Public-private partnerships prevail in preserving the historic Hellman-Ehman Mansion

Over a few weeks in September, California State Park maintenance staff from across the state gathered for a training class on historic roof repair and plaster restoration at Sugar Pine Point State Park. The goal of the class was two parts: restoring a historic landmark and teaching the next generation of skilled restoration professionals.

The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion also known as Pine Lodge, built in 1903, was the grand but informal summer home for San Francisco businessman I.W. Hellman and his family. Pine Lodge was considered one of the finest in the high Sierra in design and amenities – equipped with the best modern utility systems including electric lights and complete indoor plumbing.

The Pine Lodge porch ceiling has a unique pebble dash plaster treatment that has suffered during its 120 years of exposure to harsh Sierra winters. The century-plus of freeze and thaw cycles has caused the roof to leak and the plaster to detach. The class covered plaster applications that follow historic techniques and lime plaster.

Restoration projects take a long time to complete, and this project was made possible thanks to the generosity of Sierra State Parks Foundation donors and funding from Prop 68. The Foundation donated $60,000 for these major repairs to be completed at the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park. This project included installing a new roof with fire-resistant shingles, repointing the mason work, and replacing the entire lakeside porch.

Not only is the project a great example of a private-public partnership to preserve and enhance one of Tahoe’s historic treasures, but it also served as a training class on historic roof repair and plaster restoration. The California State Parks Historical Structure Maintenance Skills Class travels throughout the state training the next generation of skilled restoration professionals while completing needed projects statewide.

Donations to the Sierra State Parks Foundation make projects like this possible and keep our local Lake Tahoe-Donner region parks open for all to enjoy.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

The Sierra State Parks Foundation believes the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area California State Parks are unique treasures worthy of our support. We fund projects and programming that connect people with our rich natural resources and cultural heritage. Because of our work and advocacy, our valuable State Parks will continue to be places of inspiration and education for generations to come. For more information, visit SierraStateParks.org.