Mission San Jose: Cultural Landscape Report, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, National Park Service

James and Juarez Architects, Contractor

This Cultural Landscape Report (CLR), which was initiated in December 1992, was designed to “document and evaluate the cultural landscape resources and existing conditions and to develop appropriate treatment guidelines and/or plans for the preservation and enhancement of cultural landscape resources throughout San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.” Project historians Jake Ivey, NPS, and Maria Pfeiffer, of San Antonio, conducted primary and secondary research, reviewing sources such as historic maps and photographs, written records, natural and cultural resource documents, and other materials relating to all cultural landscape elements of San Jose and its evolution. Deed research was also undertaken for the project. Land and Community Associates conducted field surveys of existing site conditions at San Jose in 1992, 1993, and 1994 to inventory and document existing conditions and to update existing base map information. General photographic documentation of site conditions was also completed during these surveys. JYJ Architects oversaw the progress of the project consultants and developed CAD graphics provided by the project historians and Land and Community Associates. Information presented in the site physical history was organized based upon the periods of landscape development identified by the interdisciplinary team of historians, architectural historians, archeologists, architects, and landscape architects. Key characteristics and components of the landscape present during each of the periods were identified for inclusion in series of landscape chronology maps. Information presented in the existing conditions inventory and the site analysis and evaluation was organized according to the twelve landscape characteristics discussed in National Register Bulletin 30: patterns of spatial organization, response to natural features, land uses and activities, buildings and structures, cluster arrangements, circulation systems, vegetation, small-scale features, views and viewsheds, archeological resources, boundary demarcations, and cultural traditions. The resultant report provided documentation of the resources’ development over time and context within which to analyze extant features. The on-site work sessions conducted in the development of this CLR included NPS personnel from both the park and the region, as well as representatives of the consultant team. The work sessions dealt with the complexity of developing treatments appropriate to the varied nature of resources represented, the lack of physical evidence related to the interim period 1794-1911, and the need to develop treatments that would protect significant resources as well as address the parks current above-ground landscape needs. As result of considering these concerns, the group arrived at consensus treatment approach of preservation of archeological resources and rehabilitation of the above-ground landscape. Based on historic research and the field survey, team members identified elements contributing to the significance and integrity of the cultural landscape and potential threats to these resources. This analysis directed design guidelines for necessary site improvements by identifying sensitive areas and ensuring that new features were compatible with the existing infrastructure.

Mission San Jose: Cultural Landscape Report, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, National Park Service

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