The California-based ownership group that recently acquired the Club at Treasure Island, at 400 Treasure Island Causeway, has announced its vision for reactivating the property, which has been dormant since August 2023. 

According to Sam Tavakoli, a partner at Tavaco Properties, big changes are planned for the club, but it won’t be completely redeveloped, as former owner Bill Edwards tried — and failed — to do.

“We are not developers,” Tavakoli said in an interview with St. Pete Rising. “We have no intention of developing the site. What we’re actively trying to do is essentially run it like a pseudo-retail property.

“We’re looking for best-in-class operators to operate the restaurant, for example, and we are looking for a best-in-class event operator, as well. And then you have the pool and tiki bar. That’s another venue we’ve been discussing.”

Those interested in operating the restaurant, pool and tiki bar, or the event venue are encouraged to email to Tavaco Properties.

Tavakoli added that Sunday pool parties could return to the club, possibly as soon as late March, when consistently warm weather resumes. Tavaco Properties also plans to drive traffic to the club by converting its tennis facility into pickleball courts that would be publicly accessible. There’s also a first-floor space, currently being used for storage, that could be converted into a restaurant, spa, or gym. 

Tavakoli said that there probably wouldn’t be an overall club membership fee but instead patrons would pay a la carte for whatever service or amenity they use, whether it’s pickleball, dining, fitness, or private event space rentals.

“We want to create a club-like experience, but open to the public,” he said. “It’s a destination. Every time we buy a property, our goal is to cater to the demographic. So, we look where there’s a void. And in this case, it’s entertainment. We’re trying to fill that void. You look at the house prices in Treasure Island — that speaks for itself. People have a ton of disposable income and they want entertainment.”

The Club at Treasure Island’s event space could also help alleviate a shortage of venues in the area that can host weddings and private parties.

“There is a hotel in the area that has turned down more than 100 events last year because of low supply and high demand,” Tavakoli said.

“What we see happening is an experienced operator coming in, renovating the space, and bringing some life back into it,” he said. “We do have some operators that are pretty much ready to go and are asking about leasing on a long-term basis.”

Tavakoli added that Tavaco Properties could look to acquire other properties to add to its portfolio in the region but for now the company is focused on restoring the Club at Treasure Island to a functional amenity for residents and tourists alike.

“We’ve been investing in Florida for decades, and plan to continue expanding our portfolio in the state with particular interest in the Tampa metro area,” he said.