Shuffleboard clubhouse and Mary Pier under review after storm; community urges restoration

At the May 1 meeting the Historic Preservation Board and city staff updated the board on two high‑profile storm‑damaged properties in Pass‑a‑Grille: the community’s Shuffleboard Club clubhouse and the Mary Pier.

Staff said the city is evaluating options for both sites. For the Shuffleboard Club building, staff reported there is still uncertainty about the extent of structural damage; the city and the club are exploring whether repairs can be undertaken that would preserve the building’s historic character, and whether a FEMA variance could permit restoring the existing structure rather than rebuilding to new standards.

Multiple club members and neighbors spoke during public comment and urged repair and restoration. Bill Brown, a longtime club member, said the club has a year‑round maintenance effort and that the building hosts regular community play and visitors; “We would like to see this thing restored,” he said. John Rood and other residents described the building as structurally sound in parts and urged the city not to rush to demolition.

Nut graf: City staff said options include repair under a FEMA variance if the building can be brought back without replacement, or demolition and replacement if the damage is judged substantial; the city will seek further appraisals and study the feasibility before final action.

For the Mary Pier, staff said the city will have the building reappraised to determine whether it meets the 50% substantial‑damage threshold that would require demolition/rebuilding under certain programs. Staff asked the board to be prepared to consider FEMA‑related processes if the reappraisal finds smaller damage that can be remedied by repair.

Board members and members of the public also asked staff to pursue short‑term steps that can improve safety and appearance while longer decisions are made — for example, improved temporary fencing, lighting, and bench repairs at the shuffleboard courts. Staff said park and facility repairs and longer‑term options are being coordinated between departments and will return to the commission and board as the technical and financial details are resolved.

Ending: The city will seek damage reassessments and consider FEMA variance pathways before final decisions; community members who use the shuffleboard courts asked the city to prioritize repairs that allow continued public use.