bi_admin's blog

Some will remember this picture from a December SF Chronicle article.  I commented on that article at the time, but looking back on it and recent events around Berkeley Iceland, I think the quote from Lesli Dalaba was the most important, and overlooked, part of the article: "Kids don't have anywhere to go anymore except the frickin' mall."  With all the fuss and time focused on the landmark and history of Berkeley Iceland, we sometimes lose focus on what Berkeley Iceland meant to the health of the community, particularly the kids.

For over 67 years, parents in Berkeley had a place where they could drop off their kids for an afternoon of healthy fun and not worry (too much) about them.  I know because I am one of those parents.  Four years ago that was lost when EBI closed Berkeley Iceland.  In a community lacking in recreation spaces, particularly year-round indoor spaces, the closing of Berkeley Iceland was a significant loss.  There is no place where 400 teenagers to go on a Friday or Saturday night to hang out together in a safe and healthy environment, which they did for over 60 years when the rink was open.  Gone are all the youth hockey, broom ball, figure skating, and other more organized pursuits that introduced the kids of the community to healthy sports which Berkeley Iceland provided.

Almost everyone who has some link to US Figure Skating or ice rinks has seen the poster for the movie "RISE", the story of the 1961 US Skating Team tragically lost in an airplane accident. The story tells of the impact the loss of this team had on figure staking in the US and the inspiration it had on US skaters. A line is drawn to that next generation of skaters, including Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill, and Brian Boitano.

Many of the lost skaters had Berkeley Iceland connections.   Visitors to Berkeley Iceland in the last decade or will remember the picture to the right on the wall of the warm room/coffee shop and maybe the story posted with it.  Some of the long-time Berkeley rink rats remember some of those lost in the accident.  Among those who had Berkeley Iceland connections were:

2010 was a pretty good year for the efforts to preserve and restore Berkeley Iceland.  The plan for 2011 is to continue to build on the positive achievements, getting closer to a time when Berkeley Iceland reopens its doors to skating. Two major trends brought us nearer to at least one of our major goals and laid the groundwork for another:

• Early in the year, a new project was proposed to repurpose sections of the Berkeley Iceland which would lead to the restoration of the ice rink.  The design for this proposal, created by the former dean of UC Berkeley's School of Environmental Design, incorporates housing on the Northern and Southern sections of the building, a restored ice rink in the arena section, and refurbished entry section. An offer based on this development was made in the first half of the year.
• At the end of July, the State Historical Resources Commission voted unanimously that Berkeley Iceland is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (the building cannot be listed over the owners objection; the current owners have objected).  The National Park Service confirmed this finding as of September.  This action also provides for Berkeley Iceland's listing on the California Register of Historical Resources.

One of SBI's major goals is the preservation of the Berkeley Iceland building, a goal largely achieved by the finding of eligibility for the National Register.  This is solidified by at least two offers to purchase Berkeley Iceland made regardless of the landmark status.  This fact should put to rest the fear that landmark status would mean Berkeley Iceland would not attract development.

Today the San Francisco Chronicle published an article on the current status of Berkeley Iceland - particularly the bid by Sports Basement, which has not been widely known.  It was a basic overview of the current status of Berkeley Iceland, though weighted towards the current owners and their supporters in the Berkeley City govenrment.  I spent some time with the reporters and appreciate their work, but some important points were missing.

Two major points left out of the article:

1. Berkeley Iceland has been found eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.  "Eligible" in this case, does not mean that it could possibly be on the National Register if only.  It means that the building has been found to meet all the qualifications to be on the National Register but won't be listed unless the owners allow it (and the current owners have made it clear they will not allow it).  Eligibility for the National Register means that any development plans must follow National Park guidelines.  This protection is independent of and complimentary to the Berkeley Landmark Preservation Ordinance.
2. There was a second offer by a real developer with a plan that Save Berkeley Iceland could support.  This plan, which I have written about in the past, includes a modest housing development on the Northern and Southern wings which provides for restoration of the community ice center.  While not our first choice, it is a very promising compromise in which Berkeley gets a much needed year-round recreation facility, a new community space, and new housing.  The Mayor and many Council Members have met the developer and seen the plans, so they know its real.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we have and share our appreciation for all the good things we have and experience. As one of the members of SBI, I want to express my thanks for:

• Berkeley Iceland still stands, ready to return to its place as a hub of community activity and healthy fun.
• Save Berkeley Iceland members and directors who have kept us progressing towards our goal in spite of the challenges.
• The efforts of our team to come up with a viable project which, given the chance by the owners, would result a great outcome for our community - housing, recreation space, and restored community center.
• Recognition of the historical importance of Berkeley Iceland when it was declared eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places through the valiant effors of BAHA and John English.
• I am most thankful for the support and goodwill from the community that has enabled us to come as far as we have in our goal to return this beloved and valuable asset to the Berkeley Community.

Again, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

     - Tom K. / Save Berkeley Iceland

Berkeley Iceland is suffering from a lack of respect from its owners. What else accounts for how the exterior appearance of the building has been allowed to degrade. It has been many months since any attempt to clean up the building.  We (SBI) have even offered to help with the cleaning - something the owners won't allow siting liability issues.