Green technologies are being investigated during the design process, exploring how the heat generated by the refrigeration system might be used to heat off-ice spaces; how solar roof panels could produce electricity, reduce energy needs and offset costs, and even how healthy food at the café could support local farmers and improve the health of our children.
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Close your eyes, feel the cold air on your face, hear that unique sound of blades skimming the ice. Listen and look and help make this vision a reality honoring the 67-year legacy that is Berkeley Iceland. With your help, we can save this treasure!
Generations of families, students and young people figure skated, played hockey and broomball, celebrated and socialized at Berkeley Iceland. The site of countless skating events, it was the ice-of-choice for novice skaters hugging the walls with friends to get around the rink, to world champions from Dick Button to Kristi Yamaguchi.
Our vision is to restore and reopen this historic landmark as an ice palace and community recreation center, including new space for a glass-walled multi-purpose sports facility, a quality café overlooking the rink, a party room, club rooms, a children’s play area, and an outdoor snow pile. Our goal is to be as green as possible within landmark guidelines.
Rink Arena and new second floor
Plans include creating a multi-purpose sports facility in the second floor balcony level overlooking the rink. Skaters and parents alike have asked for workout rooms to exercise, and practice gymnastic and dance routines. The fitness space provides opportunities for revenues beyond those from the ice rink itself, to help support our non-profit financial model. Designed for flexibility, it will be available for rentals and special events.
Multi purpose fitness facility
Cross section looking east
With an outpouring of public support, Berkeley Iceland was designated a historical landmark by the City of Berkeley in July, 2007, in recognition of its significance as an unusual example of Art Deco/Art Moderne architecture as well as its value as a community resource. All improvements and upgrades will be in accordance with landmark restoration standards to ensure the beauty of the past will continue to be experienced by future generations.
Berkeley Iceland in 1940
The $12 million capital campaign to save Berkeley Iceland was officially launched on February 29, 2008 with the signing of an exclusive option to purchase the property. The goal is to raise the funds within two years - $6.2 million to acquire the property and nearly $6 million for restoration - and operate on economically sustainable not-for-profit model thereafter, for the benefit of the entire community.
The campaign is in its ‘quiet phase’ seeking leadership gifts, while completing a first round of funding to jump start architectural design development, to be followed by a community-wide public phase closing the campaign. Our intent is to develop the project concurrently with fundraising, thereby reopening Iceland as quickly as possible.
We invite you to become a friend of Berkeley Iceland and take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save our beloved rink. Contributions at any level will be gratefully recognized and appreciated!Donor Recognition
Recognition honoring donors to the Save Berkeley Iceland campaign includes naming opportunities, sponsorships and permanent acknowledgement in the entrance lobby. Our philosophy is that recognition expresses true appreciation, and more importantly, donor names become symbols of philanthropy inspiring future generations.
For additional information on naming opportunities, gifts of securities or estate gifts, please contact Peggy Burks, Development Director, peggy@saveberkeleyiceland.org or call (415) 385-7558.