The Friends of Detroit Rowing Crew is the Oldest Continuing Rowing in all of the America's.
Founded in 1839, the DBC crew locally, state, regional, national and, Olympic. This once used to be one of the most elite social clubs in Detroit. Edsel Ford was a prominent member back in the days when the DBC was widely regarded for sailing, boating and rowing.
Built in 1902, the Detroit Boat Club boathouse, is a 3-floor structure of immense square footage. The entire building is build on cedar piling, essentially stilts, since the Detroit River flows underneath the entire building.
The backyard features a 50-meter Olympic sized swimming pool. In 1932, Johnny Weissmuller (the original Tarzan) qualified for the Olympics swimming in the pool here. He then taught swimming classes all Summer long here at the DBC. The backyard also features a small bandshell/bandstand.
In 1996, the city of Detroit closed the social club and took over the building for public use.
The center-top of the building is capped with a Monitor (light well).
Several rooms on the 2nd floor (the main floor) suitable for presentations.
The Oak Room (located on eastside of building; this is the old Men’s Dining Room) capacity of 100-125 people.
The Dining Room
The Atrium, Bar, Bridgeview Room
The Ball Room = 200 people with tables or max 300 people in just chairs.
The 3rd floor features a Naval Boardroom.
Dick Rubens lives at the boat club and painter/photographer Gene Chamberlin works at the club and has an art gallery on the 3rd floor.
All rentals are 4-hours max. There are no on-site chairs, bartender or drinks. All must be provided by renter. To rent, you must give 2-3 weeks notice and provide 50% of the money down. A copy of the contract will be emailed to the renter.
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