The Brookdale Lodge Welcomes the Return of James Dean
By Julie Horner
A year ago, The Brookdale remained breathtakingly beautiful behind her time-streaked glass and cobwebs. Forever she has waited, like a dark bride in ripped lace, her house empty, awaiting new love and purpose.
Now the iconic James Dean mural is back, greeting motorists as they speed past the chain-link, signaling an anticipatory welcome in a few short months of the imminent reopening of the historic Brookdale Lodge. Installed in person by artist, John Cerney, and his man-at-arms, Ron McLain of Louisiana on Tuesday March 6, 2018, the process took most of the day. From drilling the initial mounting holes in the concrete block wall to erecting scaffolding to scale the breadth of the freshly prepared canvas, each piece of the hand-painted artwork was maneuvered carefully into place with reverence and an undeniable sense of excitement.
Maryanne Porter of Brookdale Lodge Mysteries Explored and owner of Santa Cruz Ghost Hunters/Haunted Tours partnered with owner Pravin Patel last summer to find the perfect artist. “The mural is a huge deal not only to the community but also to the history of the Brookdale Lodge,” Porter says. “I mean, this is not something that we are taking lightly – this will be a fixated iconic portrait which represents the Lodge and San Lorenzo Valley for generations to come. Mr. Patel is not only creating new history, but he is also trying to preserve the old.”
The Brookdale Lodge is slated to re-open in phases over the course the year. Stay tuned!
