Asilomar Concludes $1.2 Million Renovation And Retrofitting Of Grace H. Dodge Chapel Auditorium

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Catherine Boire: (707) 255-5997
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02.02.2007

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2007) – Asilomar Conference Grounds, home to the world’s largest collection of Julia Morgan-designed Arts & Crafts architecture, has completed a $1.2 million renovation to Morgan’s Grace H. Dodge Chapel Auditorium. A team of architectural, environmental and historic building specialists collaborated on the project, guided by original structural drawings borrowed from the engineering library at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. 

Julia Morgan, California’s first licensed female architect and designer of Hearst Castle, created Asilomar’s original 15 structures between 1913 and 1928. The 196-seat, Craftsman-style Grace H. Dodge Chapel Auditorium was completed in 1915 and, today, is a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inspired by the property’s rare ecological mix of sand dunes, beach, and forest, Morgan’s clean, classic buildings complement Asilomar’s striking scenic location.  
 
A local architectural firm and general contractor were selected based on their expertise in historic properties. The contractor dedicated a team of up to 16 daily workers who pulled 12-hour shifts, 6 days a week, to meet the aggressive construction schedule.
 
The Chapel Auditorium renovations feature new fire-retardant cedar shingles and wooden door and window trim replicating the building’s original design. A faux finish on the vertical log siding reflects the 1915 appearance; interior and exterior lights were also replaced with period-specific fixtures. Honoring the architect’s attention to detail, builders installed new copper downspouts, bronze handrails and tiles adorned with Morgan’s own designs. In addition to seismic bracing of the roof, walls and foundation, an upgraded fire alarm system now protects the structure. Two restrooms were completely remodeled to comply with the latest ADA guidelines, and a new concealed lift provides stage access for wheelchairs.
 
The Grace H. Dodge Chapel Auditorium work is part of a multi-year, multi-million dollar historic renovation plan at Asilomar Conference Grounds. The $1.2 million project was funded by the Asilomar Facilities Improvement Account, as part of an ongoing cooperative effort between California State Parks and Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts.

About Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds
Asilomar Conference Grounds is a magnificent beach haven nestled along the shoreline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary on 107 acres of forest and dunes, creating a dramatic backdrop and tranquil environment for groups, retreats and social events. The Asilomar complex comprises 29,000 square feet of meeting space, 24 individual conference rooms and 312 guest rooms with private bath and ocean or forest views. Asilomar has played host to thousands of groups since opening in 1913. Asilomar is operated under contract with California State Parks by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts.

About Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts
Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Inc., a subsidiary of Buffalo, N.Y.-based Delaware North Companies, Inc., is a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in hotel, retail, food service, recreation and transportation operations. The company’s portfolio includes some of the unique properties in North America, including Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Sequoia and Yellowstone national parks; Sequoia High Sierra Camp, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite; Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa near Vancouver, British Columbia; Old Town San Diego State Historic Park; Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds; Niagara Falls State Park; Jones Beach State Park; the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia and Denver; The Lodge & Conference Center at Geneva State Park, Ohio; The Resort at Glacier, Montana; and The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel in New Hampshire.

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