Asilomar Conference Grounds | |
 Merrill Hall, Asilomar | |
  Location in the Monterey Peninsula Show map of Monterey Peninsula Asilomar Conference Grounds (California) Show map of California | |
| Location | Asilomar Blvd.,Pacific Grove, California |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 36°37′11″N121°55′53″W / 36.61972°N 121.93139°W /36.61972; -121.93139 |
| Area | 9 acres (3.6 ha) |
| Built | 1913 |
| Architect | Julia Morgan |
| Architectural style | Arts and Crafts Movement andAmerican craftsmanBungalows |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000823[1] |
| CHISL No. | 1052 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | February 27, 1987[1] |
| Designated NHLD | February 27, 1987[3] |
| Designated CHISL | June 20, 2014[2] |
Asilomar Conference Grounds is a conference center originally built for theYoung Women's Christian Association (YWCA). It is located on the western tip of theMonterey Peninsula inPacific Grove, California, near what was formerly known as Moss Beach. Between 1913 and 1929, architectJulia Morgan designed 16 buildings on the property, 11 of which remain standing today.[4] The area is recognized as the homeland of theRumsen Ohlone people.
The conference facilities were originally known as "Guardamar".[5] In 1913,Phoebe Hearst proposed a naming competition, resulting in the selection of "Asilomar." The winning entry was submitted by Helen Salisbury, aStanford University student, who created aportmanteau from the Spanish wordsasilo ("refuge") andmar ("sea"). In 1956, Asilomar was incorporated into the California State Parks system, and Moss Beach was renamedAsilomar State Beach after the conference grounds.[6]
The YWCA Pacific Coast conferences were originally held at the Capitola, California hotel until 1911. Following growth in attendance and a desire to establish a permanent location,Phoebe Hearst hosted the 1912 conference at her hacienda inPleasanton, California. Proceeds from that event were used to secure land for a permanent site. A committee persuaded thePacific Improvement Company to donate 30 acres (120,000 m2) to the YWCA in 1912. In early 1913, it was announced that Julia Morgan, then engaged with the Oakland YWCA building, would also design the new Asilomar campgrounds in theArts & Crafts style. Construction began in the spring of 1913, and by August, the Social Hall and Longhouses were completed, hosting 300 girls for the inaugural summer program. Merrill Hall, Morgan’s final design for Asilomar, was dedicated in 1928.
Several other prominent California women includingEllen Browning Scripps, Mrs.Warren Olney Jr. and Mary Sroufe Merrill were involved in the creation of the retreat.[7]
In 1956, the State of California acquired Asilomar, and architectJohn Carl Warnecke was commissioned to design seven additional buildings to expand the grounds.[8] Asilomar was declared aNational Historic Landmark in 1987 for its role in women's recreation, the development of the YWCA, and the resort heritage of nearbyMonterey, California.[9][10][11]
Today, the property is officially known as Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds and is operated byCalifornia State Parks. While it primarily functions as a conference center, it also welcomes individual guests and is frequently used for social events such as family reunions. The grounds remain open to the public. Between 1956 and 1994, the site was managed by various nonprofit organizations in collaboration with California State Parks.Delaware North Companies operated the facility from 1997 to 2007, after whichAramark took over operations in 2009 under a 20-year contract.[12]
To maintain its rustic charm, the rooms at Asilomar are free of telephones and televisions, although Wi-Fi has been added.
In 2012, construction began to improve the site's accessibility in compliance with theAmericans with Disabilities Act. These renovations, which continued through 2014, included replacing old asphalt pathways with brick pavers and improving accessibility to several buildings.
The Asilomar Conference Grounds were featured in the filmThe Shift (2009) byWayne Dyer, which was shot on location atAsilomar State Beach.[16][17]
The 1975 Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA was prominently featured in the PBS documentaryThe Gene: An Intimate History.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Geographic | |
