A New Boathouse
The Tulsa Rowing Club has released architectural renderings of its new boathouse on the west bank of the Arkansas River that will replace the original 1991 boathouse destroyed by arson fire in 2016. The new boathouse, designed by Fritz Baily Architects, will be situated at the same location as the previous structure, across the river from downtown in Tulsa River Parks Authority’s River West Festival Park area, near 21st Street and Jackson Avenue. The new structure will include three boat bays to store boats. It also will be taller to allow for an upper-story mezzanine-type workout area.
The estimated cost to replace the boathouse is approximately $500,000. The club has adequate insurance to replace a boathouse with the previous warehouse-style design – but not for the increased cost of a design that meets the requirements of the city’s new River Design Overlay (RDO), which was passed after the boathouse was destroyed. With money on hand from insurance a shell building with no bathrooms will begin construction in Spring 2018. $150,000 is needed to complete the boathouse and finish the interior. If the rowing club were to complete the mezzanine in its updated design, the club would need an additional $120,000, which would allow for a workout space above the boat storage on the east side of the building and provide training facilities for the club’s companion high school rowing program, Tulsa Youth Rowing Association.
Tulsa Rowing Club has launched a fundraising effort to secure additional money to complete a boathouse that meets the City of Tulsa’s new building requirements for structures along the Arkansas River. For those interested in assisting with completion of the club’s boathouse on the Arkansas River, donations can be made here by clicking on the Donate button above.
Spring 2018 Update – Demolition of the old slab is complete and construction of the new exterior will begin Summer 2018. Please help us finish the interior by donating today!