Mission San Gabriel
Owner
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Original Architect
Father Antonio Cruzado
Project Lead/Structural Engineer
Melvyn Green & Associates
Preservation Architect
Drisko Studio
Conservator
RLA Conservation
General Contractor
Spectra Company
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was founded on September 8, 1771 by the Franciscan Fathers Cambon and Somera under the direction of Father Junipero Serra. It is the fourth of California’s twenty-one missions. Having been once relocated in 1775 due to flooding, construction of the present building lasted from 1796 to 1805. The Mission has since remained in near continuous operation with gaps during the secularization period from 1835 onwards. It was among the most productive of all Californian missions. In addition to providing goods and produce, Mission San Gabriel Arcángel is also credited with introducing large-scale viticulture to California. The Mission, built by Native labor, is also the site of 5,600 Native American burials, specifically the Gabrielino-Tongva “San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians.”
The Mission owes its design to Father Antonio Cruzado and is known for its distinctive Moorish capped buttresses which flank the church exterior. Timber trusses and redwood boards span the nave ceiling. The church’s ornate retablo was created in Mexico City and transferred to San Gabriel in 1811.
On July 11, 2020, a vandal set fire to the Mission church shortly before its 250-year anniversary. The entire roof collapsed, causing extensive damage to historic features and artworks. After salvaging and cataloging artifacts, extensive research, and investigation, a 1930s period of significance was chosen which returns the interior closer to its original appearance as recorded by HABS documentation. The rehabilitation project included reconstructing the roof and redwood ceiling, plaster, window and door restoration, restoration of the reredos, baptistry, light fixtures, artwork and furnishings. Spectra Company served as the General Contractor from the initial damage assessment to completion.
Scope of Work
Architectural Woodwork • Artifact Restoration & Cataloging • Conservation • Estimating & Value Engineering • Facade Rehabilitation • General Contracting • Lighting & Chandeliers • Masonry • Materials Restoration • Plaster • Preconstruction & Design • Restoration Painting & Coatings • Selective Demolition/Abatement • Self-Perform • Structural Retrofit • Tile • Waterproofing/Roofing • Wood Doors • Wood Windows
Awards
California Preservation Foundation 2024
