Lower Valley church evaluated by engineer
The Diocese of El Paso is conducting a structural study on one of its oldest buildings after receiving notice from City inspectors.
A City of El Paso spokesman said an inspector went to San Jose Church at 8100 San Jose Street last Wednesday after receiving a citizen complaint. One of the walls of the church is clearly cracked and the inspector issue a notice on Friday suggesting the Church hire an engineer to assess the capability of the walls.
The City also suggested the church limit occupancy until the evaluation was completed. Parishioners voluntarily stopped using the church and are holding mass at the hall next door.
“A structural study will just show that in fact the inside of the building is fine, and its just the outside of the building that needs to be addressed. And that’s kind of what we’re thinking as well because if you look at the cracks on the outside of the building and then you go inside where that crack would be the inside looks fine,” said Elizabeth O’Hara, Communications Director for the Diocese.
City officials said the church is not condemned. O’Hara said they expect the structural study to be finished in about two weeks.
Typically, parishes are responsible for maintenance of the churces. The Diocese steps in to help with big repairs, such as roof replacements or electrical work.
