Yearlong restoration set to begin

Alicia Robinson

The first phase of a two-part restoration project that will open

cottages at Crystal Cove State Park to public use will begin in a few

weeks under the watch of a local building firm that won the

$8-million construction contract.

The work will take about one year and include restoration of 22 of

the park’s 46 historic beach cottages, as well as new public

facilities in the park’s historic district, such as a visitors’

station at the park entrance, a cultural center and a pedestrian

bridge over Los Trancos Creek, said park Supt. Ken Kramer.

The state Department of Parks and Recreation on Tuesday announced

it granted the $8-million contract for the restoration work to

Newport Beach firm Metro Builders and Engineers Group Ltd.

“The timeframe is challenging because we’ve only got one year to

finish it up,” said Metro Builders project manager Richard

Quattroccha.

The engineering firm specializes in public works and has done

similar restoration projects elsewhere in California, he said.

Construction will start in mid-March. When the first phase is

complete, the park will offer something for everyone, with cottages

for overnight stays, a beach cafe and a pedestrian-friendly and

historic environment, Kramer said.

“Our goal, of course, is to maintain the charm and atmosphere down

there,” he said. “We’re sensitive to why that’s such a unique and

special place.”

The 22 cottages to be restored are situated on the north bluff,

near the park entrance and on the south beachfront. They are expected

to be available by summer 2005 and will rent for $80 to $150 for

single cottages and $20 to $30 per bed in dormitory-style cottages.

The restoration project is particularly exciting to the Alliance

to Rescue Crystal Cove. The nonprofit group has been working for

several years to preserve the beachfront community, which dates back

to the 1930s and has been on the National Register of Historic Places

since 1979.

“We’re thrilled to see the restoration and it’s a new era for

Crystal Cove,” group President Laura Davick said. Davick grew up in

Crystal Cove and wants others to be able to enjoy the community as

she remembers it, she said.

“This is an incredible milestone and I think it’s going to be a

wonderful treasure for all of California and beyond once it gets

done,” Davick said.

The Alliance to Rescue Crystal Cove is now focused on encouraging

more public involvement at Crystal Cove through the weekly tours that

Davick conducts, as well as fundraising efforts for the second phase

of the restoration project.

The first phase of the restoration, including already completed

work on landscaping and stabilization of cottages, will cost about

$13 million, Kramer said. Much of that funding came from a state

resources bond issue approved in 2002, and about $2.8 million came

from the California Coastal Commission.

* ALICIA ROBINSON covers business, politics and the environment.

She may be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail at

alicia.robinson@latimes.com.