By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(Nov. 5, 2026) The Ocean Pines Association this month approved a $55,000 expenditure for insulation work at the beach club in Ocean City as efforts continue to overhaul the facility.

At Saturday’s Ocean Pines Board of Directors meeting, John Latham, board secretary, said the directors unanimously accepted a staff recommendation to contract with Davenport Insulation for $54,695 to insulate the club building. The board approved the contract bid via email vote on Oct. 22.

This expenditure is part of a broader effort to revamp the club, located on 49th Street in Ocean City, with a new upstairs restaurant, updated decking, and an ADA-compliant elevator.

Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola told the Bayside Gazette last month that demolition inside and outside the structure has officially begun in preparation for the new eatery, decking, and pilings.

Additionally, the association received final decking plans on Oct. 23.

Next up for the beach club is insulation work. The full project is expected to be completed by Memorial Day.

OPA and its food and beverage operator, Touch of Italy are working together on the project. Touch of Italy is responsible for interior enhancements, including installing a second-story kitchen and seating to expand dining options. OPA will handle the elevator and exterior structural upgrades.

Viola noted that by next summer, OPA must guarantee access to the beach club’s parking lot and pool and have a completed deck. While the general manager maintains the association will meet that responsibility, the new elevator and restaurant may take longer. However, members should have full use of the facility by the end of May.

The Beach Club initiative is “long overdue,” Viola said last month. He said the deck has been run-down for a few years and its food and beverage offerings could be improved.

The project has been steadily progressing since the summer.

In July, the board approved a contract with Absolute Demolition for the property’s exterior demolition for $51,616 and My Hands Handyman for the interior demo for $49,957.

The board also approved interior floor reinforcement and siding removal in August.