More Morgan artistry
Though Berkeley holds the greatest concentration of Morgan buildings, her legacy can be seen up and down the state. Here are three other outstanding Morgan works, each worth a visit.
SAN FRANCISCO: Fairmont (1906-07). Morgan was called in torebuild the hotel (designed by another architect) after it wasdestroyed preopening in the 1906 earthquake and fire. She hadgained acclaim for her reinforced concrete structures when herbuildings survived the quake. 950 Mason St., San Francisco; www.fairmont.com or (415)772-5000.
PACIFIC GROVE: Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds(1913-28). Eleven of Morgan’s 16 buildings still stand at the lodgeand conference center. A free pamphlet available at the park storedescribes Morgan’s designs. 800 Asilomar Ave., Pacific Grove; www.asilomarcenter.com,(831) 372-8016 (conference center), or (831) 372-4076 (statebeach).
SAN SIMEON: Hearst Castle (1920-39). William Randolph Hearstmodified plans for his fantastically luxurious hilltop mansionnearly as quickly as they were drawn up. The property includes ahuge main house and three guest cottages. Morgan also designed thetwo swimming pools, animal shelters, tennis courts, warehouses, anda chicken farm. Tours by reservation. 750 Hearst Castle Rd., San Simeon; www.hearstcastle.org or(800) 444-4445.
BOOKS ON MORGAN
Sara Holmes Boutelle’s Julia Morgan, Architect (Abbeville Press Publishers,New York, 1995; $40; 800/343-4499), is a handsomely illustrated,valuable reference. Though written for young adults, GingerWadsworth’s Julia Morgan: Architect of Dreams (Lerner Publications,Minneapolis, 1990; $25; 800/328-4929) is a good shortbiography.
