News Release

Mission San José Convento Conservation and Stabilization Project

The convento is located in the northeast corner of the mission compound

NPS Photo

News Release Date: February 27, 2020

Contact: Justine Hanrahan, 2105348875 x278

On March 2nd, the National Park Service will begin conservation and stabilization work on the convento at Mission San José in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The stabilization project is expected to be completed by May 2020. The conservation and stabilization project follows two years of research by UTSA’s Center for Cultural Sustainability to develop a Historic Structure Report. Both projects have been funded by National Park Service Repair/Rehabilitation funds.

This is the first major conservation project of the convento at Mission San José since the National Park Service began managing the structure in 1983. Visitors will continue to have access to the convento area, which is located in the northeast corner of the mission compound. However, some areas will be closed for short periods of time as stabilization efforts progress.

Restoration work is crucial to the preservation and protection of original Spanish Colonial architecture at the park. This project includes replacing the masonry caps, stabilizing the arches of the east portion of the north wall, and repointing walls in the southeast rooms of the convento. Replacement masonry caps on the convento walls will prevent water infiltration in the historic structure by directing water away from the historic plaster remnants. Repointing and stabilization efforts on the walls, windows, and doorways protect existing Spanish Colonial fabric while improving visitor safety. The conservation work is being conducted by Stone and Lime Masonry Restoration Services. Ivan Myjer, of Building and Monuments Conservation, is the conservator for the project.

Questions about the convento project should be directed to Park Archeologist Susan Snow, e-mail us, 210-534-8875, ext. 243.