The Eau Gallie Yacht Club is about to get a major facelift after an April 23 zoning change approved by the Indian Harbour Beach City Council.
Founded in 1907, the Yacht Club, at the mouth of the Banana River, is a private club with membership capped at 900. Components include the lounge, dining and banquet room, and Harbor Grill overlooking the club’s marina.
The club had requested the zoning change to allow for about $1 million in extensive renovations at Harbor Grill and modifications to replace a temporary tent with covered seating area in the same architectural style as the main facility.
Stipulations agreed to by the City Council include: a 2-foot retaining wall to raise the slope on the west side; and no construction storage, parking or through-traffic at the home at 250 Camellia Terrace owned by club. Neighboring resident Dr. Anil Dhople also successfully requested that the club provide construction fencing or screening at the southern property line.
Interim General Manager Steve Hockett explained that the transformative change for the Harbor Grill has been a long time coming and represents the first of three phases, with later phases including improvements to the lobby and banquet rooms of the main building.
“It’s basically a hot dog stand that grew up over the years. As casual dining has become more important, it has become more important,” he said.
The Harbor Grill will be demolished and rebuilt on the same footprint with a new design, for which details are being worked out.
“The Harbor Grill is one of our most popular areas because the water views are great and the pool is right there. It’s just going to be that much better and the new kitchen will make for different and better food choices,’’ said Todd Braid, a member since 2002 serving a one-year term as club commodore. “This is going to make something that people love that much better.”
Construction is expected to begin July 1 and take about six months to complete.