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Watch Hill’s lone eatery Whalehouse Point Restaurant and Bar needs to be completely rebuilt after a fire ripped through the building this past September. The good news for frequenters, the rebuilding effort is underway.
LoveFINS — the concessioner that runs the marinas, restaurants, regular campsites at Watch Hill and Sailors Haven — told GreaterPatchogue the status of the structure in an interview on Wednesday.
“We recently issued an RFP (request for proposal) to architects for the redesign of the restaurant and have had an incredible response,” said Doug Biviano, who runs LoveFINs with his wife, Lee Biviano. “We will be selecting a proposal in the coming weeks then start design.”
The plans include raising the elevation of the new restaurant about four feet, which will give scenic views of the water.
“This is an opportunity to re-imagine the structure for a better visitor experience that will capture the breathtaking sunsets over the Great South Bay,” said Doug. “We’re going to make it better than ever.”
LoveFINS’s goal is to clear the old building out before summer. Construction on the new restaurant will most likely not begin until sometime next year.
“Our commitment is to make the new Whalehouse the best Fire Island National Seashore destination for Long Islanders and National Park visitors nationwide,” said Doug.
In the meanwhile, starting May 15, all visitor services will be open at Watch Hill. That includes food and beverages from the Whalehouse food truck and beach bar tent (see photos below). This is the same truck that LoveFINS rolled out last year following the blaze.
Live music will also be scheduled every weekend throughout the summer and shoulder seasons.
To learn about the summer festivities, make sure to LoveFINS across social media at @loveFINS.
