Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation is raising funds to replace the large wooden doors of the Chapel at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.
According to Trust Executive Director Anne Petersen, the project will cost around $15,000. The John and Beverly Stauffer Foundation has provided $5,000 and private donations have added another $5,000.
The Trust is hoping to get enough private donations to cover the remaining $5,000, Ms. Peterson says.
“This is an appeal to the community,” said Ms. Stauffer who added that the Trust hopes to begin the project early next year.
Mike Imwalle, Trust associate executive director of Cultural Resources, said rot is causing the chapel doors to sag at the points where they are connected to the door hinges.
“They’re still functional, but the hinges are not working properly,” he said.
When the necessary funds are secured, Channel Coast Corp. will construct new doors out of Douglas fir wood, Mr. Imwalle said.
“These are 3-inch-thick doors, so the wood has to be custom ripped, They’re very intricate,” said Mr. Imwalle.
He added that the existing hinges and other metal pieces will be reused in the new doors. The wood from the old doors will also be repurposed.
The new doors will be distressed and sandblasted so they match the rest of the Presidio.
To donate, visit www.sbthp.org/chapeldoors.
According to a Trust news release, the The Presidio Chapel was the central meeting and worship place for the first European settlers of Santa Barbara in the late-18th century.
The chapel was re-dedicated in 1985.
“The doors are an iconic feature of El Presidio State Historic Park and are the main entrance and exit for all events. They are opened to the public 363 days a year,” read the report.
