Detroit, MI, February 4, 2011 – The Detroit Yacht Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in North America, has received notification from the United States Department of Interior it will be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. The National Register is a program of the National Park Service and is used as a tool for preserving historic properties.
The designation will take effect on or near March 1, 2011 when it is officially listed by the Department of Interior.
The Detroit Yacht Club was formed in 1868 at the site of the current Owen Park. Today’s clubhouse, the largest of its kind in North America, was designed by renowned architect George Mason and built in 1922.
“This is a tremendous honor for the Detroit Yacht Club, recognizing our involvement and place in Detroit’s history,” said Dr. A.J. Telmos, Commodore, Detroit Yacht Club. “All of us at the DYC are very proud our organization is now part of a prestigious list of national treasures.”
Although a national designation, the program is administered at the state level by the Michigan State Historic Preservations Office (SHPO). The state’s SHPO was established in the late 1960s to provide technical assistance to local communities in identifying, evaluating, designating and protecting Michigan’s historic resources.
With the Detroit Yacht Club’s placement on the Register, the organization has incorporated the Detroit Yacht Club Foundation, a 501c3 charity that will allow access to grants, programs and tax deductible contributions to assist in the preservation of the facility. The research and application process for historical designation was led by Gregory Nowak, CPA, DYC Treasurer, along with members Cari Easterday, past Commodore Edward Theisen and current Commodore Dr. A.J. Telmos.
“On behalf of the DYC, we would like to acknowledge and thank Bob Christensen of the SHPO and all at our organization for the assistance and commitment in securing this honor,” added Telmos. “We look forward to continuing to serve our members and the community for many years to come, with the benefits and prestige this designation brings.”
Founded in 1868, the Detroit Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious private clubs in North America. The Detroit Yacht Club has been the center of Detroit society for nearly 150 years and continues a proud tradition and commitment to excellence and quality service to its members and the community. Offering boating and social memberships, the Detroit Yacht Club offers a first class dining experience, premier docking facilities in a picturesque location on Belle Isle, along with a variety of social events, recreational, athletic, health and fitness services. For more information, please call 313-824-1200 or visit www.dyc.com
