5 minute read
Renovation Raises the Bar— and the Roof
Clubhouse maintains classic character while maximizing bay views and reaching new heights
Members and guests are greeted at the newly renovated clubhouse by the grand entrance, opening to high ceilings and sweeping views of Naples Bay. Maximizing these views was a major goal of the $10 million project, the third phase of a master plan envisioned more than a decade ago.
The building’s foundation was lifted more than two feet and ceilings were raised to nearly 16 feet as copious windows and glass doors were added to highlight the most stellar feature of Naples’ oldest private club—its location on Naples Bay to the east. “It’s all about the view. It’s all about the vista,” says project architect Adrian Karapici, of Peacock+Lewis Architects and Planners, a Naples firm recognized for its work with prestigious clubs.
The last vestiges of the original 1960 building were removed in April 2018, and, during the following year, a new clubhouse with all-new amenities and a familiar, comfortable feel took shape in its place, says NYC Executive Director of Membership Brenda O’Connor.
Much of the design is based on two features: the panorama and the Naples Bay mural painted by locally renowned artist Paul Arsenault, illustrating the 1960s waterfront. “It’s like looking in the history books when looking into that painting,” says Peacock+Lewis interior designer Migena Gace.
Arsenault’s mural was completed in 2007 as part of an earlier reconstruction phase, which included the addition of the secondstory Yardarm, where the mural was installed. Dividing the 72foot mural into three sections to maximize its exposure in main level areas became central to the recent redesign project. “We rearranged the floor plan, architecture, and interior design to accommodate the art,” adds Karapici.
Throughout the clubhouse, much of the hand-scraped hickory hardwood flooring remains. High-vaulted, tongue-and-groove wood ceilings add texture and interest throughout. The carpets, traditional colors, and textures are also generally uniform: predominant shades of navy blue and white, and dark-stained woods. Subtle splashes of color are drawn from the Arsenault painting, with soft blues and greens from the water and sky.
Main Brace
D. Garrett Construction was the general contractor for the project that increased square footage from 28,000 to 35,000 square feet and transformed the clubhouse into an elegant, inviting gathering place. “When you see people’s faces, their reactions when they come in and see this place for the first time— that is the moment we’ve been working toward,” says Karapici.
Exterior and Grand Entry
Members will note that the exterior has stayed much the same, maintaining its Old Florida architecture, cheery yellow stucco concrete walls, and white aluminum railings. The front façade and porte-cochere were lifted up and redesigned to provide better access for emergency vehicles and to reflect the design of the south side, which gained a second level when the Yardarm was added.
The grand entrance—the portal between the outside and the inside—extends a regal welcome with solid mahogany front doors. The foyer is now an open and airy place since low ceilings were removed and the formerly narrow space was widened. The Ship Store was removed, allowing more space for visitors. (Club merchandise is available at the Dockmaster’s office or online.) “We created a more defined, formal entrance for the Club,” says Karapici.
Living Room
Welcoming guests to the right of the expanded entry is a new Living Room, created for members to meet their guests as they arrive. This is where the first of three portions of the Arsenault mural can be viewed. “This is the ideal place to meet and greet people with comfortable furnishings,” says NYC General Manager/Chief Operating Officer Michael Mooney.
On the other side are administrative offices and completely revamped restrooms, bringing in nautical themes with details such as wallpaper called “The Knots” in the men’s room, ropelike wood trim on vanities, and mirrors hung from ropes.
The Main Brace
The replica of the Club’s original curved, cypress wood bar is the highlight of the Main Brace, the Club’s historical anchor, which is now more centrally located. Model ships line a wall behind the bar, and cabinetry with porthole-shaped accents completes the nautical feel.
Expansive windows and doors lead from the indoors to outdoor covered dining, with views of the docks and bay beyond. “We brought this room closer to the bay, closer to the seawall,” says Karapici.
Perhaps the most awe-inspiring architectural feature is the clerestory with round porthole windows that lend a below-deck ambience with natural light streaming in from above. “It’s a neat feature,” Mooney says. “I remember the day we looked up and said, ‘Wow! This is going to be really cool!’”
Ballroom and Briggs Room
To the south of the Main Brace is the Ballroom, featuring an expanded wood dance floor at the center. The dance floor, now measuring 900 square feet, is 20 percent larger.
The pool also was removed to create more space. This dualpurpose space was endowed with generous amounts of natural light and higher ceilings, and larger windows and glass doors— and most of all, that bay view.
Connectivity between the Ballroom and the Briggs Room became seamless with the elimination of the pillars. The largest section of the Arsenault mural, approximately 42 feet, is now located in the Briggs Room.
Together, the Ballroom and Briggs Room create a main dining area accommodating more than 250 people, says Mooney.
Wine Rooms
Two temperature-controlled red wine rooms, along with four Sub-Zero units for white wines, offer an opportunity to get a glimpse of the wine inventory. This new amenity is located between the Briggs’ side of the main dining room and Boaters’ Grille. With approximately 550 members and the introduction of the new Wine Society, there will be a lottery for use of additional private wine vaults by members. (See Wine Society details on page 15.)
Boaters’ Grille Lounge
Founders’ Room
To the west of the Ballroom is the brand-new, private Founders’ Room, which offers exclusive seating for 16 to 18 people and a window into the kitchen to watch food preparation and cooking demonstrations. Other features include videoconferencing capabilities, nautical light fixtures, and a segment of the Arsenault mural.
Boaters’ Grille and Lounge
Members and guests have already enjoyed a full winter’s season of the remodeled Boaters’ Grille Restaurant and Lounge, connected by a cypress wood bar.
A folding glass wall system can completely open to an expanded terrace with covered outdoor seats and roll-down screens. “This restaurant is one of the most desired places for waterside dining in Naples,” notes Mooney.
A highlight of the Lounge is a wall of framed burgees from the members of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs; Naples Yacht Club is one of the 13 original members. When member Lynne Shotwell comments, “It just feels like it’s been here forever,” O’Connor smiles approvingly and responds, “That’s what we were going for.”
Complementing the colorful flags on the west wall is the north wall display of historical photos. A photo of the Mangrove King, a unique vessel complete with palm trees, represents how far NYC has come since its first gathering place.
Round tables and large comfortable chairs and booths provide about 35 seats, popular for watching major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby, Mooney says. Just outside, the South Lawn is the hotspot for playing or watching exciting bocce matches.
Bayview Terraces
Goodbye old, welcome view! The bayside of the clubhouse has more outdoor seating than ever before with the terraces off the Main Brace, Ballroom, and Boaters’ Grille.
The covered terraces form one long expanse from the northernmost reaches to the south side of Boaters’ Grille, spanning the entirety of the building’s east side. The terraces expand seating by 65 more seats, Mooney says.
The doors can completely disappear, offering seamless indoor-outdoor dining. Roll-down screens and porcelain floors with the look of wood evoke the mood of a classic coastal porch, says O’Connor.
An old fire escape that obstructed views was removed. “The day that fire escape came down, that was a great day,” recalls Mooney. “You have this whole vista now.”
