The Carmel Mission, established in 1773, was the second of the nine missions founded by Saint Junipero Serra. Gardner said the 249-year-old property is home to some of California's oldest structures, art, and artifacts - some of which date back to 1568.
This building served as Serra's living quarters and headquarters for the California mission system. It was later used to house the mission's physicians until it was abandoned during the 1830s.
The current walls are adobe, meaning they are made from sun-dried clay. The structure's roof is built out of wooden poles covered with two-piece clay tiles. A stone fireplace built by Carmel sculptor Jo Mora is featured inside the mission.
"The Downie Museum is an important cultural resource with tangible ties to the past and by preserving these historical areas, we ensure that future generations will have access to the extraordinary artifacts, art, literature, architecture, and history of everyday life recording the progress from the first peoples of California to the present day," Gardner said.
As the pandemic continues to affect local businesses and livelihoods, Gardner expressed hope that the repairs will also help recover the region's tourist-driven economy which has suffered due to the pandemic restrictions and business closures.
She said the new plans for the community offer open spaces for social distancing requirements. She expressed hope that, when appropriate, the rejuvenated structure will allow for a celebration of the mission's 250th anniversary, and "support efforts with the Covid-19 recovery plan for Monterey County."
"As we look towards the recovery plan for our community, and ways to stimulate our tourist-driven local economy adversely affected by the COVID -19 pandemic, we strive to support our community partners, small businesses, hotels, and destination management firms to help them engage travel, and when appropriate, drive tourism back to our region's hotels, museums, restaurants, and shops," she said.
Perry West is a staff writer for Catholic News Agency. He graduated from Franciscan University with his bachelor's in English. Prior to his job at CNA, he worked in construction staffing and coffee.