Devastated by fire in 2015, the Allen Temple CME Church rebuilt through the determination of its dedicated congregation. First established in 1949, Allen Temple is an active community-oriented church providing outreach to Northeast Portland and beyond. The project sought not only to rebuild after the fire, but to reinvigorate a church that would better serve its community into the future.

Key design elements included restoring and respecting the historic character of the building, improving accessibility throughout, and adding a glass partition to the upper level of the sanctuary — creating a flexible space that serves as a cry room, overflow seating, and audio-visual booth without sacrificing the visual connection to the main worship space below. The rear yard was carefully organized to accommodate community gatherings and a garden area while also functioning as a practical service yard for van parking and utilities.

Construction documents completed at Carleton Hart Architecture.