Our Story
How it all Began...
The Moorings began as 535 acres of mangrove swamp turned to a thriving waterfront community of over 350 single family luxury homes and 850 cottages and townhomes.
Purchased in the late 1950's by Julio Lobo, a Cuban sugar baron and father of Leonor Lobo-de Gonzalez, the acreage was unusable in its natural state. It was later dredged on a massive scale, with the fill piled high in order to create fingers of land reinforced by eight miles of sea wall. The Moorings was created and designed primarily as a boating community.
The man chiefly responsible for the growth of The Moorings from 1971 to 1984 was Jorge Gonzalez, son of an old sherry-making family from Jerez-de-la-Frontera, Spain. In 1971, Jorge, his wife Leonor, and their son Boris moved from Madrid to Vero Beach, where Jorge assumed directorship of The Moorings Development Company.
When the family arrived, The Moorings was barely more than a handful of fingers of fill, jutting out into the Indian River. Only The Billows on the ocean side and some scattered homes existed. Both Jorge and Leonor were initially dismayed at the barren, lunar-like landscape and at the many problems besetting The Moorings at the time. Both however, took up the challenge with enthusiasm and vigor.
South Passage, the first condominium developed by Jorge, was built in 1972. Another high mark was the construction of the par-64 golf course designed by Pete Dye some years later. Finally, in 1983, a fully operating clubhouse, offering golf tennis and social memberships was built. The Moorings Club was later dedicated to Leonor’s father, Julio Lobo.
The Gonzalez family also helped found Saint Edward’s School, assisting in the acquisition of the land adjacent to The Moorings. Boris attended Saint Edwards’ for several years, Leonor was Chairman of the English Department, and both Jorge and Leonor served as school trustees at different times. In 1984, the Gonzalez family sold The Moorings but remained residents in the community.
1957
Moorings Property purchased by Julio Lobo. He initially envisioned a boating residential community.
1971-1984
Jorge Gonzalez, son of a sherry-making family from Jerez-de-la Frontera, Spain and wife Leonor Lobo Gonzalez, began developing The Moorings Community.
1972
The Moorings Development Company, led by Jorge Gonzalez, built the first condo known as South Passage.
1974
Golf Course Architect Pete Dye, along with wife Alice Dye, built a Signature Par 64 golf course. The Moorings Course would be the only Short Course Pete ever built.
1976
Real estate in The Moorings Community booms leading to the formation of The Moorings Club.
1983
A fully operating clubhouse offering golf, tennis and social memberships was built.
1984
The Moorings Club was dedicated to Leonor’s father, Julio Lobo.
2004
The original clubhouse was destroyed by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne.
2006
Construction of the 58,000 square foot clubhouse.
2007
Proctor Construction, Peacock & Lewis Architects, and Image Design worked together for over 3 years re-building and designing the 58,000 square foot elegant Clubhouse that we know today.
2015
The Moorings Club acquired Hawk’s Nest Golf Club, and Jim Fazios highly regarded championship course, located 15 minutes north of The Moorings Club on Vero’s mainland.
1957
1971-1984
1972
1974
1976
1983
1984
2004
2006
2007
2015