The old grain barges had deteriorated to a point where they were falling apart and causing a hazard to navigation. The barges were sunk in place and their wooden sides pulled over their hulls. Steel vessels were purchased and scuttled over the old barges. The bow half of the Empress Bay formed the south seawall, an old oil barge and an a former Circle Liner tour ship formed the west seawall. The Circle Liner was fitted out as a social center by the members.

Sellazzo's restaurant was open for business south of the Club.