News

Carmel, CA - April 13, 2021 - Step 2 of the Downie Museum and Basilica Forecourt Restoration Project officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony that took place in the Basilica Forecourt on April 5th. Downie Museum and Basilica Forecourt project is a $4 million dollar restoration project and is currently 90% funded.

Step 2 includes restoring a 100-year-old adobe museum and courtyard in front of the Basilica in time to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Carmel Mission this fall. The unreinforced masonry museum adobe will be seismically strengthening according to state requirements. In addition to the seismic work, interior walls will be opened to expand the museum exhibit space and two new ADA restrooms will be added to the west side of the museum. Draining issues and flooding affecting the Basilica Bell Tower will be remedied and the iconic fountain will be repaired. Upgraded irrigation systems will be added throughout the gardens and new landscaping with native drought tolerant plants will help with water conservation. The temporary wall constructed during an urgent emergency wall removal in 2020 will be replaced with a permanent perimeter wall and a new gate entrance.

After the original cracked and uneven concrete surface of the Basilica Forecourt has been removed, and exterior fire lines, utilities, and drainage trenched in, minor grade alterations will be made to reduce the steepness of the slope from the entrance gate to meet ADA requirements and create a more enjoyable visitors experience. Accessible, step-free paths will connect the courtyard to the fountain, gardens, and Museums. The entire Basilica Forecourt will be resurfaced to resemble the look it has today.

The goal of the Carmel Mission Foundation is to complete step 2 of the Downie Museum and Basilica Forecourt restoration project in  6 months, in time to celebrate the momentous 250th anniversary of the founding of the Carmel Mission in 1771.