Harbin Phased Rebuilding Report

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Phased Rebuilding Report
March 2016

Since the Valley Fire swept through Harbin Hot Springs on September 12, our objective has been to reopen our retreat center to guests as quickly, safely and responsibly as possible. Due to the extent of the damages, this is not a simple renovation or restoration project. Instead the years of work ahead of us require a systematic, conscious approach to planning, design and construction.

Because a rebuilding project of this scale can be expected to span multiple years, we are choosing to use a phased approach to opening and developing the area. This will allow us to make the beloved spring pools available to residents and visitors as soon as possible, while transitioning from rudimentary to temporary to permanent facilities over time.

Phase I: Day Visits & Camping
Completion of this phase will require rebuilding of pool filtration and equipment system, water system, electrical system to the pools, new retaining walls, new drainage and storm channels, new concrete pool decking, a new hot pool, and an add-on to the pump room. All existing facilities will be brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Temporary support facilities will include a reception area, food service area, massage area, changing area and bathrooms, but guests must expect to “rough it” compared to the Harbin of recent years.

Projected Timeline: All debris from structural fires needed to be removed before this phase could begin. Phase I will progress from now through late Summer or Fall 2016.

Phase II: Basic Accommodations & Facilities
While day visitors and campers have access to the pools, we will begin rebuilding select buildings that were destroyed in the fire, including twelve Grove Cottages for overnight guests, and a replacement structure for Domes 1 & 2. A pool-area dressing room will be added on mainside, as will a camping-area pool complex with a guest kitchen and small grocery/market.
Construction away from the pool area will allow us to prepare mainside sites for the final phase of development. That said, guests will need to become accustomed to construction activity, as it will be a year-round effort.

Projected Timeline: Planning has begun for this phase, so details will be released by late summer 2016. Construction is expected to begin Fall 2016, with completion sometime in 2017.

Phase III: Return to Full Operation
This phase will involve building mainside guest rooms, a restaurant, market, gathering/meditation spaces, and a large conference/workshop facility. Staff housing and administrative spaces will be built, while the water, sewer electrical, and telecommunications systems will be brought up to full operating capacity. This will be an exciting time, with a lot of construction happening in the mainside area.

Projected Timeline: Planning has begun. Construction is expected to begin in 2017, and will extend into 2019 and beyond.

Of course, the timeline and elements of these phases are very general estimates, as there are a staggering number of variables to consider for each project.

Our objective is to create a retreat center that is beautiful, environmentally responsible, and in alignment with the principles of our church and community. Rest assured that we will work in cooperation with our architects (Mithun), Lake County Community Development, structural engineers, civil engineers, the California Drinking Water Division, hydrologists, ADA consultants, and licensed contractors to assure that we meet county state and federal building codes and regulations.

We will make every attempt to keep you informed about our plans, and will provide progress reports whenever possible.

To stay informed about our progress, visit or blog, subscribe to our e-newsletter (see below), or follow us on Facebook.