The Campaign

For generations, the Mission has served as an important cultural and economic resource for San  Benito County, and as a cornerstone of one of Central California’s most historic regions. 

While the Mission has had periodic restoration over the last two centuries, it is now at grave risk because its buildings have not been seismically retrofitted, and their leaking roofs are causing the adobe bricks to deteriorate and lose their strength.  It is one of the only California missions which has not had a seismic upgrade.

Seismologists have estimated a 62% probability for one or more magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Region from 2003 – 2032.  The Mission church is only 100 feet from the San Andreas Fault. 

Recognizing the need to restore and preserve the Mission, the Parish commissioned the “Mission San Juan Bautista Historic Structures Report” by Architectural Resources of San Francisco, whose work encompasses some of the West Coast’s most iconic buildings and sites.  The Report, published in 2013, after nearly a year of study, is a comprehensive analysis of the Mission with detailed recommendations for its restoration and preservation.

The Report includes the contributions of multiple consultants in the disciplines of architecture, architectural conservation, archaeology, history, structural engineering, geology, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

The Report, a comprehensive analysis of the Mission with detailed recommendations for its restoration and preservation, clearly documents the Mission’s endangered condition. The Report’s Management Summary includes the following conclusions:

Perhaps the single and largest threat to the long-term preservation of the Mission is the fact the buildings have not been seismically retrofitted.  The existing buildings are constructed primarily of unreinforced adobe masonry which is highly susceptible to major damage or even failure during a seismic event. 

This threat is greatly increased by the fact that the structures lie in immediate proximity to the San Andreas Fault.  A comprehensive seismic retrofit campaign will be critical to the preservation of the structures.
…. Ancillary to the seismic retrofit, other life safety issues include the addition of a fire alarm system, an automatic fire suppression system, and exit signage—all critical to protecting lives and prolonging the life of the Mission.

In addition to these life safety concerns, the issue of stabilizing and waterproofing the exterior envelope is paramount to the preservation of the Mission.  This is necessary to protect and to preserve the irreplaceable historic materials and finishes that exist. 

High priority recommendations for the Church and Convento include structural repairs and repairs to plaster, roofing, and brick and stone masonry.

Medium priority repairs are intended to prevent further deterioration and help provide a safe, functional, and comfortable environment for occupants.  These include upgrades to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems.

Lastly, low priority upgrades include interior and site improvements to improve the experience, character and historical understanding of the Mission.  These include conservation of decorative paint schemes, replacement of historically inappropriate light fixtures, and accessibility upgrades.

 “Mission San Juan Bautista Historic Structures Report,” September 2013 Architectural Resources Group and Franks & Brenkwitz, LLP Management Summary, p. vi.