The Paul and Christine Washington Family and Community Center
Church of the Advocate | Philadelphia PA

The Paul and Christine Washington Family and Community Center is a new building in the historic Church of the Advocate complex in North Philadelphia The design approach was to integrate the remains of the Chapel into a new building made of modern materials compatible with those of the historic complex. The Chapel's old south and west walls were stabilized, but could not take additional loads. The Kelly/Maiello design for the new building inserts a new steel frame structure at the interior. Exterior elevations reflect the rhythm and texture of the former Chapel. At the interior, steel roof trusses and pine wood ceiling evoke the memory of the old hammer beam truss and roof. The new facility provides office space for community outreach programs, classrooms and a gymnasium.