belle isle yacht club detroit

Detroit Yacht Club

Review Highlights

“ One of the most beautiful spots in Detroit on one of the most beautiful spaces in Detroit ( Belle Isle ). ” in 6 reviews

“ The membership includes classes, sailing, access to their Olympic sized pool, tennis courts -- much of what you'd expect from a yacht club. ” in 5 reviews

“ While we are not members, my husband and I had the pleasure of hosting our wedding here in 2008. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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1 Riverbank Rd

Detroit, MI 48207

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About the Business

The Detroit Yacht Club, founded in 1868, is the largest and one of the oldest most prestigious private Clubs in North America. The Detroit Yacht Club has been the center of Detroit society since opening its doors and continues a proud tradition and a strong commitment to excellence and quality service to members. Our members and their guests enjoy a first class dining experience, along with an outstanding variety of social events, recreational, athletic, health and fitness services. DYC offers singles and families of all ages more amenities and more activities than any other private club or marina on the Great Lakes. The Detroit Yacht Club offers an exceptional lifestyle for members of all ages. Once you visit the DYC by car, boat, or our private shuttle service, you'll fall in love. Come experience and enjoy our island paradise for yourself. …

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Thoroughly enjoyed my cousins wedding here at the yacht club! I have never been to a yacht club and felt that although this place was older, it has a lot of history and charm to it that I felt was unique and beautiful. Belle Isle is a beautiful island located just off of the coast of Detroit and in the Detroit river. We took the time to drive around the island and took in the views of the water and parks and lakes that were inside the island. Once we arrived to the yacht club, the security guards were very friendly and approachable and we gave them our names and parked. All of the staff amazed me. The bartenders were fantastic, and even the servers were able to bring us additional food Even though we probably were not meant to have multiple bread baskets. The sunset over the water and the marina outside was just the icing on the cake to a beautiful venue. I would love to be a member here!

See all photos from Breanna H. for Detroit Yacht Club

I came here for an event and the space is beyond beautiful! It has an amazing view of the sunset, water, and boats to provide the most beautiful pictures! I did come here when it was quite warm outside (88F) and the ballroom I was in did get very humid and was a little uncomfortable. The food served was ok, nothing amazing. I would come for the views but not for the food.

overworked staff, overcooked burger. Won't be going back for the food, atmosphere, or service

Came here for a friend's wedding on a Saturday night. The appetizers were fantastic, a few of them were crab cakes, mini BLT's, and caprese skewers. Then for dinner we had chicken piccata and filet with potatoes and green beans. The food was so good, we had none left on our plates. The bartenders here poured drinks extremely heavy, I probably went through a bottle of wine after 3 pours. No complaints here! The place was very fun, I plan to come back here on a normal day (not a wedding) and check it out.

The Detroit Yacht Club is full of beautiful art and wood workings. I've been here for weddings and social events and it's always been a pleasant experience. The staff and management do a great job of keeping the schedule on time without pressuring the guests or host. It makes every Event friendly and professional. The grounds and scenery from the Yacht Club are breathtaking and full of character. Great views of downtown Detroit and the Detroit river. On this past occasion they decorated for Christmas and the main ballroom was decked out in holiday lights and decorations. The salmon, vegetarian stuffed pasta shells and fillet mignon was the choices for the wedding. Sampled all three and was very impressed with the taste and presentation. This is a must see if you ever have need of a great event space. It's worth the money and they'll treat you like family. Give them your business and have an event to remember forever.

See all photos from Brian S. for Detroit Yacht Club

We recently had a chance to attend an event at this Detroit upper crust tradition. Due to high water we had to take the slow middle route through the island to the private, with security guard, parking lot. The security staff is polite and first rate. Some of the event staff are a little jaded to guests, I expect members get a higher level of service. A simply stunning example of a classy clubhouse and upper end quality marina docks. Like something from a movie. There are a few cracks, the patio bricks for the "Bitter End" party room were loose and tripped several people. Some of the rooms were worn, but overall a first rate facility. The pool was a real gem. I expect a member would rate this as 4 or 5 stars, but the staff were only okayish to guests. Great food.

See all photos from Gary B. for Detroit Yacht Club

This historic building is truly a sight to see. It reminds you of being in a castle. The details in the wood are phenomenal. It's truly a place to attend. From what I read about this place is truly a place you want to consider seeing. We attended an employee staff recognition service for our company and being that it was at night we really didn't get to see the entire site. We were on the second floor in one of the ballrooms and it really does remind you of being in a smaller castle, someone's home. We have attended at least 2 events here and I know next time I get the opportunity, I will take a full tour of this magnificent history of Detroit.

I've been going to the DYC for many years. The members are very nice and helpful people. The staff is kind and attentive to the needs of members and guests. It is a private club, but it's very reasonable for general non-boating members (and also reasonable for boating members in comparison to other private clubs). Whether a private party, a dinner at the restaurant or outdoor grill, or just enjoying the pool you can't go wrong with the DYC, you'll enjoy your time spent here at "the resort in the city" just off of Belle Isle.

Becoming a member of the DYC was possibly the greatest decision I've made in the city of Detroit. Some of the nicest people I've ever met and memories to last a lifetime. The facilities are amazing. They have everything from tennis courts (4), TWO pools (indoor and outdoor), a hot tub (my favorite), a gym, sauna, squash courts, and the list goes on. I stored my kayaks on the outdoor racks and rented a locker to keep my PFDs and paddles in and I can tell you my kayaks never had so much use in a season before that year. Unfortunately, I was relocated with work and had to forfeit my membership while living in Southern California but the second I move back reinstating my membership is a top priority.

What a great place. We were there in part to a great sponsor. This gentleman welcomed our wild group of United States Bartenders Guild to a pool party. This was co-sponsored by USBG Greater Detroit Chapter and Bacardi. We swam, we drank, we had a blast. We may have bit a bit load or out of control but when 50plus chapter from all over the USA come together it gets a bit wild. We had members from as far as Hawaii, Washington, Texas, Florida, and everywhere in between. Again thank you for a great opportunity to see old friends and make new one. Detroit City is a great city, and DYC is a great place to visit. Would recommend anyone in the area to become a member of possible.

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The Detroit Yacht Club: Restoring a Belle Isle gem

The Detroit Yacht Club building turns 95 this year, and while this historic building sees many events and activities with its members all year, it still shows its age. We recently toured the building with the Detroit Yacht Club Foundation—a non-profit that works to restore the building—to see the efforts that have gone into restoration in the last five years, as well as work that still needs to be done.

Designed by George Mason, the 93,000-square-foot building features one of the grandest ballrooms in Detroit, as well as an indoor pool, a gym, dining facilities, verandas and a patio, an outdoor pool, and of course boat docks. The DYC Foundation was formed to maintain and preserve the building after the DYC was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the past five years, the DYC has undergone about $1.2 million in restoration efforts. It has many more items on the list before the DYC turns 100 in 2023.

DYC Foundation President Mark Lifter tells Curbed that they prioritize improvements by safety and structural needs, and balance tasks by what members can see. Many improvements are necessary but invisible; he describes it as “sealing the envelope,” or preventing water from coming into the building. This includes extensive roof work and window restoration.

In the 1950’s, a projector was added to show movies in the ballroom. But the area where they built the projector kept leaking, and they had to remove it and redo that area of the roof.

Much of the exterior work also involves replacing the stucco, masonry, painting, and fixing the verandas, which are constantly exposed to the elements.

Inside, the work continues with plumbing, plaster, and painting. The main ballroom is allegedly the largest remaining wood ballroom floor in Detroit. Impressive wood beams line this room, and carefully repainting them is one of the foundation’s next targets. All around the room, you’ll see incredible medallions, massive chandeliers, a Pewabic tile fountain on the side (Mary Chase Perry Stratton was a member), and that fireplace.

In what used to be the original dining room lies another gem. A tiled fountain, where you can see the sun setting and stars rising, was once covered with drywall. Can you imagine mistakenly finding this?

Another target for restoration is in the indoor pool area. This area has many challenges, with the ceiling being the largest. Currently, a net hangs below the ceiling to protect swimmers. Corrosion, moisture, and chlorine have eroded the areas above, and work will be done soon to fix this. The pool itself was created with hundreds of small tiles, and beautiful hand-crafted tiles line the walls surrounding it.

The DYC Foundation hosts fundraisers throughout the year that are open to the public. The next one, the Sixth Anniversary Gala , is scheduled for Friday, May 4. Proceeds benefit the ongoing restoration work of this historic building. Here’s a look around.

Detroit Yacht Club

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Historic Detroit

Every building in detroit has a story — we're here to share it, detroit yacht club, by dan austin, historicdetroit.org.

The Detroit Yacht Club has had five homes since being formed shortly after the Civil War, but it is its current home that gives it the largest yacht club clubhouse in the United States.

There were earlier yacht clubs in the city, including the Peninsular Yacht Club, which was founded in 1858 or 1859 as the first yacht club in Detroit. That was followed by the International Yacht Club in 1867 or 1873 (sources disagree), which lasted until 1877. The pre-motor Motor City was in need of a new club to fill that gap.

The DYC was organized on May 30, 1878. Samuel Cowan was named commodore; C.W. Ives vice-commodore; O.W. Baker president; E.H. Telfer vice president; George Newberry secretary; and S.H. Ives treasurer. The officers decided to celebrate by holding a regatta on the Detroit River that July 4 (though the event was delayed by a day on account of weather).

"This club is composed of the best yachtmen in Detroit and vicinity, and is a happy combination of experience, as represented by the older members, and enthusiasm and energy as shown by the younger sailors," the Detroit Free Press wrote July 6, 1870, while covering that first regatta.

A small clubhouse and sailing shed were built at the foot of McDougall Street just south of Jefferson Avenue in the late 1870s.

That was replaced with a clubhouse on Belle Isle that was built for $10,000 in 1891. It was lost in a fire in 1904. That facility was replaced by another clubhouse that was built atop the old one.

But with Detroit's growing wealth came a growing membership in the DYC, and an even bigger facility was needed. The cornerstone for the present, villa-style clubhouse was held April 22, 1922. The building opened the following year and cost $1 million (about $12 million in today's dollars) to build. Its design was entrusted to George D. Mason, the same man who built the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and the Masonic Temple , Gem Theatre and several churches in Detroit. Mason also is considered the mentor of legendary architect Albert Kahn.

By the year after the new clubhouse had opened, membership in the club had reached 3,000, and racing legend Gar Wood brought attention to the DYC by setting world speed records and by winning Gold Cups.

The DYC was hit hard by the Depression, but bounced back and underwent several expansions in the 1950s and '60s, including new docks that boosted the number of boat wells to more than 350.

Today, the DYC continues to thrive, and its clubhouse continues to impress.

Detroit Yacht Club: A Storied Legacy of Elegance and Community

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Belle Isle Park in the heart of Detroit, the Detroit Yacht Club (DYC) stands as a testament to the city’s rich maritime history. Established in 1868, the DYC is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the United States. Over the years, it has become an iconic symbol of elegance, camaraderie, and community. With its breathtaking views, historic architecture, and a deep-rooted passion for boating, the Detroit Yacht Club continues to captivate both locals and visitors alike.

The DYC boasts a magnificent clubhouse, an architectural gem that exudes timeless grandeur. Designed by renowned architect George D. Mason, the clubhouse showcases a unique blend of Georgian Revival and Colonial Revival styles. Its stately columns, intricate detailing, and sweeping verandas create an ambiance of refined sophistication. The clubhouse serves as a gathering place for members, offering a wide array of amenities including dining facilities, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and even a private marina for docking members’ yachts.

Beyond its remarkable architecture, the Detroit Yacht Club is renowned for its vibrant social scene and active boating community. Members share a passion for the open water, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship. The club organizes numerous regattas, sailing races, and boating events throughout the year, attracting sailors of all skill levels. Whether it’s competing in a race or simply cruising along the Detroit River, the DYC provides an unparalleled platform for boating enthusiasts to connect, learn, and indulge in their shared love for the water.

In addition to its boating and social activities, the Detroit Yacht Club plays a vital role in the local community. The club has a long-standing commitment to philanthropy, organizing various charitable events and fundraisers to support causes that benefit Detroit and its residents. From providing sailing opportunities to underprivileged youth to hosting educational programs on water safety, the DYC strives to make a positive impact beyond its membership. Moreover, the club has played a part in the revitalization of the Belle Isle Park, working closely with local authorities to preserve and enhance this cherished natural treasure.

As the Detroit Yacht Club enters its next century, it remains a beacon of elegance, unity, and maritime heritage. Its rich history, breathtaking clubhouse, and unwavering dedication to boating and community make it a true gem in Detroit’s cultural landscape. Whether one is an avid boater, a lover of history, or simply seeking a place to connect with like-minded individuals, the Detroit Yacht Club continues to offer an unparalleled experience. With its commitment to tradition and its eye towards the future, the DYC is poised to leave an indelible mark on the city’s landscape for generations to come.

Detroit Yacht Club Foundation    |    One Riverbank Rd  Detroit, MI 48207   |   (313) 757-5240

In addition to its primary mission to restore and preserve the historic clubhouse of the  Detroit Yacht Club, the DYC Foundation also provides educational opportunities for the public to visit and learn about this unique and architecturally significant structure on Belle Isle.  Free public tours are offered on scheduled dates each year.  Tour availability is publicized in various media, and reservations are made using Eventbrite.

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic’s social distancing and other restrictions,  no tours are currently scheduled.  Once circumstances change so that tours can be safely offered, we will announce a limited schedule. 

​The photos below provide some representative interior views of the historic 1922 clubhouse.

Detroit Yacht Club

1 Riverbank Road, Detroit, MI

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Detroit Yacht Club

Side view of Detroit Yacht Club from across the lake. American flag displayed on tower in front of building; sailboats on lake in background. Printed on front: "Detroit Yacht Club, Belle Isle, Detroit, Mich." Printed on back: "The Detroit Yacht Club, whose home is situated on the American shore of Belle Isle some distance above the bridge, is one of the oldest and most influential yachting organizations on the Great Lakes. The Club has a membership of 500, owns 17 one-design cat boats and has a fine $20,000 home, built to replace one destroyed by fire in 1904. No. 229, published by A.C. Dietsche, Detroit, Mich. Printed in Germany." Handwritten on back in upper right corner: "10/2/08."

To save or not to save: Can Detroit's Belle Isle Boathouse row forward?

A rare glimpse inside the 1902 belle isle structure shows its unique architecture, including ballroom, balcony and pool just off detroit river..

The Belle Isle Boathouse sits on the island's north side with the Detroit River and the city skyline in the background. David Guralnick, The Detroit News

Detroit — When they cross the MacArthur Bridge over the Detroit River onto Belle Isle, the first building parkgoers see to their left is the Belle Isle Boathouse, which two years ago was buzzing with a championship rowing team. But today, the team is only allowed in the parking lot.

The Belle Isle Boathouse, not to be confused with the nearby Detroit Yacht Club, is a 40,000-square-foot Venetian Spanish-style building constructed more than a century ago. It's one of the first structures built on the island and has primarily been used and kept up by the Friends of Detroit Rowing Inc.

That was until August 2022 when a ceiling in the oar room and a 15-foot section of the porch slab collapsed. The building was quickly deemed "structurally unsound" by Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials, who took over operations of the isle in 2014. Water damage was cited as the cause, but park officials said, there are more than a few fixes needed.

Now, the three-story building is at the center of a debate between history buffs, along with the rowing club, who want to see it spared and restored, and state officials who aren't sure they can save the building or should.

DNR officials, who put the price tag of renovating the 1902 building at more than $42 million, opened a request for proposals earlier this month to restore it, but no bids have come back. Some local architects and the rowing club rebut the state's estimate, saying it should be no more than $25 million and could be supplemented with historic preservation tax credits. The deadline to submit bids is at the end of March.

As the debate continues, the building has grown in disrepair. There's a caved-in roof, leaks have collapsed portions of other ceilings and stucco is peeling from the boathouse's exterior. The boathouse sits on the isle's calmest waters and is unique in that it perches actually over the Detroit River.

"I've been studying this building for 10 years. I know every square inch of it," said Stephen Malbouef, a historical and preservation architect who spent 11 years rowing at the club before its closure. "The foundation is perfectly intact. The areas of the facade that are of concern account for only 3% of the facade itself.

"No one's arguing that it will take work. It's more of the argument that it doesn't need $30 million to $40 million worth of work, and everyone I've talked to, including my bosses (who work on historic restoration), say that's way out of the question. It should be no more than $25 million."

Malbouef, who now works at InSite Consulting Architects in Wisconsin, said portions of the building may look bad but are being over-embellished by the DNR. State officials take issue with the suggestion they're letting the building fail.

Thomas Bissett, the urban district supervisor for the parks and recreation division of the Michigan DNR, said the DNR has provided pictures from engineers hired to address areas of concern and that "there's an interpretation with everything."

"I don't dispute we could stabilize for less, but the other side is that by investing $10 million to stabilize it, you're saying yes, we're going to restore it," Bissett said. "You'd never invest to delay a decision ... but sooner than later restore it. That's why we get this criticism of this false dichotomy that we're out to demolish it rather than restore it. That's the narrative here when, in reality, you wouldn't put $2 million of the public's money without certainty." 

A rare glimpse inside the unique building given to The Detroit News reflects a bygone era when the boathouse used to host some of the biggest names in the automotive industry, including Henry and Edsel Ford.

Above the first-floor locker rooms and boat sheds is a stunning two-floor reception hall with a grand, pastel pink ballroom that has seen many concerts and wedding receptions. Gold leaf designs look as if they were just painted on the ballroom ceiling beams. Polished cherry wood columns and broken porthole windows feel like the Spanish Renaissance meets Titanic in design.

(The boathouse) has a significant history and we're not here for the social aspects of running a business. ... This is a hallmark site off the island and at the very least, a portion should be spared as a visitor center.

At the center of the building is a third-floor balcony with memorabilia from six previous boathouses and multiple rooms of rowing trophies dating back to the 1800s. The stained glass windows at the entrance are perfectly intact and showcase "1902," a nod to when the structure was built by the Detroit Boat Club.

That's why there's a push to save the unique structure. The state is considering whether to rehabilitate the beloved boathouse after 80% of public responses to a January survey were in favor of its restoration despite the multimillion-dollar cost. The DNR was initially in favor of demolishing it with an estimated $2 million in pandemic relief funds earmarked for the boathouse if used within the next year.

The Friends of Detroit Rowing has a 30-year lease, which started in 2015, to operate the boathouse with the parks and recreation division of the DNR. The group formed to save the Detroit Boat Club after the club filed for bankruptcy and was evicted from the building in 1996 because of $400,000 in unpaid taxes.

"This is the first structure on this island. We're the longest leaseholder, and our organization has been around since before the Civil War," said Henry Goitz, president of the Friends of Detroit Rowing. "It has a significant history, and we're not here for the social aspects of running a business. ... This is a hallmark site off the island and, at the very least, a portion should be spared as a visitor center."

Temporary tent in parking lot

Since the boathouse's closure, the rowing club has been operating out of the Belle Isle Athletic Shelter, a mile and a half from the boathouse, with no heat. Earlier this month, dozens of high school students gathered on a weekday to do safety training as they prepared to compete in South Carolina over spring break. Some questioned if they'd ever return to the boathouse.

The DNR approved a plan in October for the club to erect a temporary tent in the boathouse's parking lot for practice and the storage of a dozen shells and sculls, which cost $45,000 each. Goitz is more concerned about a hole in the roof of the boathouse that is exposing the inside to the elements.

The current boathouse, designed by Alpheus W. Chittenden, is especially unique in that it was constructed on 28-foot wood pilings that were driven into the riverbed. It's the seventh structure the Detroit Boat Club built for itself along the Detroit River. The current building is the first made of brick and concrete and is intentionally "fire-proof" after the previous buildings, all made of wood, burned down.

“The rowing club signed the lease that indicated that they would raise funds and try to stabilize the building and bring it back up to code. And when we first came on the island (in 2013), we had 50 buildings that were in similar shape,” Bissett said. “We had no idea what the scope of the issues in this building were, but the rowing club obviously didn’t either because there’s no way they would have agreed to do the maintenance and keep this up.”

'Do not enter'

The state installed a large perimeter fence in September to prevent trespassers from entering. The DNR said trespassers at the boathouse are not as big of an issue as they are at the abandoned Detroit Zoo property on the island. They caution that the site is dangerous and violators could face tickets. A Detroit News reporter and photographer were escorted through the property, with hardhats, to document the boathouse's current condition.

“Our biggest concern are the porches. People just don’t think of the hazards," Bissett said. "There are tiles from the roof on the floor, and on any windy day, sharp pieces slide right off the roof. The sun porch, the main porch off the dance floor, has been closed off for years. There’s even a sign on the stage podium in the ballroom that says 'do not enter' that wasn't placed by us."

We had no idea what the scope of the issues in this building were, but the Rowing Club obviously didn’t either because there’s no way they would have agreed to do the maintenance and keep this up .

The structure has a collapsed floor, caved-in roof, peeling exterior stucco, and deteriorated steel and concrete structural members, according to an assessment by architectural firm SmithGroup in September 2022. It concluded that preserving the building would require repairs to its "failing exterior envelope (roof, walls, windows and doors)." It wasn't the first assessment. There was another in 2019 citing needed repairs.

"If left unattended, the building structure and key interior spaces will be compromised beyond repair," according to the SmithGroup.

Still, there's an undeniable character in the boathouse's hanging red lanterns, grand mirrors and themed sail rooms with anchor patterns embroidered into the kitchen doors. Outside, there's an unmatched view of the bridge, an uncovered green pool that opens to the river and a curved concert bandshell that was restored five years ago.

During a recent visit, several spots were blocked and curtained off to hide the damage. The overlook of the ballroom where honored guests would make their entrance was too unpredictable to step on, officials said.

“It’s been like this for at least two or three years, and it’s gotten progressively worse,” the DNR's Bissett said. “When we were talking about possibilities of rehabbing the building, some of this stuff like porches are just going to have to come off and rebuild either way."

Seeking proposals

New windows, decks and a boiler room were installed by the club as part of a 2019 master plan, but they couldn't keep up with the "Band-Aid fixes" during the pandemic, Goitz said. He estimated that 90% of the building is salvageable and doesn't believe there's a good faith effort to pursue restoration since the DNR's deadline to receive bids is at the end of March.

Since 2014, the DNR said $604,607 has been spent on the boathouse. Of that, 67% — $405,000 — was from public funds (including for assessments) and 33%, or $199,607, from the Friends of Detroit Rowing for roof repairs, a new boiler, windows and the west upper porch wall's removal. Goitz disputed the DNR's figure, saying the group has raised $1 million that it has spent over a decade maintaining the building.

"I understand they have $200 million in needed repairs on the isle and they can't focus all their time on one building, but they have no time for this process at all," Malbouef said. "We waited all of 2022 for them to do the structure analysis, and they stayed quiet until August 2023 when we met with them about $2 million potentially available for the boathouse, and they weren't interested in how we could mothball that money."

In October , a Belle Isle advisory committee added an accidental agenda item proposing the demolition of the boathouse, but it was quickly removed and reissued in the form of a public hearing.

Last year, the department launched a project web page and online question-and-comment form to invite the public to weigh in. Of the 1,429 comments recorded in January, 80% supported rehabbing the property. The Detroit City Council and Historic Preservation Board also passed resolutions supporting the building's rehabilitation.

Bissett said he understands that people don't want to lose a special building but contended the issue is really about funding.

"Every building means something to somebody," he said. "The problem is, the funds just aren't there, and ARPA is a once-in-a-lifetime thing" — referring to the COVID relief aid package known as the American Rescue Plan.

The DNR said it is open to partnering with the private sector, but proposals should incorporate public recreation elements. Information on how to submit letters of intent, which are due March 29 .

“The narrative that we’re letting the building fail is so false. You can see the gas meter going, and we’re heating the building,” Bissett said. “This is a concrete building sitting on piers, and that is sometimes deep and other times not depending on the height of the river.”

Still, Malbouef challenged the DNR's efforts, saying the survey was released during the holidays and created a rushed deadline with a lack of photos and measured drawings of the boathouse.

"How is someone supposed to put a proposal together if they have no information on this building?" he said. "We were bringing in over $100,000 a year in rentals just before COVID. And we had every weekend booked and most weekdays booked."

Best rowers trained here

The Belle Isle Boathouse's member roster reads like a "who's who" of automotive pioneers: Henry Ford, Edsel Ford and Ransom Olds. Other members included eight mayors, senators, congressmen and presidential cabinet members.

Although the boathouse is not listed as a historic place on the National Register, Friends of the Detroit Rowing believes it should be. The building was occupied by the Detroit Boat Club Crew, founded in 1839, and is one of the world's oldest rowing organizations in continuous existence.

There are tales of a 12-mile race from the boathouse to Grosse Ile in 1859, concerts to raise money for boathouse expansions and the club's ball in January 1865 toward the end of the Civil War. It was attended by 400 guests, including the mayors of Detroit, Monroe, Saginaw and Toledo, who paid $5 a ticket.

Nearly 70 rowing clubs have dotted the Detroit River shoreline over the last 190 years, according to Detroit Boat Club Crew archives. Rowing later grew in popularity as a social event as clubs began racing each other once Belle Isle became a public park.

The Detroit Boat Club Crew produced more than 500 U.S. and Canadian national champions, 19 Olympians and 35 National Team members.

Todd Platt from Grosse Pointe remembered training at the club as a Michigan State University student in 1977 when he had to pay $50 for a little card to show at a coat check just outside the building and was relegated to use only on the first floor.

"We weren't allowed on the second floor, which was a private unless we were invited up by a member," said Platt, vice president of the Friends of Detroit Rowing. "We'd be drilled into practice twice a day in the back. It was serious training while parties were going on upstairs we couldn't attend. It was elite."

His daughter followed his footsteps, training at the boathouse. She was recruited to row in Minnesota. Platt said many of their rowers receive scholarships to row at Ivy leagues, and they're seeing more women join the sport.

"My fondest memory is really how much people felt it was almost like home. You spend so much time here as a rower getting so close to your teammates and coaches," said Platt, who pointed to where outdoor metal pull-up bars used to be next to the bridge. "It was fun because there were a lot of members who had kids that rowed as well, so it all kind of blended together. In its heyday, there was a beehive of activity here."

Today, there's still an all-pink women's locker room with handprints of the varsity team, not far from the collapsing ceiling tiles. Maps of the Detroit River are posted alongside recent calendars, and awards litter the entire space collecting dust.

"We have so much history," Goitz said. "Our masters win gold medals at national and international races every year. It's mind-boggling. It's almost like a small secret. One of our individuals won a gold medal in the U.S. World Games in 2022."

Rower input

The rowers said they'd like to be included in proposed plans for the boathouse and want to pitch a plan they're calling "From the bridge to the beach," where visitors could rent equipment and connect the path to the Belle Isle beach more toward the shoreline.

For now, they're calling for an extension of time for developers to see what's worth saving. The DNR does not need the city's approval if state officials decide to demolish the boathouse.

Fundraising for a seventh boathouse has taken a dramatic hit because the club claimed it currently has no income stream.

"We're trying to help these folks pay for themselves to compete," Goitz said. "Ideally, we'd love to have a point where we have a scholarship fund where everybody comes here for nothing.

"That's the goal, one day," Goitz continued. "Right now, we're just trying to keep our heads above water."

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@SarahRahal_