Serra Chapel Conservation Project Update
September 2007

Dear Visitor, Mission Member, and Parishioner:

Please be advised there are on-going upgrades to the Serra Chapel as part of the Serra Chapel Conservation Project initiated in 2006 by the Mission Preservation Foundation. This three year effort to conserve one of the State's most historically significant Chapels has generated a great deal of time, attention and funding to carry out the following critical preservation related work over the past year and a half:

• Restoration and repair of historic pews within the Chapel.
  
• Stabilization of plaster loss and paint finishes in the Serra Chapel entrance.
  
• Repainting and stabilization of plaster loss in the St. Peregrine Chapel.
  
• Conservation of the exterior of the St. Peregrine Chapel.
  
• Re-roofing of the St. Peregrine Chapel.
• Repair of badly deteriorated adobe on the outside of the Serra Chapel, including the application of lime wash.
• Removal of concrete wainscoting on the exterior of the Chapel.
• Repointing of column bricks and columns.
• Fabrication of new pews and furnishings for the interior of the St. Peregrine Chapel.
• Termite tenting treatment of the Serra Chapel.
• Repair and remediation of the Serra Chapel attic space.
• Conservation, cleaning and reframing of Historic Station of the Cross Paintings.
• Cleaning and Conservation of 400 year old retablo and 100 year old pulpit.

Upcoming important related projects or tasks that will impact the use of the Serra Chapel, and thus may impact your visit to the Chapel, include the following:

1. Installation of new lighting to showcase and highlight the retablo, artifacts and Stations of the Cross paintings - Estimated Start Time is November 1st, and will involve closing the Chapel for the electrical work and installation of new fixtures.
2. Conservation of interior finishes, and repair of the loss of plasters. This work will start October 1st and will involve the installation of visually significant scaffolding inside of the Church over a nine month period. During this time, the scaffolding will only be removed during Christmas and Easter holidays. Conservation work will occur Monday through Friday by a team of painting conservators. At some point the Mission will require the closure of the Chapel to allow work in the altar area. We will do our best to keep you informed of our closure plans. Pedestrian traffic flow will be re-routed as needed, with alternate entrances required for entry and access.
3. Additional future work, not yet scheduled, but underway for planning includes: re-roofing arcades, installation of fire and life safety features, upgrades and conservation of Sacristy area, and more

Please keep in mind that all of the work carried out to date, and to come in the future, is funded by private donations and several grants. Should you like to get involved with our effort to restore and protect one of California's most beautiful and historic chapels, please contact Mission staff at (949) 234-1300. The project is on target to be completed by the end of 2008. We thank you for your understanding and support of this much needed work to protect the Jewel of the Missions, Mission San Juan Capistrano, for generations to come.

Sincerely,