Crystal Cove Conservancy Honored with AIAOC 25-Year Award for Historic Preservation of Crystal Cove Cottages
Crystal Cove State Park. – October 6, 2025 – Crystal Cove Conservancy is proud to announce that the American Institute of Architects Orange County (AIAOC) has recognized the Crystal Cove Cottages with the 25-Year Award with Special Commendation for Historic Preservation at the 2025 AIAOC Design Awards.
During the award presentation, architect and historian Alan Hess praised the decades-long effort to restore the cottages.
“The preservation of Crystal Cove’s open space and beach would in itself be worthy of the 25-Year Award,” Hess said. “The 25 years plus meticulous renovation of the Cottages makes this a resource for Orange County residents to visit, stay, and play at one of the beach treasures in our community. The cottages embody Orange County’s long love affair with the ocean and could easily have been lost. Now they keep that heritage alive for future generations.”
Originally built between the 1920s and 1930s, the 46 seaside cottages were once at risk of being lost. Through a multi-decade restoration project led in partnership with California State Parks, the cottages have been carefully rehabilitated and today serve as a vibrant example of historic preservation on the Southern California coast. Visitors can now stay overnight in the restored cottages, experiencing the same unique coastal setting that has been enjoyed for generations.
“At Crystal Cove Conservancy, we were intentional in ensuring that every restoration decision honored the history and character of these beloved cottages,” said Kate Wheeler, President & CEO of Crystal Cove Conservancy. “Our goal was to preserve their rustic charm and sense of place while making sure they were structurally sound, up to modern code, and in harmony with the natural beauty of the cove. This recognition affirms the balance we have worked so hard to achieve—protecting both the heritage of the cottages and the coastal environment that makes Crystal Cove so special.”
The award underscores the cultural importance of the cottages and highlights the lasting value of historic preservation for the community.
North Beach Tower (Cottage #12) before and after restoration efforts of Crystal Cove Conservancy
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About Crystal Cove Conservancy
Crystal Cove Conservancy is the nonprofit partner to Crystal Cove State Park, dedicated to protecting its historic, cultural, and natural resources. Through innovative STEM education programs, conservation initiatives, and community engagement, the Conservancy works to ensure that Crystal Cove remains a place of inspiration, learning, and preservation for generations to come.
For more information about Crystal Cove Conservancy and its mission, visit www.crystalcove.org.
Media Contact:
Jessica Arnaldo
Marketing and Communications Manager
Crystal Cove Conservancy
jessica@crystalcove.org