1. Project Focus

• Friends of Mission Trail Nature Preserve (FOMTNP): Focused on preserving Flanders Mansion as a single-family residence within the Mission Trail Nature Preserve. Limited community interaction, emphasizing conservation and the property’s quiet integration within the Preserve.
• Carmel Outlands: Aims to transform Flanders Mansion into a multi-use cultural hub, blending public benefit with private residence functions, educational programs, and small community gatherings to increase public engagement.

2. Scope of Public Use

• FOMTNP: Proposes minimal community access, with only 2-3 small, private gatherings per year, preserving the Mansion’s exclusivity and minimizing public interaction to protect the Preserve’s natural environment.
• Carmel Outlands: Envisions broader public benefit with a mixed-use space that supports small private functions, educational gatherings, and hybrid in-person/virtual programming to maximize community engagement without overburdening the Preserve.

3. Parking and Infrastructure

• FOMTNP: Suggests no alterations to existing parking or infrastructure, prioritizing the natural ecosystem and reducing impact on the Preserve.
• Carmel Outlands: Acknowledges parking limitations but wishes for phased construction and sustainable parking solutions to support limited, regulated community access.

4. Business Model and Revenue

• FOMTNP: Does not include a revenue-generating model. Its funding relies solely on contributions during restoration phases and potential grants for restoration efforts. The fellowship program is grant-dependent but has no recurring revenue plan.
• Carmel Outlands: Designed with a diverse income strategy, including ticket sales for hybrid private gatherings, grant opportunities across multiple program areas, and potential revenue from the Artist-in-Residence Program, Carmel History Center, and small group meeting spaces.

5. Approach to Mansion Use

• FOMTNP: Centered around a historical caretaker fellowship, aiming to preserve the Mission Trail Nature Preserve’s integrity with minimal public use.
• Carmel Outlands: Integrates cultural restoration with a focus on educational and tech-enhanced programming to provide historical insight, foster community connections, and celebrate Carmel’s cultural heritage – all within a private, caretaker residence.

Comparison Summary

Both proposals offer distinct visions for Flanders Mansion’s future. While both plans prioritize conservation and low-impact use, Carmel Outlands emphasizes a model with sustainable revenue streams and cultural enrichment, aiming to foster community involvement and long-term organizational financial stability.