The curtain has been lifted on a new chapter.
On Saturday, the Rockaway Ocean Club opened its doors, making it the first opportunity for the public to enjoy the Jacob Riis Bathhouse in over half a century.
A tour of the stylish beach house revealed its modern amenities, all part of a historic city-owned site that has undergone an impressive $88 million renovation by a private firm.
“We’re not going for luxury; it’s really about being friendly, accessible, and fun. We just want people to enjoy themselves without any hassle,” remarked Ursula Damani, who co-founded Rock Hospitality, the management behind the club.
Membership costs might reach up to $1,700, but prospective members will have to wait a year to experience all that the club offers. This includes a restaurant, a butterfly garden, and a trendy new pool set to open next weekend.
Still, it’s important to note that over half of the venue is free for public use, featuring a courtyard with multiple bars and cozy spots for relaxation or recreation.
“We want everyone to feel welcome. One of the unique things about Jacob Riis Beach is its inclusive nature. This beach really brings people together, regardless of who you are or where you come from,” Damani expressed.
“We’re here to remind New Yorkers that this city is, indeed, a beach town.”
The Rockaway Ocean Club will partially open on August 15 for a preview season before its complete launch next year. This project has been in the works for nine years.
According to Damani, the initiative reflects a characteristically “New York” approach to revitalizing the bathhouse, which has remained dormant since 1972.
Throughout its development, the project encountered numerous delays, with initial plans for a July opening pushed to the final week.
A lot of the hold-ups were tied to restoring historic features and adhering to strict landmark regulations when recreating areas that couldn’t be preserved as they were.
This attention to detail resulted in some unusual elements, like the glossy teal tiles that contrast with the original blue tiles and a single window differing slightly from the original design overlooking the pool.
Maintaining the bathhouse’s original essence was crucial for Rock Hospitality, especially since the bronze plaque from 1932 commemorating the beach for New Yorkers remains intact—a guiding principle for the development.
“It’s about creating spaces that are welcoming to everyone, catering to a spectrum of budgets, from boardwalks to exclusive clubs,” Damani elaborated, noting her collaboration with Scott Shnay of SK Development, Aaron Broudo of Brooklyn Bazaar, and Belvey Klein on this venture.
Recently, the club has faced criticism, particularly regarding its membership application, which includes a four-figure fee and asks for social media profiles.
When it’s fully operational, about 40 percent of the Rockaway Ocean Club will be reserved for members only, while the courtyard will be accessible to the public during the preview event.
Visitors can enjoy numerous dining options, shops, and bars, as well as an expansive courtyard that will host games during the day and concerts at night.
Much of the complex is still under construction, but the team is optimistic about gradually unveiling these new amenities ahead of a grand opening in spring.
The anticipated launch of the 28-room hotel located on the second floor, along with a large rooftop bar boasting incredible views of the Atlantic and the Manhattan skyline, may still be about a year away. These spaces have been closed to the public for the past 50 years.
“We didn’t aim to create something entirely new at Leith Beach; we wanted to finish what began in 1932 and was left incomplete. This has always been People’s Beach, designed for New Yorkers, and restoring this building allows us to pass that legacy to future generations,” Schnai remarked.
