Rancho Santa Margarita leaders are still eyeing the Bell Tower Community Center for a new historical museum — but they need to ensure the community center can accommodate its size and design first.
City leaders discussed utilizing the southwest portion of the Bell Tower community center on Wednesday, Jan. 10 after originally proposing it in November. To accommodate the city’s extensive collection of artifacts, maps and city-related documents as well as future donations, city leaders say they need at least 1,600 square feet of space.
No other city-owned space exists that could accommodate the square footage needed, said city manager Jennifer Cervantez, and if the Bell Tower cannot be utilized, the museum project becomes “infeasible.”
New flooring, faux walls for hanging photos and artwork, paint, lighting and window shades would be needed for the museum space, said Cervantez. The city would also need to purchase cases, cabinets, pedestals, furniture and computer equipment for the museum, she said.
Ideally, Cervantez said, the city would unveil the collection of historical items in time for Rancho Santa Margarita’s 25th anniversary, Jan. 1, 2025.
The historical area is anticipated to serve as a passive space throughout the year, with occasional staffing for educational classes or tours.
Cervantez said the hours of operation would be Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with special consideration given to school tours. Events and rotating exhibitions may be organized periodically by the city.
The Rancho Santa Margarita staff collaborated with a design firm to come up with a budget for the museum, totaling just about $300,000. This funding would come from this year’s capital improvement project budget, according to the staff report.
“From a community standpoint,” said Councilmember Jerry Holloway, “you always look at the cost of something and ask if the benefit is there. This is a big project that will take time, as it should to come up with a good project, but the years of return will be well worth it.”
Mayor Carol Gamble suggested monetizing the space for private events, such as fundraisers, receptions and other rentals. Otherwise, she said, the space should be free for the community.
“I believe when opened, this facility will benefit our entire community,” said Councilmember L. Anthony Beall. “Every single Rancho Santa Margarita resident will benefit from it, and I hope they take advantage of it.”
Rancho Santa Margarita officials have been in search of a proper place to display an extensive collection of historical artifacts, maps and other documents. Some of the items collected date back to the 1920s, around 80 years before the city was even incorporated.
According to Cervantez, since the City Council discussed the museum in November, more community members have come forward and donated artifacts and memorabilia.
The city has collected historical items and information for several years through efforts by a group of volunteers at the Rancho Santa Margarita Historical Society. Many of the artifacts come from Rancho Santa Margarita’s long-time master planner, Richard Reese, who died in August. After his death, numerous documents about the planning of the city were donated in his honor.
Items the city wishes to display include photos and documents, newspaper clippings, soil samples from the early planning days, iron brands from the original O’Neill family ranch and memorabilia from when the housing tracks were first marketed to the city — just a sliver of what the city has in its possession.
Additionally, city leaders want Reese’s meticulous records and drawings he created while envisioning Rancho Santa Margarita in the late ’90s to be available for public viewing.
