Become a Cornerstone Member

Our number one fundraising priorities continue to be the Outdoor Educational Commons and special event area, and the “Beaches” Museum.  The Outdoor Commons venue will be used for educational, cultural and scientific programs and will also serve as a special public event area.  The Crystal Cove Alliance invites you today to join us as a “Cornerstone Member,” laying the financial foundation for the restoration of this key facility.  Cornerstone giving starts at $10,000 with onsite name recognition opportunities available.  This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a permanent part of this historic treasure.  We hope you will consider making a tax-deductible contribution towards this project so you too can become an important part of Crystal Cove history.
     
For additional information on Cornerstone giving opportunities or for a site tour, please contact Laura Davick at (949) 376-0900. Early Cornerstone Members include the Samueli Foundation, Tricia Nichols, The Marisla Foundation and University of California, Irvine, whose funding will complete the Marine Research Facility in 2007.

Outdoor Educational Commons · Rendering by Richard Kent

The "Beaches" Museum · Rendering by Richard Kent

This Phase 2 restoration project focuses on restoring the very heart of the community:  four centrally-located cottages will become the Outdoor Educational Commons.  Upon completion, the Commons area will be used for outdoor environmental classes and lectures, plein air art demonstrations and classes, and evening talks and lectures.  The Commons will also become a special community and family event venue.  The estimated cost for restoration of the Educational Commons is $2.4 million.  We anticipate construction to begin on this project in late 2007/early 2008.

Phase 2 will also include the rehabilitation of Cottage 13, which is known as “The Beaches” cottage, as a house museum with a lifeguard station on the second level.  The museum will offer visitors to the Park an opportunity to re-visit the days of the beach community via special exhibits and tours of the interior of a typical cottage.  The estimated cost for restoration of “The Beaches” cottage is $850,000.  Both the Educational Commons and the Museum will make available tremendous opportunities for the public to experience and enjoy the Historic District, beyond those who are able to secure a reservation in one of the 13 cottages restored for overnight accommodations.

The Crystal Cove Historic District provides “a sense of time and place which cannot be reconstructed in Southern California.”  It exists today, and is listed on the National Historic Register, because of its significance as an intact community representing early 20th century California beach culture, its architectural significance insured by over half a century of relative isolation.  With little commercial intrusion during a period of explosive economic development, the small community at Crystal Cove remains a haven, an “island in time” for reflection, recreation, education and inspiration.  Hours spent enjoying the ocean and beaches of the Cove become treasured memories, while the lessons in art and architecture, environmentalism, history of place, marine biology and natural history become critical contributions for all who visit the Outdoor Educational Commons and “Beaches” Museum.