Philadelphia PA | 2019 | Under Construction
Consultant Team:
Atkin Olshin Schade Architects | Design & Planning
Sci-Tek Consultants Inc. | Civil Engineer
Bruce E. Brooks & Associates | Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Engineer
Keast & Hood | Structural Engineer
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church grew out of the pastoral mission of Bishop Richard Allen in the 1780s and has been a center for the African Methodist Church and the African American community in Philadelphia since the late 18th century. The congregation’s current church building, was constructed in 1890 and is registered as a National Historic Landmark. It is the fourth church built on the site, which was first purchased in 1791 and is said to be the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans in the United States. Atkin Olshin Schade Architects has worked with the leaders of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church for over a decade initially providing a Historic Structure Report and long-term plan for restoration and expansion of their facilities. The project’s first phase, included an exterior restoration encompassing a complete roof replacement, reconstruction of portions of the steeple, and restoration of the extraordinary stained glass windows and future plans for the installation of a memorial park honoring Richard Allen. The congregation, private donors, and numerous grants, including a Save America’s Treasures Grant, funded this project enabling the site to have a positive impact on the surrounding community.
Photo credit: Tom Crane