History

In 1998 Central California Council (CCC) with support of American Youth Hostels (AYH, dba HI-USA) and California State Parks received approval from National Parks for the conveyance of 4.6 acres and 4 buildings located in the former Fort Ord to be developed into an Eco-Hostel.

In 2008 CCC/AYH received a 30 year lease for this property renewable in perpetuity at $1 per year from the city of Seaside. In 2017 the lease was transferred from CCC/AYH to the Fort Ord Hostel Society (FOHS), a local Monterey Bay independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This transfer included the benefit of upwards of $500,000 prior investments (plans, CEQA, etc.) and $70,734 in liquid assets from AYH to FOHS.

Through these transitions, a core group of local, hosteling enthusiasts have maintained continuous control of the property and made key improvements including connecting utilities, hazmat removal from the primary development site, as well as completing phased building plans and the approved construction plans for one building.

FOHS is currently raising money for the second phase of this plan, ie. construction of the primary building site into a 48-bed eco-hostel. The Seaside Fort Ord Eco-Hostel design and construction plans are based on US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Environmental and Education Design [LEED].