DANA POINT

The Dana Point Historical Society will kick off a fund-raising campaign sometime next month to buy the Dolph House from the developer, who plans to build homes in the area surrounding the residence.

The society was provided with the opportunity to buy the landmark when the City Council approved the proposed Capistrano by the Sea development at its Oct. 26 meeting, ending years of debate surrounding the scenic 25-acre parcel. The council approved a plan that will allow 43 homes to be built between Calle La Primavera and Capistrano by the Sea, where the Dolph House has sat for 85 years.

As part of the development agreement, the community has one year to form a private foundation to buy and preserve the Dolph House from the property owner, Newport Beach-based Capital Pacific Holdings. If the community falls short of raising the $400,000 to $450,000 it will take to buy the landmark, the lot will remain a private residence and the property of the developer.

The 200-member Dana Point Historical Society is leading the push to save the Dolph House. The society plans on beginning a fund-raising campaign soon, said Beverly Sills, president of the historical society.