Historic Structure Report: LeConte Memorial Lodge, Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center

Architectural Resources Group, Inc.

Architectural Resources Group (ARG) has prepared the LeConte Memorial Lodge Historic Structure Report (HSR) to serve as a guide for ongoing maintenance and preservation of the lodge. LeConte Memorial Lodge was constructed in 1903 as a public information center and reading room and as the Yosemite Valley summer headquarters of the Sierra Club. The lodge was designed by Berkeley architect John White; Charles Alsup was the builder. The lodge features characteristics of the Tudor Revival style and First Bay Tradition and was an important forerunner of the development of the Rustic style in Yosemite and other national parks. In 1901, after the death of Sierra Club charter member and noted professor and geologist, Joseph LeConte, the Sierra Club initiated plans to erect a memorial lodge in LeConte’s honor. The lodge was constructed in Yosemite Valley and replaced the original visitor center, which was temporarily housed in Sinning’s Cottage (built in 1898). In 1919, in order to allow for the westward expansion of Camp Curry, the lodge was moved and rebuilt by the Gutleben Brothers in its current location. That same year, the Sierra Club and the University of California joined together to create the LeConte Memorial Lecture series, which became the model for National Park Service (NPS) interpretive programs throughout the country. The Sierra Club continues to operate the building as public education and information center. LeConte Memorial Lodge is generally in good condition and no major issues were identified during this study. Specific locations of minor deterioration or disrepair are described in the Conditions Assessment section of this report. Preservation is recommended as the overall treatment approach for LeConte Memorial Lodge. All future work shall be carried out in accordance with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings (the Standards). As the building was originally used as a public information center and library, its continued use as such is compatible to its historic function. The scope of work recommended for preservation of LeConte Memorial Lodge includes minor repair of existing materials. Further study is also recommended for improvement of accessibility to and within the building, and to evaluate seismic performance.

Historic Structure Report: LeConte Memorial Lodge, Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center

Series

Collections