Woman's Club needs funds to rebuild

The Woman's Club of Huntington Beach will have to raise money to help replace its clubhouse that burned down in April, President Jackie Judd said.

At the club's meeting Tuesday, Judd said the group lacks the funds to create a new structure at 420 10th St. Members are considering several options, including operating a craft table on the Huntington Beach Pier and selling bricks for the replacement clubhouse with donors' names engraved on them.

Judd said she did not know how much a new building would cost, but noted that in addition to building expenses, the club would have to pay for city permits and furnishings.

"We will have to have fundraisers," she said. "That's a certainty."

The club received permission last month from the city to demolish the remains of its former clubhouse but will need approval from the Planning Commission to build a new structure. The old clubhouse stood for 101 years before a fire gutted it April 30 and damaged the houses on either side.

Members hope to begin demolishing the clubhouse's remains later this week. Treasurer Rosemary Trout said many residents in the seaside neighborhood have expressed hope that the clubhouse can be rebuilt.

"They are in touch with me because I've been there so many years," she said. "They keep calling to ask how I'm doing and what the news is."

Club members are working with architect Louis J. Hernandez of the Louie Group to design a replacement structure. City officials have said the club can build a new facility on the grounds, although it would have to make some structural changes to fit modern building codes.