Paradise Ocean Club will officially reopen on Wednesday, May 22 at 11 a.m., the club announced on social media.

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — A new lease has been signed to return Paradise Ocean Club to Fort Monroe in summer 2024, according to business owner Baxter Simmons.

He is hoping the beachfront bar and restaurant can reopen sometime in May.

The National Park Service owns the former officers club Simmons operates out of. Negotiations for a new lease were awarded last year.

A spokesperson confirmed to WAVY on Wednesday “that the lease for Building 186 has indeed been signed.”

The club operated at the sprawling site along the Chesapeake Bay from May to Labor Day for 10 years, from 2012 to 2022, when its lease was abruptly ended.

A 10 On Your Side investigation found that concerns arose from residents living on Fort Monroe over the conduct of patrons of the club. Following a June 2022 non-fatal shooting outside the club, operations were temporarily suspended in the early evening hours.

Simmons said at the time that he couldn’t help but think that the club’s popularity with the young African American community has something to do with the decision to let the club’s original lease end.

He said when it reopens, things will be different.

The club will be held to a 1,000-person capacity moving forward with no more access for boats from the bay, according to Simmons. Previously, there was no capacity limit.

Admission will be required on Saturdays and Sundays. There will be no cover to eat in the restaurant Monday through Friday.

Memberships will be available for those who regularly want to use the beach, which will remain the only beach in Hampton Roads where drinking alcohol is legal.

“We are focused on a family-friendly environment,” Simmons said. “Focusing on family-friendly entertainment.”

The club will pay $210,000 annually to lease the space until January 2034.

The facility has been damaged since Paradise Ocean Club left in late September 2022. The National Park Service will work with the club on rent credits for repairs, according to Simmons.

Simmons praised new Fort Monroe Superintendent Jaci Wells for her work in coming to an agreement.