National Park Service

Description

The goal of this project is to conserve original lime plaster and gypsum finishes in the nave, sanctuary, sacristy, and baptistery of Mission San Jose de Tumacácori. The church is the primary resource for which the park was established, as identified in the enabling legislation. The last comprehensive work on the interior was completed in 1984. Since then, the plaster has deteriorated and preservation is needed. There is an estimated 6000 square feet of original Franciscan-era plaster in the lower sanctuary and nave of the church. A condition assessment conducted in 2014 revealed high rates of failure of previous repairs that were intended to reattach original plaster to underlying adobe. Also, new cracks and weakened plaster keys were identified through photogrammetry. The earthen mortar and adobe walls are disintegrating and at risk for losing adherence to surface plasters. The sacristy is losing adobe at the floor level at an alarming ¼ inch per year through disintegration, accompanied by irreversible plaster detachment and loss. Additionally, the loss of plaster from elevated heights poses serious public safety concerns.

Who can apply

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Others

Contact

Grants Management Officer Kelly Adams <br/>Kelly_Adams@nps.gov<br/>
Kelly_Adams@nps.gov