Tucked along Kailua’s shoreline within Kalama Beach Park, the Boettcher Estate is one of Hawai‘i’s architectural gems. Designed in 1937 by Vladimir Ossipoff, the home captures the spirit of island living with its open lanais, coral-stone columns, and deep overhangs that blur the line between indoors and out.

Originally built as a tropical retreat for the Colorado-based Boettcher family, the estate reflects a fascinating cross-Pacific story. The Boettchers—industrialists whose success spanned sugar-beet processing and cement manufacturing—purchased the property in 1935 seeking peace after the family’s high-profile kidnapping incident on the mainland. During World War II, the home briefly served as Navy officers’ quarters before eventually becoming part of Kalama Beach Park, allowing the community to share in its tranquil beauty.

Today, decades of coastal exposure have taken a toll on this landmark. At the City and County of Honolulu’s request, Glenn Mason assessed the estate’s condition, identifying critical roof deterioration and missing shingles that threaten its structural integrity. Drawing on archived plans from previous work, Mason provided detailed documentation and cost estimates—about $250,000 for the roof restoration alone—to guide the City’s repair effort.

The project represents an important step toward safeguarding an architectural treasure that has served as both private refuge and public gathering place. Through careful restoration, the Boettcher Estate will continue to reflect Ossipoff’s timeless design and remain a beloved part of Kailua’s coastal landscape.