Press Releases

The Carmel Mission Foundation announced the successful completion of its third major restoration, the $4 million dollar Downie Museum and Basilica Forecourt restoration project at the historic Carmel Mission in Carmel-by-the-Sea. After three years of research, planning, restoration design and fundraising for this front section of the 22-acre property, the Carmel Mission Foundation and their generous community of donors together with the Carmel Mission Parish, and the Diocese of Monterey are thrilled to have successfully completed this project in time to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the founding of Carmel Mission.

"I am humbled by the community support and proud of the Foundation's ongoing efforts and commitment to restore this incredible landmark during a very challenging time." says Stephanie Zelei, Executive Director of the Carmel Mission Foundation. "This final portion of the project came in under budget and ahead of schedule due to the tremendous contributions of SRA Project Management, Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company, Franks & Brenkwitz Architecture, Cornerstone Masonry, Graniterock, Searle Electric, Green Valley Landscaping, Val's Plumbing and Chris Ingram Plastering." Zelei states. "We want to thank the Parish and Diocese for their support during construction while adhering to the challenging COVID safe protocols needed for continued Mission operations." Zelei adds, "The project looks fantastic, and we hope everyone will find time to visit the property."

The Basilica Forecourt and 100-year-old Downie Museum adobe were in serious need of restoration. With the completion of the seismic strengthening of the unreinforced adobe, the successful restoration of the roofline, fireplace and wood support beams, the building is now safe, accessible, and preserved for the future. By relocating the nonfunctioning restrooms from the museum and opening the interior doorways the adobe was restored to its original floorplan, which now opens into expanded exhibit space. All areas throughout the museum and garden are now ADA accessible.

The front perimeter wall, which crumbled in August 2020, has been rebuilt, the entrance gates refurbished, and a new gated pedestrian entrance was added alongside the museum store, opening more viewing areas from Rio Rd. All flooding and drainage issues affecting the foundation of the renowned Basilica bell tower, built in 1797, have been remedied, and the historic fountain is now functional. Step-free paths and hazard-free walkways to the museums and gardens are now accessible to all visitors.

This is the third major restoration project the Carmel Mission Foundation has completed since its inception in 2008 and follows the successful structural restoration of the Basilica in 2013 and Central Courtyard in 2016, which offered an updated outdoor gathering space for the Parish and Museum to stay open and comply with COVID-19 operational restrictions. With multiple, historic structures, museums and artifacts still needing restoration, the Foundation is committed to the community's interest to continue this important work. Over the past 13 years, the Carmel Mission Foundation and the community of donors and volunteers, have raised and funded a total of $14 million dollars into the research and restoration needs of the historic structures, grounds, and artifacts throughout the 22-acre Carmel Mission complex.

With this 3^rd major restoration successfully complete, the Foundation will focus on sharing the story of this incredible property, not just the first 60 years of early mission life, but the later 175 years when the United States took over the ruins of Carmel Mission.  "Our community has practiced a legacy of joining together in restoring this national historic landmark as the Monterey Peninsula developed around it" says Zelei "it is an exciting time, and we want to share this incredible history."

Individual plaques will be placed in the Forecourt and in the Downie Museum to honor the two major donors who contributed $1.5 million and greater to the Foundation for this restoration project. Donors who contributed $5,000 and greater will be recognized with a plaque in the Carmel Mission's Central Courtyard to honor their commitment to restoring this historic landmark in perpetuity

The Carmel Mission Foundation will be showcasing before and after images of the project, history videos and restoration progress videos through the foundation website and social media pages over the next few months. https://www.facebook.com/CarmelMissionFoundation/videos/157641639878168/

For more information about the project call (831) 624-3261 or go to carmelmissionfoundation.org