Restoration of Carmel Mission Basilica wins award

The Carmel Mission Foundation announced today that the recent $5.5 million restoration of the Carmel Mission Basilica has received a Project-of-the-Year Award from the construction industry for the Northern California and Hawaii Region in the religious/cultural category.

Vic Grabrian, President & CEO of the Carmel Mission Foundation says, “We were pleased to receive this award, as it is a wonderful way to honor the donors who supported the project and demonstrates the care and quality of the restoration work completed by the Preservation Team.”

Over 140 projects were submitted for this annual competition, Engineering News Record, and leading construction industry magazine through an independent panel of industry judges.

Judging criteria included collaboration and teamwork, ability to overcome challenges, safety performance, and use of innovative design and construction solutions. The judge’s panel also considered the contribution to the construction industry and community, design quality, and construction craftsmanship.

Grabrian went on to say, “The Phase I Basilica Restoration project was completed safely, ahead of schedule, and $1.5 million below budget. It is our hope that the award will be helpful in future fundraising, as additional seismic retrofits and much restoration work remain to be completed at the Mission.”

The Carmel Mission Preservation Team included Franks Brenkwitz and Associates, architect of record; Blach Construction, general contractor; Architectural Resources Group, preservation architect; Donald C. Urfer & Associates, structural engineer; on site management; and the Carmel Mission Foundation that funded the project.

“The same team that did such as extraordinary job on Phase I, the Basilica restoration, has been chosen again for the $20 million Phase II project, which will address the remaining historic structures within the Mission’s 22-acre complex,” says Grabrian.” This will include five museums, California’s First Library, and the Orchard House, believed to be California’s oldest residence.

According to Grabrian, Phase II conceptual plans have been completed and design drawings are now under development. Permits are being sought and depending on funding, construction work could begin as soon as 2016.

The Carmel Mission Foundation is now seeking a few generous donors, other foundations, or businesses that would like to share in the preserving of these historic treasures.