Traditions blend seamlessly into modern-day amenities
On the cusp of a milestone anniversary, the Florida Yacht Club, established in 1876, recently completed its FYC150 Project to renovate and modernize its facilities.
“We kept the original feel and tradition of the club while making changes to keep up with the times,” said FYC150 Project Chair and Board of Governors Member Matt Kenyon.
FYC General Manager Carol Edell said the result has been game-changing for members.
“I keep hearing our members say, ‘We had no idea it would be this nice.’ It’s transformational,” Edell said.
FYC’s former living room has been remodeled into a fast-casual dining experience called The River Porch and Bar, featuring indoor and outdoor seating, overlooking the new resort-style pool. The pool closed in September 2023, so members only had one summer with no pool.
“We got creative with water slides and bounce houses on the event lawn,” said Edell.
The new, expansive pool includes three distinct sections: a designated children’s side in the shallow end with bubblers and water features, social steps in a central family area where parents can enjoy waist-deep water, and the adults-only sun shelf near the new River Bar with a deep end and a lap lane. Edell said the pool’s grand opening in April was met with only smiles.
In addition to the family-friendly dining option at The River Porch and Bar, members also have an upscale option for adults in the Pirate’s Den Bar, offering indoor and outdoor seating with 13 tables on the patio. There are spaces for every age demographic to enjoy.
Liza Barnett-Emmet is a seventh-generation member and the eighth person from her extended family to serve as a commodore.
“I grew up spending time at my grandparents’ house, who lived so close by to the club it felt like a playground in their backyard,” she said. “The club is near and dear to my heart.”
Barnett-Emmet noted that change is always hard, but overall, people are happy with the FYC150 Project’s results.
“I’m very proud of all the Board has accomplished. This project will take things into the future,” she said.
As the largest renovation in the club’s history, much thought and planning went into FYC150, said Commodore Tad McDonough.
“In 2020, the Board began gathering data from the membership,” he said. “We had conceptual ideas and pricing approved in 2021. By 2022, we had selected ELM as our architect and refined our plans.”
The project was funded by member assessments, financing by First Horizon Bank and a revenue plan generated from current membership.
Generational club member, FYC150 Committee Member and Past Commodore Bob Steeg said maintaining the building’s architecture was important to the committee so it doesn’t look like an addition. Steve Lovett with ELM consulted the onion skin 1928 plans for the original 1,200 square foot clubhouse when designing this project.
Crabtree Construction Company was selected from the five commercial contracting companies that responded to the RFP. Mike and Ryan Crabtree are members, and Tom Crabtree is a past commodore.
“We combined the new with the old, preserving our history and with the conveniences of today,” said Barnett-Emmet.
Kelley Harris, of Atlanta-based Harris Interiors, was chosen for the interior design.
“Kelley nailed our vision and understood the aesthetic of the club,” said Steeg.
The completely restored marina was finished last November.
“Several hurricanes had destroyed the docks, big waves and wind had created trauma over the years,” said Kenyon. “Our solution was to build a jetty. We now have floating docks and bigger and wider slips. It’s working great.”
The installation of the protective granite breakwater also created a fish habitat. The cove bulkhead has been restored and upgraded as well.
“We have active sailing programs for adults and youth and host regional and national regattas,” said Board of Governors Member and Fleet and Sailing Chair Kim Collins. “We have a platform to compete, and our kids are excited.”
The new fitness center opened in December 2024 with state-of-the-art equipment and expansive views of the St. Johns River. There is an irrigated turf lawn for yoga classes and a new dedicated massage therapy room.
While the ballroom looks the same, all mechanical systems have been upgraded. A bridal suite with a balcony overlooking the new pool is a welcome enhancement. All the restrooms throughout the club have been fully renovated.
The final addition opening this summer is the four pickleball courts and one sports court.
“We plan to have two basketball nets, and it also can be used for more pickleball and tennis,” said Edell. “The court has a variety of uses.”
Although the new facilities are completed, the staff’s services will remain fluid. “We are constantly learning and tweaking our processes on a daily basis,” said Edell of her team. “We are poised to respond to our members’ needs.”
