For decades, the hulking Jacob Riis Bathhouse has been one of the Rockaways’ greatest “what ifs”—a grand Art Deco relic overlooking one of New York City’s busiest beaches, sitting empty as generations of beachgoers walked past its boarded-up facade.
Now, after an $88 million restoration that has stretched nearly a decade, the landmark is finally preparing to welcome visitors again. Beginning the final weekend of July, the historic 1932 bathhouse will reopen in phases as the Rockaway Ocean Club, a hybrid destination that blends public spaces with a members-only beach club, hotel and event venue.
The reopening is the first time the bathhouse has been active in more than 50 years. Built under Parks Commissioner Robert Moses, the building has sat vacant since the early 1970s, becoming an iconic backdrop for days spent at Jacob Riis Park, affectionately known to many New Yorkers as “The People’s Beach.”…