SBI Frequently Asked Questions

How much money is it going to cost to restore Berkeley Iceland?
How much money have you raised?
What's the timeline for reopening?
How will you raise $12 million?
What will you do to upgrade the facility, and, will you deploy energy-saving upgrades?
Why did Berkeley Iceland close?
Why do you think you can be successful operating the rink?
How was Save Berkeley Iceland founded?
When was Berkeley Iceland designated a landmark?

FAQ: How much is it going to cost to restore Berkeley Iceland?

The initial cost estimate is $15-20 Million to purchase the property, and nearly $6 million to restore it.

FAQ: How much money have you raised?

Save Berkeley Iceland has raised several hundred thousand in cash and pledges, early gifts of support. Signing the option agreement on February 29, 2008, gave us the rights to actually acquire the property and launch the capital campaign. Gifts at any level will complete our $500,000 first round of funding and help fast track architectural design and engineering for the project, while we continue in a 'quiet phase' seeking leadership gifts.

FAQ: What's the timeline for reopening?

The sooner we can raise the funds, the sooner we can reopen. Our plan is to raise the funds within two years, with a three year pledge period, which would mean we could open the rink in mid 2011. If we had all the money today, we could fast track the project and open in the end of 2010.

FAQ: How will you raise $15-20 million?

By bringing together the entire community in an exciting way, to save something people care about. By being organized, doing the homework, making the plan, being strategic. And by asking! It is now or never to bring back Berkeley Iceland - every gift will make a real and lasting difference.

FAQ: What will you do to upgrade the facility, and, will you deploy energy-saving upgrades?

Green technologies and landmark preservation guidelines will be followed. Upgrades fall into three categories:

• On-Ice Activities: the ice sheet and refrigeration system, the Zamboni ice machine barn, penalty boxes, lighting and audio, and behind locker and changing rooms.
• Off-Ice Recreation and Amenities: seating, lobby and entrance, restrooms, a cafe overlooking the ice, a glass-walled multi-purpose sports facility, club rooms and a children's play area and outdoor snow pile. Perhaps the country's only ice climbing wall - if we can green it and afford it!
• Restoration and Greening: structural, mechanical and electrical systems upgrades, accessibility, site improvements, and interpretive exhibits on the history of Berkeley Iceland and its contributions to the world of skating.

FAQ: Why did Berkeley Iceland Close?

The fate of Berkeley Iceland as a for-profit rink was largely sealed when updating the refrigeration system became very costly, in addition to significant investment needed for deferred maintenance and improving public facilities. It no longer fit the investment profile of the long-time owners, and they decided to sell the property. It closed on March 31, 2007.

FAQ: Why do you think you can be successful operating the rink?

We are moving to the non-profit model, a trend for rinks across the country. We plan to add new facilities and diversify and increase the revenue stream. We'll have robust regional marketing. We are in discussions with Rink Management Services Corporation and others, to partner with us in operating the rink. We are committed to delivering a premiere skating experience, quality public services and financial sustainability. Friends of Berkeley Iceland will provide ongoing community support. The nonprofit model helps ensure Berkeley Iceland remains affordable and fun.

FAQ: How was Save Berkeley Iceland founded?

When it became known that Berkeley Iceland might close, a group of concerned citizens came together and began exploring how to keep it open. When it closed on March 31, 2007, Bay Area Blades, a non profit organization supporting synchronized skating at Berkeley Iceland since 1996, agreed to incubate and then embraced Save Berkeley Iceland as an organization. On July 28, 2007 Bay Area Blades amended its mission and is doing business as Save Berkeley Iceland. This early support brought us to where we are today, which was extremely important to both our founding and our future.

FAQ: When was Berkeley Iceland designated a landmark?

The CIty of Berkeley's Landmark Preservation Commission designated it a landmark at its April, 2007 meeting, which was upheld by the Berkeley City Council on July 11, 2007. Iceland is an unusual example of late Art Deco style often called Streamline Moderne, rarely found in a public recreational facility, also significant as a pioneering skating rink in the West. It is also one of the few public facilities of the era funded and built by private citizens from the community, rather than the Works Progress Administration (WPA). (See Berkeley Daily Planet, 7/20/2007.)