagawicka Suite
• Preservation meets innovation: Custom interiors and exterior upgrades honor history while adding modern amenities
• C.D. Smith expertise: Construction management, general contracting, and self-perform services ensured quality and detail

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Date: Spring/Summer 2025 | Author: Molly Haack

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THE COMMODORE PROJECT UPDATES FROM

BENEATH THE HARD HAT^® + IN THE NEWS

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Fine dining with a great view for leaf peeping at Hartland's new The Commodore - A Bartolotta Restaurant | CBS58 Milwaukee 10.22.2024

Open Now: The Commodore - A Bartolotta Restaurant | Shepherd Express 08.05.2024

The Commodore opens to much excitement, with forward-looking vision | BizTimes 07.26.2024

The Commodore, a new Bartolotta venture, launch in Lake Country | WTMJ News 07.26.2024

The Commodore - A Bartolotta Restaurant Now Open in Lake Country | PR Newswire 07.25.2024

Bartolotta Restaurants opens new venue in Wisconsin, US | Verdict Food Service 07.26.2024

Experience Waterfront Dining at Lake Country’s New Commodore Restaurant | Travel And Tour World 07.26.2024

New Bartolotta restaurant in Delafield, The Commodore, sets opening date | Milwaukee Business Journal 07.22.2024

The Commodore, a new Bartolotta restaurant and event space in Lake Country, sets opening date | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 07.22.2024

See photos: Bartolotta’s newest restaurant The Commodore to open this week in Delafield | BizTimes 07.22.2024

New Bartolotta restaurant pays homage to the past, looks to the future: The Commodore opens Wednesday in Delafield | GMToday.com 07.22.2024

The Commodore -- A Bartolotta Restaurant to open this week on Nagawicka Lake | OnMilwaukee 07.22.2024

The New Bartolotta Restaurant in Lake Country Opens This Week | Milwaukee Magazine 07.22.2024

The Bartolotta Restaurants to Open The Commodore in Milwaukee, Wisconsin | FSR Magazine 07.22.2024

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