Statement of Significance (as of designation - February 27, 1987):
Situated in Fairmount Park, these 15 private boat and barge clubs were created to serve the recreational needs of Philadelphians. The clubs' parent organization, the Schuykill Navy, was formed in 1858 and continues as the nation's oldest amateur governing body in sports. National and international champions, including many Olympic participants and winners, have come from these clubs. Famed Philadelphia Frank Furness designed the Undine Barge Club, which partisans consider--architecturally speaking--"the best little oar house."

Erosion of the site due to the flow of underground streams continues. When Kelly Drive was created in the late 1800s, several streams had to be rerouted underground. Two of them flow under Boathouse Row into the Schuylkill River. In December 2003, the Quaker City Rowing Foundation funded a site study of #2 and #3 Boathouse Row. The study revealed that those buildings were built directly on solid ground, no pilings were needed. Erosion damage is minimal. Most at risk from erosion are #6, #7, #9, #10, and #14. #4 is in need of maintenance of its roof, windows and paint. #5 needs repairs to its exterior walls, painting, and repair of windows facing the Schuykill River. The Schuykill Navy Endowment was created in June 2004 to provide a vehicle for raising funds to provide for the repair and renovation of common areas along Boathouse Row.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
The buildings need condition assessment reports, rehabilitation, and repair of damage and deterioration. Stabilizing the boathouses most at risk from erosion would cost an estimated $800,000. The recommended method involves driving concrete-reinforced micropiles down to bedrock and laying steel beams across the pilings to support the structural walls.