Statement of Significance (as of designation - April 15, 1970):
Established in 1731 by Franciscan friars, this is the best preserved of the Texas missions. The massive church building is designed in Mexican Baroque style, with twin bell towers.

Condition:
The Mission Concepcion structure is not in immediate danger of collapsing; however this structure is beset by a variety of conditions that require attention in the near future. These issues range from high priority elements in need of immediate attention to those of lesser prominence with a more flexible timeline. Of substantial importance is addressing façade and wall deterioration. The main façade is the most elaborate element on the exterior of the building. The stone on this and the other elevations is susceptible to damage due to rising damp, cracking, weathering and vandalism. A few traces of polychrome decoration and plasters from the original construction period remain, and these remnants are in danger of being lost forever. Another existing condition is that of water tightness and drainage. In the past, tears and holes in the roof has allowed water to infiltrate the interior of the building. These leaks can allow damage to occur on the interior plaster as well in ceiling and roof members. Staining is the primary effect of the water, and the interior exhibits plaster bubbles and is pulling away from the walls. Additionally, water is expelled from the roof via canales and splash blocks. At the ground level, if this water is not properly contained, it can run back toward the walls and foundations. This condition can exacerbate rising damp in the walls. Additional exterior conditions include wood preservation on windows and doors, specifically; the wood elements are dry and brittle. They are prone to damage from weathering as well as termites and wood funguses. Mortar deterioration is a prevalent problem across the wall surfaces as well as in detailed stone work. The existing mortar is recessed and missing from sections of stone.

Los Missiones, a fundraising campaign organized by the Catholic Archdiocese started this past year. The goal of the campaign is to raise the necessary funds to implement a ten year restoration plan for the church. The Archdiocese has on retainer the architectural firm of Ford Powell Carson to oversee the physical needs of Mission Concepcion. The information in this form comes from an exhaustive study of the church recently completed by Ford Powell Carson.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
Ford Powell Carson recommends the follow actions as part of a 10-year plan to preserve the church: 1. Ongoing periodic maintenance based on regularly scheduled inspections to focus on repairs and stabilization; 2. Repair and replacement of items related to keeping the shell of the building waterproof; 3. Achieving and maintaining positive drainage away from the building, particularly from roof runoff; 4. Stabilization and conservation of carved stone elements; 5. Stabilization and conservation of remaining original plaster; 6. Controlling moisture problems at the base of walls caused by rising damp; 7. Stabilization of wall foundations; 8. Repair of building elements currently detriorated, such as bell towers, walls and plaster; 9. Slowing the deterioration of original limestone by pointing and filling voids in deteriorated surfaces.