Belle Isle Boathouse rehabilitation plan will transform facility into ‘community asset’

Restoration of the historic Belle Isle Boathouse is underway; The Michigan Department of Natural Resources selected a proposal after years of debate about preserving the structure.

The selected proposal is a $30-35 million public-private restoration plan called the Belle Isle Gateway project. It aims to transform the boathouse into a year-round community center with new amenities that will increase both land- and water-based activities, with a new public marina, a variety of new dining options, an event space and more.

David Carleton, the project’s lead developer and principal of Stuart Pitman Inc., the selected Detroit-based company, called the proposal “a working document” put together in eight weeks due to the state’s deadline.

“We still have some steps to take to complete the deal,” he told the Free Press. “There’s still a lot in the exploration phase, but basically we want to restore the building and make sure it becomes a community asset and not a private club like it used to be.”

Ahead of the public meeting scheduled for Thursday at Belle Isle’s Flynn Pavilion, the Free Press obtained the project proposal through a Freedom of Information Act request to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which is responsible for overseeing Belle Isle through leasing as a state park. with the city

“The renovated boathouse will create another exciting headline for the City of Detroit and the entire state,” Carleton said in his proposal. “In the shadow of Michigan Central Station And Book Tower“The refurbished site is equally anticipated, creating countless jobs and delivering a range of exciting new assets for the local community.”

So what could be new in the boathouse?

Improving visitor experience by expanding accessibility and events

Although Belle Isle is a major boating destination, it does not have a public docking area.

“At this point, unless you are a member of the Detroit Yacht Club, there is no place for anyone on the island (a fisherman, a regular boat, or someone with a sailboat) to dock on the island,” Carleton said. The marina at Belle Isle Boathouse can fix that.

Whether you enjoy the boathouse, aquarium or greenhouse, a public marina will give people the option to boat to the island and dock at the rehabilitated facility.

The proposed plan also includes three new dining options, including a casual dine-in restaurant on the pier, a formal restaurant in the historic Oak Room, and an ice cream parlor.

As part of the restoration work, the boathouse’s original grand ballroom will return to hosting weddings and special events.

The developers also aim to offer bicycle, kayak and canoe rental services, as well as outdoor courts for seasonal activities.

Eventually, the project will provide Detroit residents and visitors with access to Belle Isle from various locations along the Detroit River, as well as using in-island shuttles as well as water taxis to reach various attractions, which will help alleviate traffic issues. However, according to Carleton, it may take some time for these services to be implemented.

“This creates this opportunity for exciting things that the island has been dancing for for a long time,” he said.

The building formerly housed the Detroit Boat Club and is currently leased by the Detroit Rowing Friends. According to the DNR, significant damage to the structure occurred in recent years, and in 2022 that damage worsened with the collapse of sections of the roof, flooring and exterior stucco, and other structural problems.

A better home for nonprofit sailing and rowing programs

The rehabilitated Belle Isle boathouse will continue to host the long-running sailing and rowing programs operated by Friends of Detroit Rowing and Detroit Community Sailing Center. However, the project will create an updated and detailed space for the two groups.

“My goal here initially was just to restore this incredible building. It’s a wonderful piece of architecture. But then I fell in love with the two programs there,” Carleton said. “They do great work in the community, getting people more involved on the coast and teaching water safety.”

Sailing and rowing programs have faced restrictions since the veranda’s partial collapse in 2022. The renovation will provide modern amenities, expand programming and increase community access.

Financing

According to the proposal, Stuart Pitman Inc. and its partners estimate the cost of the renovations will be approximately $30-35 million. That amount would be funded by a mix of nonprofits, for-profits and public funding, according to the proposal. Belle Isle Boathouse Management, Inc., a newly formed non-profit organization. (BIB Management) will manage the boathouse for the long term, ensuring public access while also seeking charitable and non-profit donations.

“It’s going to be a really mixed funding package. The nonprofit arm will allow us to take donations from individuals or foundations,” Carleton said.

What’s next?

A public meeting is planned for Thursday at the Belle Isle Flynn Pavilion at 6 p.m.

During the meeting, Carleton will present his plan to the Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee and take questions and comments from the committee and the public.

DNR representative Tom Bissett said after gathering input, meetings will be held with internal DNR staff, Detroit officials and key stakeholders, including Friends of Detroit Rowing, Detroit Community Sailing Center and Belle Isle Conservancy. The aim is to answer outstanding questions and determine the necessary steps regarding the proposal.

“This is just the first step. It’s just a proposal; it doesn’t mean everything in that proposal will be done, and it doesn’t mean anything in the proposal won’t be done,” Bissett said. “The next step of exploratory discussions is, I think, probably what we have to look forward to.”

Under the proposed plan, if financing and agreements are secured, the project could begin in early 2025 and the Belle Isle Boathouse could open to the public in late 2027. Renovations will start from the outside of the facility.

“The exterior is bearing the heaviest load. Although the roof is in very good condition, it is not 100%. We need to get a new roof. We have to deal with the part of the deck that has been failing for two or three years. “The exterior of the concrete material will be peeling off beforehand,” Carleton said. “We have to preserve the shell so we can get in and make the improvements we need.”

Restoration teams plan to remove unsuitable materials, repair the brick substructure and preserve the building’s original design.

Carleton had previously restored Detroit. Grand Army of the Republic Castle-like triangular building located at the intersection of Cass, Grand River and Adams streets in downtown Detroit.

“My last project was saving a Civil War-era building in downtown Detroit that begins to tell that part of the city’s history. I didn’t think I’d have another opportunity like this to do something this meaningful, so obviously I was excited for the chance,” he said. “Hopefully we can reach an agreement with the state and city before long and be on our way.”

Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @nrahal1.

This story has been updated to add a video.

This article was first published in the Detroit Free Press: Belle Isle Boathouse restoration proposal: Restaurants, public marina