Beachfront Living in Detroit? Inside the City’s Most Unique Historic Oasis

Can you believe this is actually Detroit?!

Every time I walk out onto the sand at 7700 E Jefferson Ave, I have to pinch myself. Seriously! If you had told me forty years ago when I started this journey in real estate that we would be creating a full-blown riverfront resort right in the heart of our city, I would have said, "Let’s make it happen!" But seeing it today? It’s a dream come true.

Welcome to Beach Club Detroit.

For years, this stunning 1939 Georgian Revival gem was known as River Terrace. It had the bones, it had the history, and it had that unmistakable Detroit soul. But it needed a catalyst, a transformation that would respect its past while hurtling it toward a sustainable, vibrant future. We didn’t just want to renovate a building; we wanted to create an experience. We wanted to prove that you don’t have to leave the city limits to find a vacation vibe.

This is beachfront living, Detroit style.

The "Resort in the City" Vibe: Why You’ll Never Want to Leave

I’ve always believed that housing should be more than just four walls and a roof. It should be a place where you feel a sense of pride, dignity, and, quite frankly, a whole lot of fun! At Beach Club Detroit, we’ve leaned all the way into the "Resort in the City" lifestyle.

Imagine finishing a long day of work, coming home, and heading straight to your own private beach on the Detroit River. We’re talking seven acres of lush, park-like settings just steps away from the Belle Isle Bridge.

Want to unwind by the water? We’ve got a beautiful beachfront pergola that creates the perfect place to relax, gather with neighbors, and take in the river breeze. Feeling competitive? Round up the neighbors for a game of beach volleyball or a sunset match on the bocce ball court. This isn't just "amenities", it's a community coming to life.

When we designed these spaces, we kept asking ourselves: How can we make this the hottest place to live in Detroit? The answer was simple: give people the beauty of the river and the social connection they crave. It’s the ultimate "win-win" for our residents.

87 Years of History, 100% Modern Soul

Now, you know I’m a sucker for historic preservation. There is a specific kind of magic in a building from 1939 that you just can’t replicate with new construction. You can feel the stories in the walls!

At Beach Club, we worked tirelessly to preserve the original refinished parquet wood flooring and that gorgeous, thick historic wood trim. When you walk into these units, you’re greeted by large, spacious floor plans that breathe with the elegance of a bygone era. It’s about honoring the craftsmanship of the past while providing the comforts of today.

But we didn’t stop at the surface. Oh no, we went deep.

The Trifecta: History, Sustainability, and Technology

This is where the technical nerd in me gets really excited! One of our biggest "wins" at Beach Club Detroit was tackling the massive challenge of energy efficiency in an 87-year-old building. Historically, these old beauties were heated by incredibly inefficient steam systems. They were expensive, clunky, and definitely not green.

We decided to do something revolutionary. We completed a full conversion to a state-of-the-art geothermal-heat pump system.

By tapping into the earth’s natural temperature, we’ve created a building that is not only incredibly comfortable but also a leader in environmental tech. When you pair that with our Nest thermostats, LED lighting, and a cool roof rated system, the results are staggering. We are talking about a massive reduction in energy consumption: a true marriage made in heaven between historic charm and futuristic tech!

We believe that sustainable housing is a right, not a privilege. By making these buildings efficient, we ensure they remain viable and affordable for generations to come. It’s about the big picture: the well-being of our community and our planet.

Convenience Meets Security

In 2026, we know that your home needs to keep up with your pace. That’s why we’ve integrated remote contactless access right from your smartphone. No more fumbling for keys! Plus, with gated secure parking, our residents have the peace of mind they deserve.

Whether you’re a young professional working downtown or someone who has called Detroit home for decades, you deserve a space that feels safe, modern, and special.

Why We Do What We Do

People often ask me why I’ve spent 40 years revitalizing buildings in Detroit. My "why" is simple: I love this city, and I believe in the power of transformation.

I remember walking through Detroit as a kid and seeing the incredible architecture, feeling the energy of the neighborhoods. When I see a building like the Beach Club, I don't see a "project." I see a catalyst for the entire East Jefferson corridor. I see a place where memories will be made, where people will watch the sunset over the river and feel a deep sense of belonging.

We are so proud of what we’ve built here at Shelborne Development. From our award-winning historic rehabilitations to our commitment to sustainability, everything we do is about people.

Beach Club Detroit isn’t just a place to live; it’s a celebration of what Detroit was, what it is, and what it’s going to be!

Come See For Yourself!

Are you ready to experience the best of both worlds? The historic character of 1939 meets the resort lifestyle of 2026.

If you’re looking for a new home that offers more than just a zip code, come visit us at 7700 E Jefferson Ave. Explore our current projects or contact us today to schedule a tour.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the club. Let’s keep building a beautiful, sustainable Detroit together!

With gratitude and excitement,

Kathy Makino Managing Partner, Shelborne Development