The Cooperage at UC Santa Cruz
Preserving the past, embracing the future
Philanthropy will help rehabilitate the historic Cowell Ranch Cooperage as a vibrant community-campus hub and create a gateway to the campus and historic district. The cooperage will be the new home for the UCSC Alumni Association and the UCSC Foundation.
A new space for community engagement
The Cooperage Project at UC Santa Cruz is a one-of-a-kind initiative set to transform the historic cooperage facility into the new home for the UC Santa Cruz Alumni Association and the UC Santa Cruz Foundation.
The Cooperage reconstruction project aims to reconstruct the original building, consistent with its historical significance, and provide a welcoming space at the entrance to campus. The new Cooperage will amplify opportunities for increased engagement with UC Santa Cruz for alumni, donors, and community members.
This vibrant new space will create a new center for education and community engagement right at the entrance to the UCSC campus. Your support will help preserve an important piece of our heritage while fostering the next generation of thinkers, makers, and leaders.
Project Overview
The Cooperage Project involves several key components:
- Restoration and Renovation: The historic cooperage building will undergo careful restoration to preserve its unique character while being updated with modern amenities. This includes structural repairs, accessibility improvements, and installing energy-efficient systems.
- Educational and Event Space: The renovated cooperage will feature a modern event space that will host small to mid-size programs in a unique indoor/outdoor venue. The space will support a range of programs, from alumni events to student art shows and beyond.
- Community Hub: The cooperage will be available for community use and private rental, providing a versatile space for a variety of events. It will host public gatherings, fostering a deeper connection between the university and the community. The coffee shop and cafe at the main level will offer a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, serving as a social hub for students, faculty, and local residents.
- Historical Landscape: The landscape design will honor and reflect the original use of the land by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, fostering a deep connection to the region’s heritage.
Vision and Mission
The vision of the Cooperage Project is to create a dynamic, inclusive space that bridges the past and the future.
Our mission is to:
Preserve and Restore: Restore the historic cooperage building, maintaining its architectural integrity while upgrading it to meet modern safety and accessibility standards.
Educate and Inspire: Establish a modern facility for events and programs located at the main entrance of our UC Santa Cruz campus. This space will enhance community engagement by hosting workshops, exhibitions, and events that celebrate local culture, art, history, and innovation.
Engage and Connect: Serve as the hub and the newest home for the UC Santa Cruz Alumni Association and the UC Santa Cruz Foundation.
History
(Ansel Adams, c. 1962-1968)
The Cowell Ranch Cooperage, built in 1869, originally served as a facility for crafting wooden barrels used for lime storage and transport. This historic structure, now a focal point of UC Santa Cruz’s campus, is set to be rehabilitated to preserve its architectural heritage while repurposing it for modern use. The renovation, guided by the expertise of Jensen Architects, will transform the cooperage into a versatile community space that honors its rich past.
Gallery
The photo gallery for the cooperage project features a distinguished collection of images, including works by the iconic photographer Ansel Adams. These images will document the historical significance of the Cowell Ranch Cooperage and its transformation over the years. Experience a visual journey through time, gaining deeper appreciation for the building’s heritage and the ongoing efforts to preserve it.
Timeline
(Jensen Architects)
Visit the timeline to explore the comprehensive history and milestones of the Cowell Ranch Cooperage project. From its 19th-century origins to the latest rehabilitation efforts, this page chronicles the journey of preserving a crucial piece of UC Santa Cruz’s heritage. Stay updated with key dates and progress reports as we work towards the project’s completion.