In 1983, George Strickhausen, founder of Coastal Properties and developer of City by the Sea, envisioned and began the creation of Bay Harbor, a residential community featuring waterfront homesites. However, the economic slowdown of the 1980s, driven by a decline in the oil industry, led Coastal Properties to declare bankruptcy in 1991, transferring unsold properties to Travelers Mutual and significantly reducing sales activity.
The journey to establish the Bay Harbor Channel Owners Association, Inc. began in 1993. This non-profit organization was formed to manage the affairs of Units 1, 2, and 3. Articles of Incorporation were filed, and the first organizational meeting was held on July 15, 1993. Fred Doppelt was elected President, Roy Markwardt Vice President, and Billy Carter Secretary. The bylaws were adopted, and the first Architectural Control Committee included Jack Robinson, Fred Doppelt, and Roy Markwardt. The first board meeting was held on July 24, 1993.
In December 1993, Travelers Mutual relinquished property rights, leading to a property sale that attracted buyers before tax lien foreclosures. Jack Robinson and Cal Banker purchased part of the subdivision, initiating the development of Unit 4. This included creating small islands from dredged materials, pairing each lot with a portion of an island. A sales office was established at the entrance to Bay Harbor.
The first annual member meeting took place on June 11, 1994, marking the official incorporation of Unit 4 into Bay Harbor. The community faced its first major challenge when the City of Aransas Pass attempted to auction 27 lots due to unpaid taxes. The association successfully protested, preserving the lots for future development. The sales office was sold to George Overturf, who promoted lot sales for three years.
Since 1994, Bay Harbor has overcome numerous challenges, including hurricanes like the devastating Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and has celebrated milestones like the installation of new concrete streets. Thanks to resilient residents, dedicated leadership, and community efforts, Bay Harbor continues to thrive as a premier waterfront community along the Intracoastal Waterway.
