Park Projects

Harris House Project

Fall 2024 – Fall 2025

The Ethel Wilson Harris House, located adjacent to Mission San José, is a historic structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This project aims to preserve and rehabilitate the exterior of the house, ensuring it remains a significant part of the Mission San José complex.

This project includes:

• Restoration of exterior surfaces, including stone cladding, cement plaster, and roofing.

• Rehabilitation of key architectural elements such as soffits, fascias, trim, siding, doors, windows, and gutters.

• Improvements to structural elements, including plumbing vent relocation, clerestory ventilator replacement, and installation of cameras for monitoring.

For safety, a site enclosure fence is installed, and certain areas will be restricted from public access.

Pavement Preservation Project

Spring 2025

To enhance the visitor experience and maintain the historical integrity of park facilities, the park will undergo pavement preservation work. This project involves pavement patching, crack sealing, resurfacing, and fresh pavement markings across multiple locations, including visitor parking areas and key access roads.

While the park remains open, visitors may encounter temporary traffic control measures, delays, and limited access to certain parking areas. Visitors are encouraged to allow extra time for parking and travel within the park during these improvements. Thank you for your patience as we work to maintain and improve the park's roadways and parking areas.

Learn more about Pavement Preservation: A Proactive Approach - Transportation (U.S. National Park Service)

Mission San José Indian Quarters Stabilization Project

Mission San José Indian Quarters Stabilization Project Update: Spring 2024 to Fall 2027

This is an extensive project to stabilize and repair the historic Indigenous Quarters at Mission San José. The walls require significant structural and accessibility upgrades to protect its history, improve visitor experiences, and meet modern safety standards.

This preservation project will address both immediate structural needs and long-term conservation including:

• Structural Analysis & Repairs: Diagnosing and correcting structural deficiencies, primarily due to drainage issues, soil conditions, and aging foundations.

• Drainage System Installation: Installing a new underground drainage system to prevent stormwater damage, replacing walkways, and restoring stone splash pads in keeping with the mission’s historical character.

• Foundation and Wall Stabilization: Reinforcing foundations and restoring damaged walls, including masonry repairs like crack filling, repointing, and structural adjustments.

• Roofing System Upgrades: Replacing the roof while preserving the underlying historic structures.

• Utility Upgrades: Modernizing electrical systems, including HVAC upgrades.

• Restroom Renovations: Expanding and upgrading the public restrooms to meet accessibility standards and enhance visitor amenities.

As part of the project, specialized studies and surveys are necessary to ensure careful preservation and regulatory compliance which include:

• Topographic and Geotechnical Surveys: Licensed surveyors and geotechnical teams will conduct surveys to map the land and assess soil conditions.

• Archeological Surveys: In keeping with the National Historic Preservation Act and local requirements, archeological surveys will occur before any ground disturbance. Archeologists may set up temporary protective barriers and require visitors to avoid survey areas.

• Environmental and Cultural Compliance Assessments: These assessments ensure that the project complies with environmental and historic preservation standards.

During construction, portions of the site may be inaccessible, and some noise, equipment movement, and short-term closures around the Indigenous Quarters and restrooms are expected. Visitor walkways will remain open wherever possible, and updates will be posted on our website and at the visitor center.