In another massive win for New York beachgoers, a historic waterfront gem at “The People’s Beach” is officially back in business this summer after being closed for over half a century!
Just weeks after the historic reopening of the “Bronx Riviera” pavilion, Queens is getting its own legendary coastal landmark back.
The iconic Jacob Riis Park Bathhouse in the Rockaways has just crossed the finish line of a highly anticipated, three-year, $88 million reconstruction–a milestone locals have been eagerly awaiting for more than five decades.
After sitting completely boarded up and closed off to the public since 1972, the stunning 40,000-square-foot Byzantine- and Moorish-style Art Deco masterpiece is set to open its doors once again as The Rockaway Ocean Club.
An $88 Million Glow-Up For A “People’s Beach” Icon
Originally opening back in 1932, the Jacob Riis Bathhouse was the absolute epicenter of summertime New York.
In its heyday, the massive venue accommodated over 8,000 beachgoers at a time, boasting a sprawling 62-acre parking lot (one of the largest in the world at the time!), 10,000 changing rooms, a cafeteria, restaurant, solarium, and an orchestra and dance space.
Unfortunately, the city was unable to maintain the structure, forcing it to be completely boarded up in 1972. Aside from housing a few park lifeguards, the jewel of the beach sat as an empty shell for decades, taking a brutal beating from time and Hurricane Sandy.
Fast forward through nine years of planning and intense historic preservation, and the space has been fully revitalized to blend its original 1930s architectural glamour with modern luxury.
Mind-Blowing Upgrades Coming To The Boardwalk This Summer
The extensive overhaul didn’t just save the building’s historic bones–it completely reimagined what a day at Riis Beach looks like.
Here’s a quick look at the major upgrades you can explore on your next trip to the sand:
- A revitalized boardwalk: Fuel up for your beach day with a new juice bar, coffee shop, gelato shop, pizzeria, dive bar, and a convenience store fully stocked with beach essentials like sunblock and towels
- Sweeping ocean views: Tastefully making sure the best views stay public, the building features a gorgeous new rooftop restaurant open to all visitors
- A vast central courtyard: Expect plenty of summer vibes with fresh beach furniture and a steady lineup of live music
- Stay the night: In an incredible twist, the bathhouse will eventually open a 28-room boutique hotel, marking the first time visitors can sleep right on the beach
- Climate-resilient design: Because it sits directly on the Atlantic, the building has been fitted with state-of-the-art flood-proofing, including temporary barriers that can be quickly erected before major storms
The Catch: A Modern “Intergenerational Country Club”
While a massive portion of the bathhouse remains fully public, the revitalization does introduce a brand-new element that has local beachgoers talking: a private, members-only beach club.
Managed by a team with heavy Soho House roots, the private wing features an ocean-view restaurant, private lounges, and a massive 162-person swimming pool.
According to The New York Times, memberships will range from $1,000 a year for local peninsula residents to $3,500 for families outside those ZIP codes.
While some locals have voiced concerns over privatizing parts of “The People’s Beach”–historically beloved as an inclusive safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community–the club’s owners insist the vibe will be inclusive, family-oriented, and serve as a necessary tool for crowd control on weekends when the beach sees up to 45,000 daily visitors.
When Can New Yorkers Visit?
You won’t have to wait much longer!
All of the interior courtyard spaces and a selection of the boardwalk food shops are officially slated to open Fourth of July weekend, with the remaining amenities rolling out in phases right after.