Moraga council directs staff to plan demolition of La Sala building at Hacienda De Los Flores

The Moraga Town Council voted to direct staff to proceed with demolition planning for the La Sala building at the Hacienda De Los Flores property after a lengthy presentation and debate on July 8.

Public works director Nate Levine told the council the building has extensive foundation and slope-stability issues, recent water intrusion and evidence of hazardous materials; staff estimated minimal remediation at $50,000–$100,000, limited structural repairs at roughly $250,000–$500,000, full restoration at $1 million or more and a demolition planning ceiling near $200,000. "Our estimate to remove the building is about $200,000 for total all in," Levine said, noting that hazardous-material testing and abatement would be required before any removal.

The discussion focused on three trade-offs: the cost and feasibility of stabilizing or restoring the building, environmental and public-safety risks from continued deterioration (including lead and asbestos noted in initial assessments), and opportunities that would open if the structure were removed and its footprint considered in the parks and recreation master plan.

Resident Harry Ellis urged the council to demolish the building, saying debris and contaminants from the site have reached his property downstream and pose a safety concern for his family. "Given the instability…the town remedy the situation by demolishing the building as that is the most expedient route," Ellis said.

Town manager described the situation as a business decision that requires council direction. "Doing nothing is no longer an option," the manager told the council, saying staff needs clear direction to move forward with an informal bid process, hazardous-material testing and coordination with the Hacienda tenant and other stakeholders.

Council members divided over whether they had sufficient information to make a final restoration-or-demolition choice that night; some raised concerns about long-term restroom access, event logistics and potential partnership options, while others cited the low utilization of La Sala and the uncertain costs of full restoration. Council member Graham (mover) said staff should plan for demolition while preserving salvage and reuse opportunities; another council member seconded the motion.

The motion to direct staff to proceed with demolition planning carried on a recorded 3–1 vote. Staff said that any demolition contract award, final funding decisions and hazardous-material abatement would be brought back to the council for contract award and funding authorization.

What’s next: If the council’s direction is implemented, staff will: conduct expanded hazardous-material testing and abatement planning; prepare an informal bid and cost estimates for demolition/deconstruction; coordinate timing and site stabilization with Hacienda operations and the Wedgewood tenant; and present detailed cost, funding and contract-award options to the council for final decisions.