Historic Queens bathhouse to undergo $50 million upgrade

The Jacob Riis Bathhouse is set to undergo renovations to expand concessions and recreation while bolstering the building’s resilience. Photo via Queens Borough President Donovan Richards/Twitter

By Rachel Vick

The historic Art Deco bathhouse in Jacob Riis Park is slated for a $50 million restoration, which will see improvements to the building and the addition of new recreational facilities.

An overhaul of the building first built in 1932 will include a restaurant and concessions, a pool and hotel rooms.

“The Bathhouse is emblematic of over half a century of the quintessential NYC seaside experience," said Jen Nersesian, the National Park Service superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area. "Its restoration will connect beachgoers with this heritage and provide a new suite of visitor opportunities for generations to come.”

A new 60-year lease was signed last week by Bathhouse Lodge LLC, formed by CBSK Developers and Brooklyn Bazaar. The latter held the contract for Riis beach concessions on site and was granted the contract for concessions at the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk in 2021.

The building originally held two restaurants, a cafeteria and concession stands. New construction will include a rooftop restaurant, ground floor eateries, a casual beachfront bar and retailers stocking beach supplies.

The second floor will be turned into an event space with nearly 30 hotel rooms. The courtyard, which will also be rebuilt, will be outfitted with a lounge.

“We’re finally bringing the Jacob Riis Bathhouse — a beautiful, yet underused gem of Queens — into the 21st Century,” Queens Borough President Dononvan Richards wrote on Twitter.

Hurricane Sandy caused major damage to the historic building, including knocking out window coverings, doors and courtyard walls.

Gateway has already invested $4 million into storm infrastructure in an effort to protect against future storms.

Plans have been reviewed by New York's State Historic Preservation Office, the NPS and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management. The project has the support of local leaders.

“The Bazaar team has already had a monumental impact here in Rockaway, helping to transform it back into the summertime destination that it was once known for in years past,” said Councilmember Joann Ariola. “I am confident that this new development will only serve to further the revitalization that we are seeing here on the peninsula, and will add yet another fantastic destination to the itinerary of visitors and guests alike.”