cape coral yacht club closing for 2 years

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Cape Coral’s Yacht Club Community Park to shut down for improvements

The residents also know that what’s to come could be a great addition to the city.

The people here are soaking up all the sun they can before the beach closes in April for the next two years. The pool, the boat ramp, tennis courts, and marina will all shut down.

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The Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park is preparing to undergo major construction as part of the Parks GO Bond improvement project. Closure of the entire Yacht Club Community Park, including the ballroom, beach, boat ramp, pier, pool, tennis courts, marina, and senior center, will begin on April 1.  

Closure of the park is required due to the extent of the construction and renovations taking place.  Most of the park’s programs will be relocated to other facilities during this closure

The renovation at the Yacht Club involves:

• Replacing the seawalls
• Replacing marina wet slips
• Demolition of the harbormaster building
• Demolition of the boat ramp
• Relocation of utilities
• Construction of a parking garage
• Construction of beach restrooms
• Construction of a new harbormaster building
• Construction of a new boat ramp

While we understand closing the park will be an inconvenience to our residents and visitors, keeping portions of the park related to the aforementioned construction open would pose a safety risk to our visitors and residents that can be avoided by this temporary closure.   

Planned park improvements are based on the City’s Parks Master Plan and will transform the Yacht Club Community Park into a resort-style atmosphere.  Construction is expected to take approximately two years.   

The privately-operated Boathouse restaurant will remain open during construction. 

There will be a formal update to City Council on the Yacht Club Community Park construction and other Parks GO Bond projects in March.  Stay informed!  Check out the project website and sign up for the Yacht Club Project Newsletter online at   ccyachtclub.com .

Residents with questions specific to the Yacht Club Project may call 239-574-0806 or email  [email protected] . 

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Demolition of Cape Coral's Yacht Club slated for April will cost almost $1 million

The city of Cape Coral is preparing for the demolition of the Yacht Club and its facilities in April as it awaits permits.

Cape Coral's Yacht Club Community Park , which includes a yacht basin, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a ballroom, and a beach, has served as a popular attraction and staple for the city since the 1960s but is set to undergo major renovations.

"It should start in April," said David Hyyti, interim director of capital improvements, during a committee of the whole meeting on Wednesday.

Demolition of the Yacht Club was previously set for late December/January. Despite plans for its renovation, Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022, demolished the buildings and shoreline, requiring a massive change in plans.

Here's what we know:

What are the current plans for the Yacht Club?

The city had planned  in early 2022 to close the park for two years  for renovations that included replacing the seawalls and marina wet slips, replacing the harbormaster building and boat ramp, and building a three-story parking garage and beach restrooms. The beach would also be expanded, and utilities relocated.

Then Hurricane Ian struck, delaying plans, and shuttering the beach for more than a year.

Since that time, Kimley Horn, a consulting firm focusing on public and private developments, has been working with the city to revamp renovations.

These plans now include a new two-story community center to replace the ballroom, removing the tennis courts, rearranging the area to accommodate a four-story parking garage, a new restaurant, and a new resort-style pool.

Previous discussions  said the project could cost up to $100 million.

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Who has been contracted?

Johnson-Laux Construction, a full-service construction management firm that operates out of Winter Garden, has been contracted for the demolition and deconstruction of the Yacht Club.

The firm is also tasked with preserving a portion of the old ballroom building, which includes interior ceiling beams, stonework, a fountain, and the front glass doors with the Yacht Club written on them.

What will it cost?

A contract was awarded to the construction firm on Feb 26 after piggybacking off other entities' existing contracts for a fixed price of $987,716.04.

How long will it take?

Once the permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protections are approved, work will begin within 30 days and take 60 days to complete.

Construction will not affect the now-open beach area.

If the work starts in April, complete demolition could be finished by July or August.

Luis Zambrano is a Watchdog/Cape Coral reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. You can reach Luis at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Lz2official.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Demolition of Cape Coral's Yacht Club slated for April will cost almost $1 million

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Cape Coral Beach/Yacht Club Area Closed? - Cape Coral Forum

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Cape Coral Beach/Yacht Club Area Closed?

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The entire yacht club (including the beach) is scheduled to close starting in March for 2years. Major renovations.

How does this effect The Boathouse that is on the beach? Also, why would they close that whole beach area?

My understanding is that the boathouse will remain open but parking will be limited. They are closing the beach, boat ramp and marina while they demo the entire area to build a parking garage, new marina, expanded beach and moving the boat ramp. It’s a 2 year project and the decision was to close the entire area to help speed up the work instead of doing it in phases.

Thank you for the update. So we'll just have to play it by ear on if we are going to squeak in on time to be able to enjoy it a day or so when we are there or if it will be closed already?

It’s been delayed a bit, so hopefully that will benefit you. :)

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Could be years before Cape Coral Yacht Club is fully restored

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — The Cape Coral Yacht Club is such a special place to so many here in the Cape since it opened in the 1960s, but the force of Hurricane Ian closed the club.

Whenever it opens again, the yacht club will look very different, and it could take some time. Fox 4 has learned the Yacht Club is likely a few years away from getting fully restored.

“After the storm every single building suffered more than 50% damage, because of the 50% rule we have to rebuild to the current building codes and current elevation,” said Cape Coral District 3 District 3 Council Member Tom Hayden.

Council Member Hayden also says that means demolishing those buildings.

The city says bidding for that contract will likely be in July, with demolition planned to start in September, pending FEMA approval. But Council Member Hayden says, given the history of the buildings he would like to see some parts of the buildings preserved.

“I reached out to some of our older residents to walk through that building with staff, and with me to determine what we can save and possibly incorporate into what we build,” said Council Member Hayden.

When asked what he would like saved, Hayden listed off the beams, the fireplace, chandeliers and other items around the stage.

In regards to the new Yacht Club, the city says it is currently reviewing the design scope. However, when considering approval, design, and permitting, it could take anywhere from 9 to 12 months to just start construction.

“This is going to a methodical process we still have to wait for FEMA to finish all their inspections so we can determine reimbursement,” said Council Member Hayden. “So, to open the Yacht Club back to a tremendous destination place for the community it is going to take years.”

What could be a part of that new yacht club? Hayden has a few ideas as a “rebuild” also means another look at maximizing the space

“There is a possibility that we build a ballroom, where big events can happen,” said Council Member Hayden. “A small room, for other events to happen. Possibly extending the parking garage, because we know parking is a priority out there. We didn’t have enough before because of all the people that were there."

Not every building will come down, the Boathouse Restaurant can be saved and is planning to reopen in time for the Fourth of July holiday. Public Works is clearing the parking lot of debris, and the parking lot lights are being repaired. Temporary fencing and signs for closed amenities are in place, with adjustments pending for the Boathouse opening.

As for the Yacht Club Beach, it remains closed as the city prepares the beach for opening, which requires raking the landside beach, raking the waterside beach, and refurbishing the beach with new sand. State and/or Federal Permits are required to perform the beach work.

The existing restrooms, two pavilions, and the playground will be removed. The city plans to have portable toilets on site for the beach opening, which is anticipated for Aug. 31, 2023, pending approval of the permits for beach cleanup and all other tasks are completed.

However, the public boat launch will stay closed until at least September, as it is being used for derelict vessel removal.

The City also told Fox 4 that the new Yacht Club design will include seawalls, a boat ramp, as well as a marina. They also hope to have the full plan completed in the next few months.

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Cape coral yacht club community center set for 'key west-inspired' makeover.

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The new Cape Coral Yacht Club is getting an "Old Florida" facelift. Cape Coral City Council members decided on a "Key West aesthetic" for the community center.

At Tuesday's Cape Coral City Council meeting, developers presented three design options for the new community center at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. The yacht club was destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

Developers described option one as a "Key West-inspired- aesthetic". Number two is very similar to the original yacht club building with wood and stone features. Option three is a more modern design. Three council members, including Bill Steinke, Robert Welsh and Jessica Cosden voted for option two.

"I think it's important that we stick to what we talked about. I don't think we made a promise, but I think we talked about incorporating the old building in this design," said District 7 Council member Jessica Cosden.

Five council members, including Mayor John Gunter, Dan Sheppard, Tom Hayden, Richard Carr, and Keith Long voted for option one.

"I just appreciate the aesthetic of the old Key West. I think we should also keep in mind; we just had a discussion at the CRA meeting, I believe, with regards to keeping the coastal theme in that particular area. I think we utilize the yacht club plans as a reference for that," said District 6 Council member Keith Long.

No one voted for the third option.

This means developers will move on with option one. Cape Coral City Council will continue to discuss design plans in two upcoming meetings on April 2 and May 7.

The new community center will be 2 stories totaling 47,000 square feet. It will have plenty of space for events in its ballroom, multi-purpose hall and meeting spaces. It will also have a kitchen, bathrooms and space for retail. Designs also show a wrap-around balcony and open foyer.

A spokesperson with the City of Cape Coral said the deconstruction process has begun in preparation for the demolition of the buildings. According to the city's website, demolition is supposed to begin next month.

Cape Coral aiming to reopen the Yacht Club beach area by Veterans Day

After a year-long closure because of Hurricane Ian, Cape Coral officials say they hope to open the Yacht Club Community Park's beach in the next 10 days.

Here's what you need to know.

When is the beach opening?

Cape Coral Spokesperson Melissa Mickey said the Yacht Club beach is to reopen in mid-November.

A city news release announced a news conference on Nov. 9, for the opening Nov. 10.

"We know there's a lot of work ahead with the Yacht Club, but we thought it was important at least for the residents to get the beach reopened," Councilmember Tom Hayden said "Which is still the plan at least so it would give the community, I think, a little bit of normalization that the club is there for use, at least the beach part of it."

Previous Coverage Cape Coral Yacht Club project moving forward as beach opening is slated mid-November

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Background for closure

The city had planned to close the area for two years for renovations that included replacing the seawalls and marina wet slips, replacing the harbormaster building and boat ramp, and building a three-story parking garage and beach restrooms.

The beach would also be expanded, and utilities relocated.

Then Hurricane Ian struck on Sept. 28, 2022, delaying plans, and shuttering the beach.

What work is being done?

Cape Coral announced it received the OK to move forward with beach nourishment at the Yacht Club last week, and has begun the process.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection also approved sand renourishment permits for the beach.

Workers with heavy machinery combed through the beach Tuesday morning, adding sand in areas that are lacking.

Temporary restrooms will be delivered to the area; the city removed the existing bathrooms in September.

Once all the conditions have been satisfied, the temporary perimeter fence at the beach will be removed.

The Cape Coral Yacht Club Boat Ramp remains closed.

What's open?

While the main Yacht Club Ballroom building is closed, alongside the surrounding buildings and amenities, The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill Restaurant is open.

The restaurant opened in July and, along with it, the surrounding parking lot.

What about the rest of the Yacht Club?

The city also plans to adjust the original renovation plans, which could include a two-story ballroom, removing the tennis courts, and rearranging the area to accommodate a parking garage and restaurant.

Many residents opposed this plan and, despite strong opposition, the city intends to move forward  with a complete demolition by early 2024.

Kimley-Horn will present the Yacht Club master plan and concepts from earlier this year to the city council on Nov. 8.

In advance of the opening, Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter, District 1 Councilmember Bill Steinke, and City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn will discuss the reopening of the Yacht Club Community Park Beach area at noon on Nov. 9.

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‘Coastal’ design for Yacht Club center gets nod

By meghan bradbury - | mar 14, 2024.

The selected concept design. PROVIDED

Cape Coral City Council has agreed to go coastal for the design of the planned community center to replace the Yacht Club ballroom.

The majority of the elected board opted for a “coastal vernacular feel” during their workshop on Wednesday.

There were three design options on the table: The preferred option one with its Key West vibe; option two, intended to evoke the design of the current historic structure; and option three, a more modern look that received no support.

Mayor John Gunter and Councilmembers Dan Sheppard, Keith Long, Tom Hayden and Richard Carr opted for option one.

Those who preferred design two — a lodge-type look featuring wood or wood-type accents — included Councilmembers Bill Steinke and Jessica Cosden.

Councilmember Robert Welsh said he did not see a lot of differences between designs one and two and, although he liked the look of two, he could go with either.

The footprint, meanwhile, has been expanded to 47,000 square feet over two stories.

John Bryant, of Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors, said as they worked on the floor plan of the new Community Center, they wanted to maintain that experience of coming into the entrance foyer and seeing the multipurpose hall. He said there is an experience and significance to the Cape Coral community to have that large multipurpose hall.

Each of the three options provide a general feel and vibe, he said, adding the actual design will evolve over the course of the months ahead.

The first design provides a feel similar to the park building they are doing at Lake Kennedy Center.

Bryant said the look and feel of the building has a Key West style with a deep overhang, articulation, and ornamental design.

The second option stemmed from the existing Yacht Club building. He said they have a lot of design materials with which to work as the existing space is 10,000 square feet compared to the planned 40,000- to 50,000-square-foot Community Center.

“This option likely will use more of a stone based, mid-century feel with some exposed heavy timber. There is an opportunity to further develop this option to have even more of the existing Yacht Club feel,” Bryant said.

There is probably not much of a cost difference between the first and second design options, he said.

“Either one can be designed within a similar construction cost,” he said, adding the second option could be a little more expensive.

James Pankonin, with Kimley-Horn and Associates, said one of the areas that came up during previous discussions was the area on the first floor of the Community Center.

They discussed the opportunity to program that portion of the building to have more functional space.

The revised Community Center floor plan now includes a total of 47,000 square feet, with the majority being on the first floor for 27,250 square feet and the remainder, 19,750, spread out on the second floor. The prior square footage was 37,000 square feet – 20,000 square feet on the first floor, and 17,000 square feet on the second.

The revised first-floor plan includes additional meeting space, storage and a small loading and receiving area on the side of the building. There is also more functional space on the pool deck and water.

Pankonin said the restroom, located on the pool deck, has a combined building for the beach area as well. The split level provides control access from the pool deck side with the beach restroom users needing a card to get into the pool deck.

With the combined plumbing and infrastructure, the structure grew in size. The pool deck level restroom also includes showers and changing facilities, which the beach entry side restroom does not.

Another change includes the pump building, with a corner including a lifeguard area big enough to allow a lifeguard table, or a small lifeguard administration office. This building, he said, is another control access to the pool area.

The second floor is largely the same in terms of use. The ballroom has been shifted out and there is a large open area looking over the multipurpose room on the second floor.

Pankonin said on April 2 there will be a public meeting regarding the design, with a follow-up on May 7. They are working on a 3D model of the site with the anticipation of presenting some of the views at the April 2 meeting.

City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said they will begin working with Kimley-Horne on putting those renderings together to be brought out to the community to let them know what is decided for the park. He said when they send it to the design team after the community sees the vision for the plan, they can work the design to move it to the next steps to get the construction management team to begin managing it.

They will then come back to Council during a workshop to make an amendment to the contract for design elements for the structure.

The amendment is due to the new ballroom, Community Center, pool pump house, lifeguard stations and restrooms. It will come to Council right before its next hiatus, or when they return from hiatus.

It was brought up during public comment that the historic building of the Yacht Club should not be torn down and that it was not severely damaged by the hurricane.

Ilczyszyn said through extensive records request they found that there was a designation that the Yacht Club park, in its entirety, was designated as a historic area by the historical board.

“The structure itself is not, and was not,” he said.

As far as Hurricane Ian damage, Ilczyszyn said all the glass was broken, and there was ballroom roof damage and the electric circuit breakers that fed the ballroom were destroyed.

The ballroom building, built by the city’s founders, received designation by the state as an historic building last year.

According to the city’s insurance claim, hurricane-related damage to the ballroom building itself was estimated at $25,000.

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