Lakeside marinas announce changes

Posted on August 3, 2017 By Editor Articles, Neighborhood News

The Marina at Ortega Landing was the former site of Graham’s Boatyard, also known as Ortega River Boatyard. It was redeveloped in 2006 and included an eight-unit condominium.

The Marina at Ortega Landing, owned by Chicago-based Bixby Bridge Capital LLC, will be under new property management effective Sept. 1. Currently managed by Mango Bay Vacation Rentals under the leadership of Warren Hickernell, the 10-year-old marina will be rebranded under Island Global Yachting Marinas (IGY Marinas), based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Occupancy of the 192-slip marina was under 50 percent in 2012 when Hickernell took over its management, but has been averaging around 85 to 90 percent for the past several years.

“At this newly-constructed marina I have had the pleasure of watching it grow from a low-occupancy start-up into a vibrant, thriving boating community,” said Hickernell.

Also at that time, none of the eight units in the River Homes condominium had sold following the 2008 economic downturn. Under Hickernell’s management, all eight condos were sold by first quarter 2014, and several have turned over profitably since then.

“I have also been very fortunate to have an outstanding staff who work hard to make every boater’s experience a pleasant one here at the marina. Their dedication and willingness to do what is necessary to get the job done has been, well, just amazing,” Hickernell said. “This loyalty is hard to find and shows that this is not just a job to them, but a desire to do their best in keeping the marina in top operating condition for all its boaters.”

In January, the Lakeside-based marina had announced a rate increase of $2 per slip foot for “full-time cruisers” up from $14 per foot. Month-to-month rates went up to $12 per slip foot from $10.50 per foot.

Next door on Lakeside Drive, Lakeside Marina also recently increased its slip fees for the first time in five years, to $11.50 per slip foot per month with a one-year contract. The property was purchased in 2004 by Frank Surface, who also owns Lakeside Dry Storage, to provide a fixed-dock, 24-slip marina as a wet-slip option for large sailboats.

Surface’s dry stack boat warehouse also offers storefronts for marine retail businesses and he recently signed a lease with Jax Jet Ski rentals, according to Heather Surface, Lakeside Dry Storage spokesperson.