The Shri Sayaji Vihar club which proudly stands near the Khanderao Market, was constructed by the Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and was originally called the Officers’ Club meant for sports activities.
The Building :
The building goes with the spirit of the other buildings of it’s time, and had a color scheme in contrasting colors of brick red and ivory. Mostly symmetrical along the longer axis the rectangular structure has a tower-like element emerging from one of it’s corner. The double storeyed building is entered thru a front porch on it’s smaller side.
It is mostly austere except for the side that is seen from the main road and the entrance side. The most ornate facade of the building, has been decorated with elements from Gothic architecture. It has arcaded verandas on both the floors, displaying pointed arches inset with trefoil window-like elements(very common in Gothic architecture). The building is also adorned with perforated parapets and small lantern-like cupolas and finials.
Although, not in a very bad state the building has been painted over with weird shades of red and brown.
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Unfortunately, the only club that offered sports facilities in the center of the city, has declined over the years with most of the sports facilities, except badminton, been closed down or sold off. The Tennis courts that were once a retreat, have been bulldozed and converted to a party plot.
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