Restoration Plan
This page contains a basic outline of our restoration strategy. To preserve privacy and reduce possible liability, we will not mention specific contractors, partners, and companies used in the progression of this strategy. More detailed information can be acquired by reaching out to us directly. However, we hope this outline will bring confidence in the project and inspire you to get involved.
Basic Strategy Outline
- Coordinate with existing property owners and township to determine property assets, liabilities, and existing plans for restoration (if applicable).
- Determine capabilities of current property owners in development of cultural center on existing property to help fund the upkeep of the facility and preserve its historical status.
- Determine needed restoration scope to make the property safe, code compliant, and publicly accessible (minimum viable product).
- Draw up restoration plan and secure funding. Funding options include:
- Local cultural groups, historical societies, local government, and charitable organizations. Incentivize them to contribute money and volunteer hours in exchange for recognition and long term collaboration and usage of facilities.
- Public crowdfunding. Incentive the local community using recognition and special access.
- Private or corporate donors. Incentivize using recognition and favorable inclusion in the project while minimizing selling percentages of ownership.
- Develop key revenue streams, including public grounds visitation, on-site program operations, and event hosting.
- Secure part time staff needed to maintain grounds and operate programs.
- Continue to activate volunteerism and community outreach to integrate the Cultural Center and Swiss Pines into day-to-day life.

Image Courtesy of charlestown.pa.us
Revenue Generating Structure
The following activities can be used to generate recurring income to maintain and enhance the Swiss Pines facilities and grounds.
- Garden Membership – Once restored, the facility can accept casual visitors to walk the gardens. The facility can offer single day passes, monthly passes, annual passes, or lifetime passes. Lifetime passes could be offered as a redevelopment incentive to raise early funds and renew interest in the property.
- Educational Classes – Potential classes include nature and gardening, foreign language instruction, ikebana (flower arranging), tea ceremony, traditional dance, taiko drumming, international business, and more depending on instructor resources. Educational classes can generate semester-based or monthly income and can easily fit in existing Swiss Pines structures.
- Weddings Events – The convenient location, large mansion, and beautiful grounds will make Swiss Pines a popular destination for weddings. Wedding bookings are a lucrative seasonal way to generate income.
- Martial Arts Classes – Traditional Japanese and Okinawan martial arts classes can be held regularly. The grounds are large enough for multiple programs which can contribute regular monthly income.
- Yoga and Taichi Classes – Taichi is a traditional Chinese form of health and wellness. Yoga, while not traditionally from East Asia, is a widely spread and accepted form of healthful practice. Much like martial arts, these programs can provide regular monthly income.
- Cultural Demonstrations – Events such as tea ceremony, taiko drumming, musical concerts, etc. can draw ticket sales.
- After School Programs – Swiss Pines is located near a number of schools and can be used for cultural enrichment after school programs. Activities can include walks, crafts, instrument playing, etc. After school programs can draw seasonal revenue.
- Corporate Events – Modern businesses often like unique locations to hold retreats or events. This is a non-seasonal income possibility.
Non-Revenue Generating Value Adds
- On-Site Cultural Museum – Meaningful artifacts from various avenues of Asian culture: clothes, tools, family memorabilia, martial arts artifacts, etc. Helps to make the location a destination.
- Visit Borkowski Museum in Canada for an example of a nicely created center
- Connect with Hokama Sensei in Okinawa for potential display pieces
- On-Site Local History – Room/area that helps tell the intriguing story of Swiss Pines
- Photo Spots – Photography friendly locations for proms and other social events.
- Artist Forest – Platforms or areas that provide basic set up needs for painting, sculpting, and other art generation. Become a destination for the art community which will lead to revenue generating classes and events.
- Go Boards – stone or wood outdoor go boards. Similar to outdoor chess but with a Chinese/Japanese/Korean connection.
About the Restoration Operators
Bill and Kim Coyle
The Coyles have been closely connected to the Swiss Pines property for decades. They provided support to Henriette Bumeder and Carl Shindle during their later years and were bequethed onwership of the property and foundation upon Henriette’s passing.
The Coyle’s own and operate a roofing company that has been in business for over three decades. As such, they are no stranger to big projects and scopes of rehabilitation.
Relevant résumé items include:
- William Coyle Contracting
- Historic Barn Roofing Rehabilitation
- Groundskeeping and machine operation
Matthew Apsokardu
Matthew Apsokardu is an entrepreneur and student of Japanese and Okinawan culture.
Matthew has been training in Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo for over 25 years. He expanded the scope of his training to include Muso Shinden Ryu Japanese Swordsmanship.
Matthew’s business background focuses on team building, utilization of modern tools to create efficient business models, and development of ethical and sustainable revenue streams.
Relevant résumé items include:
- Penn State Graduate of Professional Writing and Natural Science
- Intern at Nolde Forest Education Center
- Employee of Army Corps of Engineers focused on Maintenance and Landscaping for Blue Marsh Lake
- Founder of Apsos Media, a digital company specializing in branding and marketing for service-based industries.
- Founder of Apsos Publishing, a bespoke publishing outfit centered around works of martial arts and Asian culture.
- 10 year tenure as board member of the International Karate Kobudo Federation
- Author of “Tales from the Western Generation“, featuring research and interviews with over 30 of America’s most senior karate practitioners.
- Editor and publisher for three additional works on martial arts and Japanese/Okinawan culture.
- Chief instructor of the Sanrin Dojo.
- Author of Sanrin Arts, a repository of martial and cultural articles.
Others to Be Added
There are currently other individuals who are involved or are in consideration for involvement. They will be added here as it becomes appropriate.
Others to Be Added
There are currently other individuals who are involved or are in consideration for involvement. They will be added here as it becomes appropriate.