Twenty-two cottages completed… twenty-four more to go!

Although Crystal Cove Alliance has achieved some substantial milestones, we still have significant challenges ahead to complete the restoration of the remaining cottages at Crystal Cove State Park Historic District. The Cove’s 46 cottages are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are an important California historic resource.  Crystal Cove Alliance is passionately committed to restoring the remaining 24 cottages for public use and we want to thank all of you who have already contributed so generously towards our initial success.

Crystal Cove Alliance (CCA) has ambitious goals for fast tracking the restoration and rehabilitation of the remaining 24 cottages. As the first non-profit Cooperating Association to be awarded a concession contract, CCA and, through the additional financial support of our subsidiary, Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, we are currently undertaking the following steps.     

Developing Public Awareness

We are educating park visitors and people in our community regarding the urgency to restore the remaining cottages. Many people visit the Cove now and assume it has been completed. Others walk through the historic district wondering what will become of the remaining cottages that are rapidly succumbing to the elements with each passing day. The longer we wait to restore the cottages, the more historic fabric we will lose.  

Funding for the project is currently needed. It has been estimated that this could run approximately $20 million. Our public awareness campaign will seek to enroll more people from our community to assist us with our mission of restoration. CCA has become a new non-profit management model for public-private partnerships within the California State Park system.     

Developing a Master Restoration Plan

Moving forward within the framework of the previously approved Preservation and Public Use Plan (PPUP), that was approved by the general public through an extensive public review process, CCA  teamed up with California State Parks and other qualified consultants to closely evaluate what would be needed to move this project forward to completion.  The plan has now been completed, and includes evaluation of the following:
  • The challenges and conditions associated with the restoration of the cottages
  • The projected costs associated with restoration of cottages and infrastructure
  • The potential restoration phasing and construction access to best minimize impacts      to the historic district
  • The overall financial cost estimates and goals for our Capital Campaign
 
As a result of this planning process, two phases have been identified:

Phase 2:  Preliminary estimated cost: $6 million

• Outdoor Educational Commons (Units 40, 42, 43, 44)
• Future “Beaches” Museum (Cottage #45)
• Cottage #5 and #45
• Garages and Creek Restoration

Phase 3:  Preliminary estimated cost: $16 million

• 17 cottages on the North Beach area designated for  overnight rentals

Developing a Capital Campaign

Part of CCA’s mission is to assist State Parks with raising funds for restoration. In early 2007, CCA will develop and implement an ambitious capital campaign to continue our efforts of raising funds for the restoration of the remaining cottages. We will be pursuing both public and private funding sources to assist with various restoration projects.

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. This project is located in the heart of the historic district directly across from the new Beachcomber Café. Next time you are sitting on the deck of the Beachcomber Café, look towards Los Trancos Creek and envision the completion of those small charming cottages surrounded by beautiful gardens.  The “Beaches” Museum located at the Southern tip of the Historic District will offer all park visitors an opportunity to experience life at the Cove.
      
The Crystal Cove Alliance invites you today to join us as a “Cornerstone Member,” laying the financial foundation for the restoration of these two key facilities.  Cornerstone giving starts at $10,000 with onsite name recognition opportunities available. The estimated cost for this project is $2 million. 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 spring of 2007.