CADD Students Assist in the Renovation of a Piece of Valley History

La Lomita Mission to Undergo Facelift

South Texas College’s Computer Aided Drafting & Design Program has become involved in a unique project to assist with the renovation of St. Peter’s Novitiate, also known as La Lomita Mission. The STC CADD program has joined with the City of Mission and the Diocese of Brownsville to create the architectural footprints of this historical landmark.

“When we were invited to help with the project, we immediately accepted the offer because we knew that this would be a great learning experience for our students,” said Rey Sanchez, Chair of the STC CADD Program. “A project like this gives our students real-world experience with many elements, making it a once in a lifetime opportunity. It also provides our students with something concrete that they can not only put on their resumes, but also point to with pride because they helped that project come to fruition.”

La Lomita Mission, the historical landmark that gave the City of Mission its name, stands four miles south of the city off of FM 1016. The first chapel was erected in 1845 by the Oblate Fathers, but due to the adobe material used for the chapel, it was torn down in 1885 and rebuilt in 1899 and has stood since then as the existing brick chapel.

“There are no drawings in existence of the building so our students will create ‘as-built drawings’ so that architects and engineers can carry out renovation and restoration designs,” said John Pearcy, Instructor for the STC CADD Program. “It is imperative that the people of the Valley recognize the importance of places like this and do what it takes to preserve them. This building is an important part of the history of this region and it is a great privilege to be part of its renovations.”

Approximately 25 students in their third or fourth semester under the CADD program will be participating in La Lomita renovation project. The students will be doing the surveying and digital drafting of the building footprints and will be supervised during the visits to the site and as they draft their work in the classroom.

“There is a lot of work ahead of them, but we are all sure that they will enjoy and learn from this experience,” said Laura Salas, Instructor for the STC CADD Program.

 

 

 

Last Updated June 20, 2007