Restoration project for Mission chapel under way

MISSION — La Lomita chapel’s long-anticipated face lift is set to begin today.

A 150-day project is intended to restore the 108-year-old building’s structural materials to historically correct lime-based supports, instead of the concrete used for renovations.

Electrical wiring and fire alarms will also be added to the chapel.

The historical landmark’s cracked plaster walls, splintered roof, decaying steeple and rotting wood will be repaired as well, said Steve Tillotson, project manager for Kell Muñoz Architects.

La Lomita’s restoration has faced a minefield of delays, funding hang-ups, price increases and other concerns since the project was first proposed at least eight years ago.

In October, staff recommended that the city reject the lowest bid for the project, from the Mission-based 5127 Company, and look for a contractor with more experience in historical restoration.

Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas pushed through the 5127 bid, however, saying the project had already been delayed too long.

One of 5127’s advisors on the La Lomita project is Nancy Highlander, a former Mission planning director. Because her name is attached to the project, Salinas says he trusts the renovations will be handled well despite concerns. And project subcontractors were able to answer concerns about the chapel’s traditional lime-based mortars.

In 2006, city officials said they hoped the chapel would be ready for the Mission Centennial, which kicks off with this month’s Citrus Parade. The current plan is for the chapel to re-open to the public in late spring.

So while an image of La Lomita adorns the official centennial seal, visitors to the small city park along the Rio Grande can see the actual building from behind a fence.

Contractors may also cover the chapel with a tarp while they dismantle the shingled roof, Tillotson said.

“After the first two weeks or so, people will be able to see a lot of changes,” he said. “Every week or two, it will be dramatically different.”