February Rebuild Update
We've made significant progress on this project in 2025. The pool structures are painted and looking fantastic, and the Pavilion structure is nearly complete. Currently, we are estimating a late spring opening. Some supply delays have pushed the timeline further. We will continue to keep the neighborhood informed of timeline.
We recently shared the commercial furniture selections for the project. The new high-quality, powder-coated aluminum and teak furniture will look spectacular next to our new buildings and withstand Florida's unique climate and neighborhood use. Additionally, we continue to work with the builder and county to identify areas of cost savings (such as the code requirement for ventilation in open-air bathrooms).
In August 2024, the HOA voted to reestablish the rebuild committee and proceed with all phases of construction. Over the past six months, we have worked diligently with Lake Flato Architects and Cardella Construction to finalize the design and pre-construction planning to establish a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) that covers all known cost plus contingency as to guarantee a maximum price the HOA would pay. Note: The GMP also includes landscaping, boardwalks, decking, all furniture and equipment. In January, the committee presented its findings to the Board and community, with the Board voting to proceed with the permitting phase. We are currently in a temporary holding pattern, awaiting the new Board’s establishment and contract approvals. We estimate groundbreaking within four months of that date, followed by a 10-month construction timeline for the Riverhouse and Gym phase.
We are very excited to be on the verge of completing this monumental achievement.
Addressing Community Questions
By engaging the original architect and revisiting past design concepts, we are confident that the rebuild vision aligns with the values of our neighborhood. This is important because it upholds the architectural character that unites us and originally drew us all to Rivercamps. At the project's start, proposed changes were sent to owners via survey, receiving over 90% approval from more than 100 lots. We have partnered with high-quality designers, providing them with extensive reference materials (original plans, owner photos, etc.) to ensure the new buildings maintain the unique spirit of Rivercamps. The rebuild design is based on original iterations from the original architect. We are confident that the design reflects Rivercamps’ distinct character, rather than other developments, and enhances facilities for all owners while positioning Rivercamps as a flagship community.
A direct rebuild is not possible due to updated commercial building codes, flood zone changes, and evolving county requirements over the past 20 years. The Committee has remained transparent about necessary design modifications from the beginning through open meetings, regular updates, and personal conversations. While not every decision can be up to a vote, owner feedback has been, and will continue to be, welcomed and considered. For example, no-see-um screening was added before the pavilion decking was installed in response to owner input.
Phased build?
Some have asked whether we could build in phases or construct only the Gym first. Simply put, it would be financially irresponsible to build the Gym alone without the Riverhouse. Although the GMP itemizes costs for each building separately, the true financial burden of constructing just one would be significant and would still result in an Owner assessment. The two buildings were designed as a single compound, permitted as such, and are interdependent. Key infrastructure such as electrical, plumbing, and low-voltage systems are routed through the Riverhouse and distributed to the Gym. A phased or single building build would result in significant redesign costs, further delays and a large increase in contractor time.
Financial burden aside, the long-term owner cost of a phased build cannot be ignored. Given the proximity of the two buildings, it is very likely that we would lose access to the Gym for ~10 months during Riverhouse construction. A phased build would necessitate redesigns, re-permitting, and re-engagement with the architect, builder, and consultants—further increasing costs. There is no guarantee that materials would still be available, which would result in mismatched, adjoining buildings; this risk is further compounded by pending tariffs and constantly evolving zoning and code changes.
The Committee has received criticism in the past for “downgrading” the complex and has taken that criticism seriously; changes to the design were made to maximize space and functionality, materials were chosen to prioritize longevity, and owner feedback has been incorporated at every opportunity. After extensive discussion, the Committee has determined that a phased build offers no benefits, only increased time, costs, and risks. It is, unequivocally, something we do not recommend.
Compliance with Updated Codes and Regulations
Over the past two years, we have collaborated extensively with Bay County to comply with new codes, flood zone changes, environmental protections, and county requirements. The Committee has worked diligently to adjust Riverhouse designs to meet these new regulations and ensure the space can be utilized by all community members. When new flood zone changes took effect during the project’s shutdown, the complex was moved into a Velocity Zone (VE BFE 13’), requiring all structures and infrastructure to be elevated. We are grateful that Bay County has allowed us to rebuild on the original footprint while guiding us through compliance with the new standards.
We have seen ideas such as complete redesign of the buildings, incorporating features such as an indoor pickleball court, expansive meeting space, second pavilion, and spa. These ideas would all have to comply with the elevated velocity zone requirements and stay within the original footprint. These ideas have been considered; however, we feel strongly that a complete redesign would not result in cost savings and come with a significant impact to timeline. In addition to the risks described above regarding a phased build, the Committee is very doubtful that a new structure would be approved due to the new regulations and proximity to the water, given the hoops we have already had to jump through to gain approval for the Riverhouse. We believe the right path forward is staying true to the original vision that brought us all to Rivercamps in the first place.
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Moving Forward Together
The original building was estimated to be completed for $10-11 million; today, despite decades of economic changes, we remain on track within that same cost range—an incredible feat.
The progress we have made on this project is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our community. While challenges have arisen, we have remained committed to a transparent process that respects both our shared vision and the realities of rebuilding in today’s regulatory and economic landscape.
With the final phases of permitting and construction on the horizon, we are excited to see the completion of a project that will enhance Rivercamps for generations to come. This rebuild is more than just a series of structures—it is a reaffirmation of the community we all invested in and love.
Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and trust as we move toward the finish line. We look forward to celebrating this milestone together in the near future.
