Bye, bye Boathouse

By Frederick Benjamin Sr. Special to UPW AUGUSTA

It’s official . . . there is not enough interest in renovating the dilapitdated city-owned Boathouse on the river. Many were hopeful that a solution could be found to salvage the facility, which for many Augustans was the premiere indoor special events venue for city’s residents.

From weddings, retirement parties, political meetings, jazz, reggae and r&b gatherings were enhanced by the placid riverfront location and unbelievable view of the Savannah River.

The city, this week, voted to seek bids for the demolition of the facility. It has been reported that the full restoration project could cost in excess of $5 million.

Starting in 2020, citizens who inquired about the availability of the Boathouse were told that there would be no bookings during the pandemic, but after the emergency passed, the city let it be known that they were not ready to resume renting the facility to the public, but could never say when thing might get back to normal. Now we

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