Roof collapse at Katz’s Marina at the Cove

LAKE HOPATCONG – A portion of the roof of the main building at Katz’s Marina at the Cove collapsed early Monday morning.
According to an employee at the marina no specific information is currently available because owner Seth Katz is out of the country and will be returning Tuesday, when he will issue a statement. It is unknown at this time what was stored in this section of the marina. The damage to the building is extensive.
At approximately 3:30am Monday morning one half of the roof gave way, presumably as a result of the weight of snow buildup. Jefferson Township police and fire were called to the scene. No injuries were reported.
The original part of the building was built in 1910 and housed the Kenvil Lumber and Story, Co. According to a Lake Hopatcong News article by Marty Kane published in January of 2013, customers could drive boats directly into the general store to buy “such diverse products as lumber, hardware, groceries, meats, produce, and household goods.”
In 1928 the store was sold to a father and son team and the site became Hockenjos Marina, known for selling Chris Craft boats. Five years later it was sold again, to Nick Stenick, who continued to operate under the name Hockenjos until 1958. It was during these years that two wings were built on either side of the main building. Katz purchased the marina in 2011, restored much of the old building.
A view from the lake shows Monday’s collapse occurred on the left side including the roof of the left wing to the center of the original building.