Press Releases
Carmel Mission Foundation Awarded a $1.8 Million Grant from The Hind Foundation
The Carmel Mission Foundation was awarded a $1,800,000 grant from the Hind Foundation for the Downie Museum and Basilica Forecourt Restoration at the Carmel Mission. This is the first grant the Carmel Mission Foundation has received from the Hind Foundation and the largest grant the nonprofit has received since it was established in 2008.
"We greatly appreciate the Hind Foundation's generous grant award for the Downie Museum and Basilica Forecourt project as it pushes us one step closer to achieving our goal of finishing the restoration in time to celebrate the momentous 250th anniversary of the founding of the Carmel Mission this fall," said Stephanie Zelei, Executive Director for the Carmel Mission Foundation.
The Downie Museum and Basilica Forecourt project is a $4 million restoration project that will restore, preserve, and seismically strengthen, the 100-year-old Downie Museum adobe structure and front courtyard to the renowned Basilica. Existing restrooms will be relocated to a new facility in the main courtyard, doubling the museum space. Two new ADA restrooms will be built on the west side of the adobe. The expanded museum will highlight the great restoration story of the Carmel Mission from the 1770's to present day. Grading and paving will completely restore the Basilica Forecourt to provide accessible step-free pathways throughout the garden, Basilica, and museums. Drainage solutions will prevent water from pooling under the Bell Tower and flooding the Basilica. The fountain will be revived, and plumbing issues remedied. The entire courtyard will be resurfaced with new concrete aggregate and river stone to resemble the look the Forecourt has today.
The Carmel Mission was founded in 1771. The 22 acre Carmel Mission complex has 11 historical structures, five museums, and the oldest house in California that all need structural renovation and rehabilitation. The objective of the work being done is to not just remedy existing deficiencies, but to ensure the preservation of the buildings for future generations.
Over the past decade the foundation has raised funds to complete the $5.5 million seismic retrofit and restoration of the renowned Basilica, the $2.2 million Quadrangle Courtyard restoration, the restoration of nine bells in the two Bell Towers and the creation of the Serra Memorial to commemorate donors.
The Downie Museum and Basilica Forecourt Restoration project began in November 2020 and the goal is to complete the project by the fall of 2021. The project is currently 90% funded. To make a donation or for more information about the restoration project visit carmelmissionfoundation.org.
About Carmel Mission Foundation
The Carmel Mission Foundation was established in 2008 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation independent from any religious organizations. Its purpose is to fund the restoration and preservation of the historic buildings, grounds, and historic artifacts throughout the Carmel Mission complex, ensuring accessibility for future generations.
The Carmel Mission is a U.S. National Historic Landmark, a California State Landmark, and is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Since 2008, the Foundation has awarded over $10 million to support the Carmel Mission restoration and preservation needs.