Thompson, Garamendi Present Check to Mare Island Historic Foundation for Mare Island Preservation and Restoration
Today, Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-04) and John Garamendi (CA-08) presented a check for $1,219,000 to the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation for the Mare Island Preservation and Restoration Project. This funding was secured in the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill
“Mare Island is an iconic and essential part of our community, and revitalizing the historic buildings will rejuvenate our economy,” said Thompson. “The investment in the government funding bill will provide for the restoration and preservation of the Mare Island Admiral’s Mansion and St. Peter’s Chapel, two important structures on Mare Island. St. Peter’s Chapel also includes 25 famed Tiffany stained-glass windows, the largest collection on the West Coast. I know that the Historic Park Foundation will be able to restore these buildings and help return the splendor to Mare Island.”
“Mare Island is an iconic and important part of the Solano County community. I was pleased to work with Congressman Thompson to secure this federal support to preserve and protect Mare Island’s history for future generations to enjoy,” Garamendi said.
“We are thrilled, and grateful, that Congressman Thompson and Congress recognize the incredible heritage of the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard and its contribution to—and impact on—both our country and the world. Even as Congressman Thompson hands off Mare Island as a result of redistricting, he has given to the Island and Vallejo one last gift with these critically needed funds to preserve and protect Mare Island’s history,” said Kent Fortner, President of the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation.
The Admiral’s Mansion, during the earthquake of 2014, suffered foundational damage, and an engineering report performed by the City of Vallejo identified key structural and seismic issues that need to be addressed before the Foundation can re-inhabit the building as a historic welcome center and event space. The building needs some additional Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) work to bring the building up to ADA standards to better serve disabled visitors.
Finally, the exterior, grounds, and some interior aspects of the building need rehabilitation work to enable the Admiral’s Mansion to welcome visitors from all over the world for decades to come.
The St. Peter’s Chapel includes 29 brilliant stained-glass windows, 25 of which are from the famed Tiffany glass studios in New York. While the Chapel was also initially red-tagged following inspection, it was ultimately cleared to resume hosting events such as weddings. However, the interior, grounds and exterior siding and paint have deteriorated over the years, and particularly during the COVID-19/seismic induced break and require rehabilitation work.
Learn more about this project here.