The approach to reintroducing finishes and furnishings was taken into careful consideration. Page & Turnbull worked to match the size and grain pattern of the original oak strip floors when replacing the existing flooring. Furniture selection by BraytonHughes Design Studios, San Francisco, was inspired by period furniture pieces, carefully researched by the team. The general contactor, Ausonio Inc., Castroville, Calif., hired a team of craftsmen who fabricated replicas of wall paneling and matched the original wood planks found in some areas of the hall with new flooring. Additionally, the team worked with a lighting manufacturer to produce replicas of the original wall sconces and historic chandeliers, which highlight the ceiling structure and illuminate the room’s beautiful original redwood trusses.
Page & Turnbull also investigated the materials used by Julia Morgan. The designers tested stains and varnishes on the new redwood boards in the walls and, where possible, they reused and salvaged many of the existing boards.
Mary Ann Crocker Dining Hall
Located near the Hearst Social Hall, Mary Ann Crocker Dining Hall was another important public building designed by Morgan to support the conference grounds’ activities. The magnificent 5,000-squarefoot dining room features a cathedral ceiling supported by redwood trusses spanning more than 50 feet. It can seat more than 400 people in a space that remains as it was intended 100 years ago.
The new commercial kitchen, which was built during the rehabilitation project, allows for better service to guests and provides an improved connection between the dining room and the kitchen. The focus of renovations to the Crocker Dining Hall was to create a visual connection between the historic dining hall and the servery, or food counter. A central opening was created to help the visitor flow. Interior redwood paneling was applied to full-height bifold doors that can be closed off, restoring the original appearance of the south wall.
Continued Collaboration
Asilomar Conference Grounds will continue to enhance its offerings. Currently, the property is undergoing a site accessibility improvement. Future remodels are planned to the interiors of several guest accommodations.
In addition to the recent renovations, Page & Turnbull prepared Historical Structure Reports (HSRs) for other Morgan-designed buildings on the site. The Stuck-Up Inn, the Lodge, Directors Cottage, Scripps, Engineer’s Cottage, and Pirate’s Den are contributors to the Asilomar Conference Grounds National Historic Landmark District and are on the priority list for assessment and documentation to assist future renovations.
The HSRs address the history of development; assess existing conditions; identify character-defining features; and describe appropriate treatment approaches for preserving, maintaining and rehabilitating properties in a manner that is sympathetic to their historic significance. Each report presents a summary of significance and chronology of development and uses, outlines treatment options and provides recommendations that will guide future projects to ensure compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards.
The success of this project was because of the collaborative partnership between ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, Page & Turnbull, and California State Parks. Their joint efforts will maintain and preserve California’s best natural and cultural resources for future generations.
PRESENT-DAY PHOTOS: Wayne Capili