New Keep Tahoe Blue building in South Lake Tahoe to be environment and education center
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 02/22/2023 - 8:52am
Those driving by the intersection of Lake Tahoe and Al Tahoe Boulevards in South Lake Tahoe over the past few months may have noticed the old office building at the corner under construction.
The League to Save Lake Tahoe, also known as Keep Tahoe Blue, purchased the building to create a new environment and education center designed around opportunities for the public to learn, appreciate and take part in protecting Lake Tahoe.
The 65-year-old environmental nonprofit’s future home will be the Tahoe Basin’s premiere environmental facility and a hub for collaboration, volunteering, and community engagement focused on fulfilling the League’s mission to Keep Tahoe Blue. The site will feature an outdoor amphitheater, native plant educational garden, citizen science laboratory, and environmental center that will be open to the public.
ahoe enthusiasts are invited to take part in creating the only facility dedicated to protecting the Lake Tahoe Basin. Contributions to the capital campaign can be made at keeptahoeblue.org/new-home.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the project and sharing our vision with the Tahoe community,” said Darcie Goodman Collins, CEO of the League. “As the threats to Lake Tahoe have grown, so has our team and our work. The new building gives us the space and tools we need to do more for the Lake, and to open our doors to everyone who wants to learn about Tahoe and keep it blue.”
The League’s recently announced capital campaign has been met with a huge outpouring of support, including an initial $1.6 million from cornerstone private donors, as well as generous in-kind contributions from Meeks Lumber & Hardware and Fireclay Tile.
Those funds are added to the League’s own strategic savings and proceeds from the sale of its current building. After more than four years of careful financial planning and consultation with industry professionals, $4 million has been secured to create a space for everyone to take part in the movement to Keep Tahoe Blue.
“The League is vital to Lake Tahoe,” said Chet Pipkin, founder and former CEO of technology company Belkin International, owner of the Desolation Hotel in South Lake Tahoe, and long-time donor to Keep Tahoe Blue. “I’m proud to help them build a new home where they can do even more for the community and our environment.”
To complete its vision for the new environment and education center, the League has set a fundraising goal of an additional $1 million and is inviting the community to contribute what they can.
“With your donation, you can leave your mark on Tahoe’s premiere environmental facility,” said Kristiana Almeida, Chief Operating Officer for the League. “Your legacy will be a healthy, vibrant Lake Tahoe for future generations.”
The former professional building at 2877 Lake Tahoe Boulevard – the League’s new Tahoe Blue home – has been completely reimagined and is being rebuilt thanks to expertise from Ward | Young Architecture & Planning and Sierra Sustainable Builders, both Tahoe-Truckee area businesses.
The property is currently undergoing renovations that will make it South Lake Tahoe’s only LEED-certified office building and a showcase of Lake-friendly urban redevelopment. The League is aiming to move into its new space this fall.
“Our volunteer programs, advocacy work, and citizen science have yet to reach their potential, simply due to lack of space,” noted Goodman Collins. “The new building is an open invitation for locals, visitors, and everyone in between to join us in caring for the Tahoe Basin.”
The public is invited to view renderings, learn more about the project and support the capital campaign at keeptahoeblue.org/new-home.
