Historic Ventura Mission Gets $1 Million Federal Grant for Storm Repairs

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) - For decades, moisture has been trapped behind layers of plaster at Mission Basilica San Buenaventura.

Recent storms made the damage worse, causing sections of the exterior to crack and fall away.

“And now, after these many decades, it’s separating from the adobe plaster," said Father Tom Elewaut of Mission Basilica San Buenaventura.

The deterioration has weakened part of the building, forcing the mission to close its historic front entrance.

“The front door has been closed with police tape. You can’t use the front door of this mission, which was built in 1782," said executive director David Bolton of the California Missions Foundation.

Now, a $750,000 federal grant will help fund repairs.

“I think it’s fabulous. Best way to spend money, isn’t it? To preserve the past and keep it for the future," said perishioner Eloise Kong of Mission Basilica San Buenaventura.

The California Missions Foundation secured the National Park Service grant.

The challenge now is repairing the mission without changing what makes it historic.

“The outside is not historic. The walls are. And by putting on a breathable new plaster, we’re going to keep the historic elements intact for future generations," said Bolton.

Ventura’s award is part of $1.5 million in federal funding going to two California missions.

For those who worship here, and the visitors drawn to its history, the grant means this landmark can remain part of Ventura’s story for years to come.

{Bells}