'We want to be part of the process': Augusta Rowing coach reacts to Boathouse demolition

Augusta Rowing Club left Augusta's Municipal Building ecstatic last week, but there was a daunting change in plans announced this week.

Augusta commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved redirecting their plans for the dilapidated Boathouse Community Center, moving to get costs on demolishing and replacing the club's longtime headquarters.

"We were disappointed, of course, but if they're going to move forward with tearing down and rebuilding the building, we want to be a part of that process," said Augusta Rowing Club Coach Brad Holdren.

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During the Augusta Public Service Committee meeting on March 14, immediate funding of $580,000 was requested to handle the Boathouse's more immediate needs (mold, holes, etc.). In the meantime, it was recommended that the city look for bids to handle the full renovation, which was estimated to cost at least $5.5 million.

These measures received initial approval from the committee, but when the commission meet Tuesday, there were serious concerns.

"We need to really take a close look (if) this the best way to utilize these funds in some rehabilitation that, honestly, I think we all recognize is probably going to be short lived," said Augusta Commissioner Brandon Garrett.

"Where it sits is a diamond and a jewel for us," said Commissioner Alvin Mason. "I'm more in favor of tearing it down and bringing it back as something the citizens of Augusta-Richmond County can really be proud of in conjunction with any other entities for what we'd like to see on the river."

The new motion also included language about committing help to the rowing club as they figure out a new home. The city has already provided portable bathrooms outside the Boathouse while the water is turned off and has been continually communicating with the rowing club.

But tearing down and building a new facility will take years, meaning they need more help.

"We're going to need a large enough space to not only store our equipment in but still operate and function out of," Holdren said. "One of the commissioners said we could put stuff in shipping containers. Well, if we're boxing our stuff up, then the club's going to end up shutting down if we're not out rowing on a regular basis."

The club operates year round, using spring through fall for training on the Savannah River and winter for indoor training. While there are other bodies of water in the area where they could theoretically relocate, the Savannah River is best for their competitive work.

Holdren said they have done a little bit of their own research to find an interim home, but unless something temporary can be built, they will need to meet with the city in order to establish what properties are available.

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Only the bottom part of the Boathouse was used by the rowing club, while the top area was used at one point as a restaurant and, before it was shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was used as a popular venue spot. While a new Boathouse would probably have a similar model, Holdren does not mind sharing space again or being relocated to the far reaches of the river.

"If we were renting the ground floor of a building they built a 20-story hotel on top of, it wouldn't matter to us one bit as long as we had available space," he said.

Whatever the case may be, the rowing club intends to continue its work, practices and competitions unhindered by the coming changes.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Rowing Club coach thoughts, needs in Boathouse demolition plan