Archaeological, Conservation & Preservation Projects at California Missions and Other Hispanic Sites

Archaeological, Conservation and Preservation Projects
at California Missions and Other Hispanic Sites

Previously unknown painted wall decorations have recently been uncovered at the Royal Presidio Chapel of Monterey to the surprise of preservation architect Anthony Crosby and his team. Crosby reports:

As of February 7, 2008, we have confirmed that there are remains of four distinct dado schemes which date prior to 1858. We willl probably be able to document and interpret two and perhaps three of them. The fourth, which was probably the second scheme, is not defined at all except as a separate layer and color.

The earliest dado pattern, a banded border above a diamond pattern, rendered in various shades of red, rose and pinks, is associated with Corinthian columns which supported a three centered arch that appears to define the sanctuary area.

We have also clearly identified two different faux stone patterns in the original window reveals and also on the interior walls surrounding the windows. The original windows were identified and masonry fill, that was added in 1858, was excavated and the remaining details documented.

We are reasonably sure at this point that the earliest scheme dates from before 1810 and possibly from 1794 when the chapel was completed. Some of the details of the early scheme, which was very well executed, are similar to what we know of the early scheme at Mission Dolores.

The investigation and documentation of the interior decorations has also led to the irrefutable conclusion that the present portadas of the 1858 transepts that earlier provided access to the sacristy and baptistery, both of which were demolished with the construction of the transepts.

We are not sure of the relationship of the earliest scheme and the portadas, but hopefully that is one of many questions that we will be able to answer. It also appears that there was probably an arch spanning the nave and which separated the nave from the sanctuary, again similar to that at Mission Dolores and other missions.

This is definitely a work in progress and we continue to try to answer as many questions as possible. The overall project at the chapel consists of seismic strengthening, stone conservation, landscape rehabilitation, masonry repair and interior rehabilitation and it is a construction zone at this point.

For a more detailed report (pdf format) on these recent discoveries at Monterey’s Royal Presidial Chapel, with color photographs, CLICK HERE.
2/08

RECENT CONSERVATION WORK AT MISSION SAN MIGUEL
--by Anthony Crosby

In December 2003 Mission San Miguel Arcangel was rocked by an earthquake that resulted in the closing of the mission buildings to the public. During the past four years work has been undertaken to repair and seismically strengthen the east convento wing, which was the only part of the convento that survived relatively intact into the 20th century. The third phase of the repair of the east convento was completed last year and currently a temporary church, the mission gift shop and the museum are open.

In the meantime studies have been underway to determine the most appropriate approach to preserving the church, the sacristy and the remaining parts of the complex, including engineering studies, an initial condition assessment of the interior decorations, and an historic structure report, partially funded by a Getty Grant and currently being developed incorporating students from Cal Poly and California State at Monterey Bay.

Many of these studies continue, and beginning in March 2008, the preservation of the original interiors enters a second phase with additional analysis, testing and pilot treatments – this next phase will continue on site over the next two to three months with two teams working, one addressing the decorative plasters and another team addressing the decorative and structural wood. At the completion of these studies, it is anticipated that the comprehensive conservation of the important interiors can be planned.

Analysis of the overall building and site conditions, such as the effects of ground moisture on the 6-feet thick adobe walls, the site hydrogeology, and the potential of continuing damage of highway and rail traffic continue as well. In conjunction with the historic structure report additional historical research will concentrate on the evolution and changes in the mission complex, the development of the architecture at San Miguel and an analysis of the authentic interior decorations from the perspective of an art historian.

For a pdf version of this article which includes photographs of conservators and students at work, please click here.

3/08

(reprinted from JOURNAL PLUS, March, 2008)

     Mission San Luis Obispo was founded in 1772, the fifth of 21 California missions, by Friar Junipero Serra. Today it is a large and active parish and a familiar place for summertime festivals, street concerts, and meetings with friends. This year (2008) marks an important and much needed chapter in the building’s history -- a complete retrofitting. “No engineer will tell you that the present Mission is earthquake safe,” says John Fowler, who is serving as project manager and capital campaign director for the entire $2.8 million job. “And while there is no reason to believe there’s any imminent danger -- the present structure has been around for more than 200 years and there was only minor cracking with the San Simeon quake in 2003 -- any building could come down with the right earthquake.”

     To ensure that the likelihood of such a disaster won’t happen to the Mission -- for many, this compound and the narratives behind it represent both the centerpiece and soul of San Luis Obispo -- Fowler will start taking bids from general contractors this month. It’s part and parcel of adhering to a SLO city mandate, which states that all non-reinforced masonry structures in San Luis Obispo must be seismically strengthened no later than July 1, 2010. “The City hasn’t said what their next step will be if that’s not done,” says Fowler. “ But we’re assuming that closure is high on the list.”

     Once a contractor is selected, the Mission retrofit is scheduled to begin quickly in April, with the building then closed to the public on weekdays for about six months. Saturday and Sunday Masses are slated to continue, although a massive cleanup will be needed every Friday and a certain amount of lighting will most likely be temporarily removed or improvised. Whether the Mozart Festival will have its usual venue here this summer, as well as the building still being available for wedding ceremonies, remains an unknown.

     While the actual retrofit seems uncomplicated in theory -- installing new roof sheeting on top of the existing sheeting, then securing that fresh cover with concrete beams -- the project offers its own unique set of challenges. “Given that the Mission has been around for a few hundred years, many repairs and alterations have been done,” explains John Fowler. “And with brick, adobe, and wood all used in different parts of the building at different times, the walls are thicker in some places than in others. So, the most difficult part for our team has been to take all of these variations of craftsmanship and materials and try to tie them all together to make the retrofit work.” Another huge challenge is this -- there are no original blueprints on the Mission. Consequently, one of the first things Fowler did was hire Architectural Resources Group, a San Francisco-based historical architectural firm. That firm, one of the largest of its kind in the state, then produced a Historical Structures Report (HSR). The HSR proved crucial when it came to figuring out how the Mission came to be; when and what repairs were done before the upcoming retrofit, and what the existing structure is like today.

     “”I’m still learning what a complex undertaking this all is,” says Fr. Russell Brown, who only completed seminary and entered the priesthood in 2004. In addition, Father Russ has served as the Mission pastor -- his first pastoral assignment -- for less then two years. “I was pretty newly ordained when one of the most complicated parishes in our diocese was offered to me. There was not a long list of applicants for the job! I do recall talk of an earthquake reconstruction project when I was interviewed, but it wasn’t until I arrived here that I understood the full picture,” he continues. “This is not just a little shoring up, but requires a contractor, and electrician, engineers, architects, archaeologists, fire inspectors and on and on. Now, for all that entails, I’m surprised to some degree that I really do find the whole project interesting.”

     “There’s no handbook for this -- we’re learning as we go,” explains John Fowler. “But getting the HSR done was the first step to this effort. You must know everything you possibly can about a building like this before you can begin to make additional changes.” Having Fowler as project manager, says Fr. Russ, has been an invaluable asset. “While I’m ultimately responsible for everything that concerns the Mission, John’s expertise is absolutely crucial to the retrofit here,” he says. “He allows me to focus more on the pastoral needs of the church, which always more than fills my day.” Fowler certainly has the requisite credentials for the project -- indeed, if anyone can bring this plan in on time and on budget, he can. A certified public accountant by profession, Fowler also served as project manager for the recently finished $10 million Mission College Preparatory addition, and also holds the same title for the ongoing renovations at Mission San Miguel Arcangel, just north of Paso Robles. Under Fowler’s direction, the SLO Mission museum and gift shop have already been completely retrofitted.

     Despite all the formidable challenges inherent in this particular seismic upgrade, John Fowler and Fr. Russell say that they’re glad to be active participants. “Everyone is interested in missions and their place in California history, so that makes this project great fun,” says Fowler. “Plus, we get donations and visitors from around the world. We also attract the best engineers and architects -- and I get to work right alongside them.” Adds Fr. Russ, “I’m very happy to be here right now. I’ll do what I can to keep the parish together and spiritually fed while we achieve this mandate. We’ve been serving this community for 235 years, and the work we accomplish now will secure our Mission for centuries to come.”

Funds are still needed to complete the retrofitting of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Donations can be made in cash, check or in the form of pledges that may be paid in three to five years. For more information, visit <www.OurCommunityOurMission.org> or call John Fowler at (805) 550-8639.

The Team will apply a pigmented limewash in the coming weeks, formulated to match the east wall of the Serra Chapel.

The Team hired a professional pest control company to treat the Mission for termites in late December. Two parts of this treatment effort were implemented, including carrying out a non-invasive "in-ground" treatment for subterranean termites. The second part was more labor intensive, with the Team tenting and fumigating the Gift Shop, South Wing, Serra Chapel, Rectory, Kindergarten classrooms, and Mission Administrative Building. It was determined that prior to carrying out the wood treatment within the Chapel, it would be best to fumigate for termites, ensuring that they did not continue their damage to new preservation work.

There are bound to be visual impacts as a result of this project, not to mention disruption. However, in order to ensure the Chapel remains viable for the next one hundred years, it is imperative that the Mission carry out this work despite the impact.

The Historic Mission staff is committed to carrying out the entire conservation of the Serra Chapel within three years. Raising $1.5 million will expedite the work and return the Chapel to its proper uninterrupted tradition of worship.

During 2006, the Serra Chapel Conservation Project will include initiating the following priorities:

1. Consolidating, in-painting, and cleaning the interior decorative wall paintings; and,

2. Conserving the golden retablo, and repairing the badly deteriorated wooden corbels and beams; and,

3. Conserving the first of fourteen paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross, Station IV: Jesus Meets His Mother; and,

4. Carrying out conservation work on a second altar candlestick; and,

5. Refurbishing the 1920's pews.

More information and photos appear on Mission San Juan Capistrano's webpage

East Hall, Southwest Corner Same corner of ceiling, after
Ceiling before Restoration restoration

Another program at Mission San Juan Capistrano focuses on artifacts conservation. Storage of historical artifacts in clean, secure, and environmentally-monitored facilities is crucial to their continued survival. Mission San Juan Capistrano has recently received two prestigious grants to improve its storage facilities, one of $9000 from the California Missions Foundation and one of $5000 from the National Endowment for the Humanties; work in this important area is going forward.

If you are interested in supporting the work for the Serra Chapel or the Mission's artifacts conservation program and would like to make a gift , contact Ellen Pierce, Mission Development Manager, at (949) 234-1375.

10/06