LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Hacienda Foundation Considers a Conference Center


Photo provided

On June 27 board members of the Hacienda Foundation presented their plan to continue to improve, and develop the use of, the Hacienda de las Flores-a historic facility often called the "Jewel of Moraga"-to the Moraga Town Council.

The latest idea is to reinvent the Hacienda as a conference center and retreat for local businesses. Also on the Foundation's agenda this year: the renovation of the Pavilion.

"The events we initiated and organized at the Hacienda, such as Cinco de Mayo, Oktober Fest, and the Art and Wine evenings, have had a very significant impact on the community's awareness and use of the property," said Foundation president Graig Crossley. "We are now looking into further improvements of the premises to accommodate hosting more events, including conferences."

Since its inception six years ago the Foundation has conducted renovation projects to improve the look and feel of the ground floor of the Hacienda, while the Town invested in a new HVAC system and insulation. Today the Hacienda hosts most of the Parks and Recreation classes and derives additional revenue from weddings.

According to Moraga Parks and Recreation Director Jay Ingram, wedding activity has declined significantly this year. "We hope to expand more into the fall wedding season," said Ingram, adding, "The weather seems to be more predictable then." The Hacienda is not equipped to host rainy weddings, so Ingram is also in favor of a conference center to boost revenue.

"This is one of the uses that was proposed in the marketing plan that was developed for the Hacienda in 2007-2008," said Ingram. "For East Bay businesses, it offers a closer facility (than Napa) where they can conduct their conferences and retreats without the added cost of a hotel."

Crossley warned that regulations should be taken into account before starting the marketing study. "We need to make sure that our facility is ADA compliant and, if not, what type of investment we need," he said. The Foundation's Sharon Metcalf is looking into the regulations and expects to have some answers in about a month.

The other big piece of work on the Foundation's agenda is the renovation of the Pavilion, which used to be a pool and a pool house- it's full of charm and is often used for wedding ceremonies. "It needs updates," said Metcalf. "This year we will make it ADA compliant, renovating the bathrooms and completely redoing the concrete patio." While they're at it, a storm drain will be installed. "The building is not in the flood plain, but with heavy rains it has flooded, the drain should fix that problem," she added. The bar area and the kitchen floor will also be updated.

The project will be financed in part by Measure WW funds (the East Bay Regional Park District bond) and a large donation made by local property owner Joan Bruzzone. "I did it in memory of my husband because I think the Hacienda is a wonderful area for the Moraga community center, and represents the very best heritage that Moraga has," said Bruzzone. "I am especially interested in preserving a beautiful area for generations of Moragans to share and enjoy and I especially value the dedication of such a fine group of volunteers who have contributed so much of their valuable time toward making a wonderful community center for all to enjoy."

The Hacienda Foundation is a 501c3 organization that meets the second Monday of the month at the Hacienda. For more information, visit haciendafoundation.org.