In a little under three years, the 1440 Multiversity has transitioned from an ambitious agenda item for the Scotts Valley City Council to an almost-complete world-class personal growth center.
When building began on the site of former Bethany College in 2015, some questioned whether the 150,000-square-foot-campus could morph into a modern facility drawing students from worldwide by mid-2017.
“It’s like building a small city,” said Scott Kriens, one of four Multiversity founders, and former CEO of Juniper Networks, a Silicon Valley success story. He is applying that entrepreneurial vision to the Scotts Valley project. “It’s amazing how many things had to happen to make this possible,” he said in an interview.
Near-record rainfall has hampered the 1440 construction schedule, and crews this week could be seen working a fast pace on roofing, interiors, drainage and paving on stunning new redwood-themed buildings.
Kriens said the Multiversity will offer its first seven classes in a variety of subjects Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-28.
Topics range from a couples’ workshop and a “loving kindness” retreat, to mother-and-daughter bonding, and how busy people can get fit.
“1440 will be a destination point for people all over the country,” said an enthusiastic Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson. He said he is hopeful that the retreat will benefit retailers and potentially beckon Silicon Valley companies to relocate here.
“This will bring national exposure to Scotts Valley and will enhance our city in many ways,” he said.
Bethany Bible College occupied the 1440 parcel from about 1950 to 2005 when the school’s name was changed to Bethany University. In 2011 the school announced it would close its doors.
Then the school buildings were leased by Olivet University until 2012 when the property was listed for sale.
The land and buildings were sold to the non-profit 1440 Foundation later that year. Stakeholders include Kriens and his wife Joanie, and Dinabandhu and Ila Sarley.
The Multiversity incorporates new and remodeled buildings constructed around an extensive network of pedestrian pathways, all set within a forested landscape of redwoods and native plants.
Novel touches include a 30-million-year-old fossilized marine mollusk embedded in the front pillar of the lodge and wooden paneling garnered from Melvin Belli’s Victorian San Francisco mansion, built almost 200 years ago.
City officials see the Multiversity as a world-class facility and a financial blessing for Scotts Valley.
“The city is very fortunate to have a quality conference and learning center like 1440 Multiversity call Scotts Valley home,” said city manager Jenny Haruyama. “1440 will generate jobs, expand the city’s TOT (hotel tax) revenue base, and serve as an ambassador by introducing high-tech Silicon Valley companies to the city. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to invest in our community.”
The project was designed by local architect Jerry Yates, who has been in the profession for over 30 years. His projects include Oak Creek Park and Scotts Valley Corners (Surf City).
“The design theme for the 1440 Multiversity loosely refers to Julia Morgan’s Arts and Crafts work at Asilomar in Monterey and to Greene and Green’s residential Craftsman style,” Yates said. “The design theme was chosen to harmonize with the natural environment through the use of stone, wood and simple forms.”
Indiana-based landscape architect Heather Harwood, who has spent 20 years creating landscapes for public, private and corporate clients, planned the outside areas.
When the project began, Bethany College structures comprised 185,924 square feet of the 75-acre parcel. About 69,000 square feet of those buildings were demolished and roughly 94,000 square feet remodeled. New construction entails 234,000 square feet, of which 113,000 is a parking garage.
Phase I will be completed this Memorial Day and accommodate 360 guests (including faculty and faculty assistants). There will also be about 150 employees.
Phase II, which will include constructing additional housing, will accommodate 500 guests, faculty, and 225 employees.
The property site includes 16 existing single-family dwellings around Bethany Loop. Two houses are being demolished, and the 14 remaining ones will be used for employee housing.
Initial lodging at the Multiversity ranges from Asian-style pods with small living quarters and shared bathrooms to spacious suites with fireplaces. More lodging will be constructed during Phase II — two to three years out — after the resort gets a better idea what price range and amenities are most popular with guests.
Kriens said neighbors adjacent to the project have extremely tolerant during construction of roads and heavy equipment traveling by their property for the past two years.
