Mission San Carlos Borromedo de Carmelo
ARG has been engaged by Carmel Mission for a number of projects over the past fifteen years. Our work with the Mission began with preparation of a Historic Structures Report for the stone Basilica, a registered National Historic Landmark and the centerpiece of the Carmel Mission, as well as multiple unreinforced adobe buildings on site.
Founded in 1770, Mission San Carlos Borromedo de Carmelo (Carmel Mission) is an excellent example of a restored and reconstructed California Mission. It was the second of nine missions personally established by Father Serra, who passed away at Carmel and is buried at the church altar. The church, built in 1797, was one of the few California Mission churches to be constructed of stone and features distinctive Moorish details. Today, Carmel Mission remains an active parish and attracts visitors from all over the world. It listed on is on the National Register of Historic Places, is a National Historic Landmark, and in 1961, was honored with the rank of Minor Basilica by Pope John XXIII.
The Historic Structures Report provides a better understanding of the history and significance of the Mission as well as documents and evaluates the condition of the buildings’ architectural features. This information is being used to guide the implementation of conservation, maintenance, and programmatic decisions for the structures.
ARG consulted on the seismic retrofit of the Basilica and prepared an Interior Finishes Assessment at the Basilica. We also prepared a Conservation Assessment for the Mission’s Orchard House and conducted exploratory testing and research on the adobe.
Our current work includes preliminary design for seismic strengthening of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and accessibility improvements throughout the site.