Story and photos by DinaRella / Additional images courtesy of Historicalflorida Broward County & Floridamemory
Part One
When receiving a text from Tommy Hofstetter of “Chief Racing Engine” fame with an invite to his 2024 FLIBS Party at the Pier promoting BTH Marine's premier center console line Front Runner Boats, first you smile. Next, you change any plans you had after reading on the flyer it’s being held at Pier Sixty-Six Marina Resort Complex, the one nearing completion of a $1 billion transformation.
We start part one briefly musing over the legendary fixture and its contemporary comeback. Then it’s onto the docks to get a closer look at the 2025-model Front Runners coming up aces and collecting kudos for their convincing on-water composure and high-degree of customizability.
From Hofstetter’s many decades building, rigging, racing and re-powering high-speed offshore powerboats at Chief Performance, to his crossover into the multi-outboard-engine-driven luxury center console market – his passion is performance and when BTH Marine stands behind a brand, RDP wants to know about it!
Rooted in Route 66 and “The Jetsons”
Established in 1957, Pier 66 (now designated Sixty-Six) has been a Fort Lauderdale icon since the mid-century. Named after Phillips Petroleum's first Kansas location near Route 66, it started as a fuel dock and car service station. Profiting from a prime location at the junction of the 17th Street Causeway along the southern gateway to the beach district, the marina became a popular refueling post for both Bahamas-bound boaters and those cruising north.
In 1965, it expanded to include the 17-story hotel tower celebrated for its cylindrical, Jetsons-esque revolving rooftop restaurant. During the development of the Port Everglades seaport area, the tallest building in town, likened to the Seattle Space Needle and the Eiffel Tower, played a significant role in boosting the city’s reputation as a top travel destination and was instrumental in shaping the community’s identity.
The tower forever framed the skyline into a landmark. The New Times reports, “Phillips Petroleum architect Richard F. Humble paid homage to his employer with "66" themes woven into various design elements. The glass elevator takes 66 seconds to reach to the top floor; the walls each have 66 windows; 66 spires encircle the hotel’s crown; and the restaurant makes one revolution every 66 minutes.”
Following a series of takeovers, future investors included former Miami Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga and the Hyatt Hotel Corp. Tavistock Development Company then acquired the property in 2016. Paying careful attention to its “historically designated” architectural tradition, while at the same time meshing together modern elements, the firm began reshaping the 32 acres into a high-end waterfront sanctuary adding residences, shops and restaurants. Whether drawn to the tower for nostalgic reasons or a cinematic view over the horizon, the good news is a ritzy, revamped rooftop lounge is set to re-open and the spires will continue to spin.
Boaters, on the other hand, will find their “star amenity” below at the new 13,000-square-foot marina, freshly dredged to improve navigation. Designated as a foreign-trade zone by United States Customs and Border Patrol, tax-free, high-speed fueling is another perk. However, come Friday evening of the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, thanks to BTH Marine and Front Runner Boats – the words high-speed fueling took on a different meaning as you will see in part two.
Part Two takes you to the boats!
https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/articles/amenity-laden-front-runners-anchor-bth-marine’s-pier-sixty-six-party.1243/
Part One
When receiving a text from Tommy Hofstetter of “Chief Racing Engine” fame with an invite to his 2024 FLIBS Party at the Pier promoting BTH Marine's premier center console line Front Runner Boats, first you smile. Next, you change any plans you had after reading on the flyer it’s being held at Pier Sixty-Six Marina Resort Complex, the one nearing completion of a $1 billion transformation.
We start part one briefly musing over the legendary fixture and its contemporary comeback. Then it’s onto the docks to get a closer look at the 2025-model Front Runners coming up aces and collecting kudos for their convincing on-water composure and high-degree of customizability.
From Hofstetter’s many decades building, rigging, racing and re-powering high-speed offshore powerboats at Chief Performance, to his crossover into the multi-outboard-engine-driven luxury center console market – his passion is performance and when BTH Marine stands behind a brand, RDP wants to know about it!
Rooted in Route 66 and “The Jetsons”
Established in 1957, Pier 66 (now designated Sixty-Six) has been a Fort Lauderdale icon since the mid-century. Named after Phillips Petroleum's first Kansas location near Route 66, it started as a fuel dock and car service station. Profiting from a prime location at the junction of the 17th Street Causeway along the southern gateway to the beach district, the marina became a popular refueling post for both Bahamas-bound boaters and those cruising north.
In 1965, it expanded to include the 17-story hotel tower celebrated for its cylindrical, Jetsons-esque revolving rooftop restaurant. During the development of the Port Everglades seaport area, the tallest building in town, likened to the Seattle Space Needle and the Eiffel Tower, played a significant role in boosting the city’s reputation as a top travel destination and was instrumental in shaping the community’s identity.
The tower forever framed the skyline into a landmark. The New Times reports, “Phillips Petroleum architect Richard F. Humble paid homage to his employer with "66" themes woven into various design elements. The glass elevator takes 66 seconds to reach to the top floor; the walls each have 66 windows; 66 spires encircle the hotel’s crown; and the restaurant makes one revolution every 66 minutes.”
Pier Sixty-Six’s Contemporary Comeback
Following a series of takeovers, future investors included former Miami Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga and the Hyatt Hotel Corp. Tavistock Development Company then acquired the property in 2016. Paying careful attention to its “historically designated” architectural tradition, while at the same time meshing together modern elements, the firm began reshaping the 32 acres into a high-end waterfront sanctuary adding residences, shops and restaurants. Whether drawn to the tower for nostalgic reasons or a cinematic view over the horizon, the good news is a ritzy, revamped rooftop lounge is set to re-open and the spires will continue to spin.
Boaters, on the other hand, will find their “star amenity” below at the new 13,000-square-foot marina, freshly dredged to improve navigation. Designated as a foreign-trade zone by United States Customs and Border Patrol, tax-free, high-speed fueling is another perk. However, come Friday evening of the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, thanks to BTH Marine and Front Runner Boats – the words high-speed fueling took on a different meaning as you will see in part two.
https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/articles/amenity-laden-front-runners-anchor-bth-marine’s-pier-sixty-six-party.1243/
