The new 5,700-square-foot Holy Cross Community Center will replace an existing rectory and garage and will serve as an informal dining/gathering space that is not currently present on the Holy Cross Catholic Church and School campus in Portland, Oregon.
The program includes a commercial kitchen, seating for up to 240 parishioners, and a new Saint Vincent de Paul food bank.
The design team located the building to the northwest of the campus, which leaves space for a new contemplative garden between the existing church and the community center.
The garden can be accessed directly from the dining hall and may serve as an overflow area during large events.
This site creates an opportunity for a new public-facing entry on North Stanford Avenue for the food bank, thus reducing traffic through the parking lot, which is often used as a playground.
The architecture takes cues from the materials and motifs of the existing church to create a cohesive aesthetic.
Painted lap siding and trim, window shutters, and other decorative elements reflect the modesty of the existing buildings, while the building’s thoughtful proportions add beauty to the campus.
The three large windows, a main feature of the new community center, are oriented towards the center of campus, reinforcing their community’s inward focus and support for the school.
Founded in Portland in 1984, Soderstrom Architects offers comprehensive architectural, interior design, and planning services. Their design philosophy is rooted in a commitment to client-focused design and an inclusive, collaborative design process, www.sdra.com.
