Let's raise the roof for Cooper-Molera Adobe! The National Trust for Historic Preservation is conducting a significant restoration project at Cooper-Molera Adobe, and it's now doing additional fundraising to replace the Cooper Adobe museum and Diaz Adobe dining room roofs. This work will ensure the long-term preservation of the buildings and we, the public, can help!

Make a Donation

All donations of any amount are welcome to help the organization replace the roof of this historic treasure at 506 Munras Avenue in Downtown Old Monterey. Simply visit the donation page, click the "Donate" button, enter a dollar amount, and be sure to specify "ROOF" at Checkout.

(Important: at Checkout, look for the text box located under your mailing address which says "My donation will support..." and write "ROOF.")

About the Restoration Project

The overall restoration project, funded in part by a 2022 National Park Services Save America's Treasures grant, includes the restoration of the Cooper Adobe museum (1827) and limited restoration work on the Diaz Adobe (1829).

The most critical element of the project is the restoration of the cantilevered wood balcony that wraps around the east and south sides of the Cooper Adobe. Other key efforts include exterior adobe plaster repair; decking restoration and replacement; repairs to windows, shutters, doors, and decorative trim; and drainage issues.

About the Roof Replacement

Original plans for the restoration project included a much-needed replacement of the Cooper Adobe and Diaz Adobe's roofs, but delays in the restoration, coupled with the rising costs of goods and labor, have forced the organization to postpone the work on the roofs while it moves forward with other aspects of the project. They are now actively seeking funding from the public to replace the roofs. For more information, please contact Executive Director Karyn Lee-Garcia.

Photo credit: Angela DeCenzo