Historic Boat Club on Belle Isle Gets New Lease

One of the oldest rowing clubs in the world hopes to expand programs and rehab facilities

After years of uncertainty about its future, managers of the Detroit Boat Club facility on Belle Isle say they now have a 30-year lease for the property.

The historic clubhouse needs millions of dollars worth of repair and renovation. But the organization that operates daily rowing practices out of the facility says a long-term lease with the state should help secure needed funds.

Henry Goitz, president of Friends of Detroit Rowing, says with the new lease and expected improvements, the club should be able to expand its rowing program and offer the facility to other organizations.

Click on the audio link above to hear Goitz’s conversation with WDET’s Amy Miller.

Author

  • Amy has been working in public and commercial radio for the last 30 yrs. She is an award winning reporter and news anchor, born and raised in Detroit.