Saving a Historic Landmark S
an Juan’s best-known landmark is put- ting on a new face. Construction started in June on Mis-
sion San Juan Capistrano’s $3.3 million Gate House project, which will not only recon- fi gure and reconstruct the front entrance — with historic fl air — but also move the Mission’s gift shop to Ortega Highway. The Mission Preservation Foundation and design team hope to provide the community with a project it can be proud of for genera- tions. The project includes: • Relocating the existing, privately oper-
ated, gift shop use to the street, making the historic Sala available for future museum space • Constructing a new ticket booth and
welcome area for guests • Relocating and constructing a new group
entry
• Installing trees, benches and landscaping • Rehabilitating the historically signifi cant 1916 Original Gate House in accordance with the Department of Interior’s Standards for the Care and Treatment of Historically Signifi cant Buildings. The Gate House plan has been painstak- ingly developed over several years using visu-
al simulations and on-site modeling to help balance its overall scale, details and visual impact. The plan enhances and protects the most historic elements of the 1916 Gate House while improving the access, safety and staging of tens of thousands of school children who line up on the 4-foot- wide sidewalks today. The project aims to stretch the hours of the downtown’s busy period and reinforces its identity by offer- ing a museum store directly on the street. In designing a new Gate House, the
team strived to treat the site with rever- ence and respect while working to ensure the Mission’s continued preservation, sus- tainability and reputation as a worldwide appreciated landmark. Fundraising efforts have been led by the
Mission Preservation Foundation under the leadership of President George O’Connell, whose name was added to the city’s “Wall of Recognition” in 2012, along with that of his wife, Eden. Mission offi cials said it is the foundation’s goal to deliver a Gate House experience that can be a source of
pride for the residents and visitors for gen- erations to come, becoming a historically signifi cant building in its own right. The project needs the support of indi- viduals, businesses and foundations with an appreciation for the need and signifi cance of saving the Sala building, improving safety and developing a visually stronger entry for the Mission. To make a gift, donate online at
missionsjc.com or contact Mission Execu- tive Director Mechelle Lawrence-Adams at 949.234.1311.
THE GATE HOUSE PRESERVATION PROJECT
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