You are here. Home Page
Media Articles
Status Report
Flying In
Airfield History
Photo Album

CARMEL VALLEY
HISTORIC AIRPARK
SOCIETY

Carmel Valley Vintage Airfield

The Carmel Valley Historic Airpark was the world's first residential airpark development, built in 1941. It is located a few miles from the scenic central California coast, 8 nm (by air) southeast of the Monterey Airport (MRY).

What is the future of the world's first residential airpark?

The world's first residential airpark development:

Click for larger imageAlthough it is the world's first, it was minimally developed and has remained untouched for 60 years. This extraordinary 30 acre open space mountain view property is the last original and largest, preserved undeveloped property in Carmel Valley Village. The California Office of Historic Resources has determined that it is the world's first planned airpark, is historic and eligible for state listing and preservation funding for private residential development and operation.

Now an upscale rural scenic enclave, Carmel Valley California offers a luxury scenic, high quality of life investment area. World famous cultural events include: ATT National ProAm Golf Tournament, Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Marine Sanctuary, Laguna Seca Raceway, Salinas Airshow, the Carmel Bach Festival, Concourse Italiano, The Tomato Festival at Quail Lodge, and many culinary events. Nearby are Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Big Sur and neighboring communities and resort destinations. In addition, Carmel Valley is a fine wine-growing area and enjoys an ideal temperate year-round climate without the chronic coastal fog typical of the Central Coast. It has many area aviators and aviation interest groups with Monterey, Salinas and Marina airports nearby, offering complete services.

Three hangar homes could be built:

Studies have determined that three hangar homes could be built. Extensive planning, engineering, and architectural designs have been completed, including wells and soil testing (see development plans) which would allow three exclusive hangar homes to be built on the property.

Overwhelming neighborhood and community wide support:

The airport has overwhelming support from the neighborhood and community. A vigorous effort has shepherded the effort toward preserving this world resource.

Carmel Valley Historic Airpark Society (CVHAS):

CVHAS, a local preservation group, is fostering interest for revival of the property as a residential airfield. The CVHAS has retained California's foremost preservation consultants to establish its importance and guidelines for its preservation and development.

Click for larger imageImagine private ownership of the world's first residential airpark - in desirable Carmel Valley, California!

Just this year, the owner has publicized his desire to sell the airpark property as three separate parcels, which range from eight to 11 acres each. The asking price is $495K per acre, or $14.4 million for the entire 29-acre property.

The following describes completed and reviewed work in anticipation of the airpark's preservation:

Completed planning, infrastructure, permits & zoning
Click for larger map
  • Architectural plans for three hangar homes
  • Soil drainage & percolation tests, allowed building findings
  • Existing municipal water meter & service
  • Capped new well site with ample flow for three homes and irrigation
  • 3 lots comprise 29.5 acres
  • Zoning LDR-1 as a legal non-conforming use, allows 1 new dwelling unit per lot
  • CalTrans, Div of aeronautics permit # Mon-4, FAA site # 0137
  • No existing permanent structures
  • 1820' hard surface runway w/ 580' grass extension, & 1600' grass approach; 2400' taxiway, multiple tie-down areas

Optional land uses & limitations
  • Build up to 3 new hangar homes
  • Vineyard on runway approach
  • Worker affordable housing on Ford Rd peripheral lot
  • Cooperative limited public trail access and maintenance, administered by Carmel Valley Village parks district
  • Existing level of aviation activity; no intensification
Preservation advantages

Click for larger imageState and Federal legislation encourage the preservation of privately owned historical resources. This airpark property is eligible for State restoration funding due to its historic status. Funding may be applied to

  • Runway repaving or sod planting, fencing, maintenance
  • Public access and trail construction and maintenance
  • Eligibility for Mills Act alternative property tax assessment, to be adopted by Monterey County

For general information

Aviators and preservationists are asked to help secure preservation of this historic airpark

  • Please send contributions for ongoing administrative and legal costs payable to:
        Carmel Valley Historic Airpark Society
        PO Box 683
        Carmel Valley, CA 93924

  • Direct your aviation and investor friends to CVHAS
Click on small images to see enlarged images.

 CARMEL VALLEY HISTORIC AIRPARK SOCIETY
P.O. Box 683
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Carmel Valley Vintage Airfield
E-mail: airpark@vintageairfield.com

Last updated February 18, 2008