A grassroots group is applying to make Point Pinos in P.G. a national historic district.

They failed to stop the sale of the former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration building on Point Pinos in Pacific Grove to a private buyer in 2022, so now the grassroots group COAST is pursuing a bigger goal in an attempt to stave off possible destruction of the building. They want to see the entirety of the area, much of it originally designated as the Point Pinos Lighthouse Reservation in 1851, declared a historic district by the National Park Service.

COAST members contend that the NOAA building has a rich history, as well as serving as the canvas for a treasured mural by artist Ray Troll.

“We haven’t given up on that building,” COAST member Ken Parker says.

Nearby they say there are other historic and culturally significant treasures: Point Pinos Lighthouse, marking its 170th birthday this year, is already on the National Registry of Historic Places (since 1977); the Great Tide Pool where marine biologist Ed Ricketts once collected specimens; areas of cultural significance to Indigenous tribes; and a shared border with the California National Marine Monument.

The group makes the point that the original federal lighthouse reservation was never meant to be sold. In all they are asking that 92 acres, including the rock islets off of the Point, be included in the district.

“It’s a big effort that involves a lot of research to make the case very strongly,” Parker says.

The group has reached out to 15 different agencies to secure letters of support for the application. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, COAST leaders are scheduled to make their case to the Pacific Grove City Council asking it to add its support.