CLIENT

Avesta Housing

ARCHITECT

INVIVID ARCHITECTURE

LOCATION

Portland, ME

PROJECT TYPE

Mixed Use

AREA

50,000 SF

SCOPE

31 Residential Units

Assembly Spaces

Historic Renovation, Rehabilitation, and Addition of Williston Immanuel Church

The Williston Immanuel Church project is a thoughtful combination of historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and architectural innovation, breathing new life into this iconic structure while addressing the com-munity’s growing need for affordable housing.

This project preserves the historic integrity of the church, chapel, and gathering spaces, celebrating their architectural and cultural significance. These areas will remain untouched, ensuring they continue to serve as inspiring places for community engagement and reflection.

The Parish House, originally designed as a supportive space for church operations, will undergo a sensitive rehabilitation, transforming it into 21 affordable housing units. The design thoughtfully integrates modern living requirements within the historic framework, maintaining the character-defining features of the building while providing comfortable, functional homes for residents.

Additionally, a carefully designed addition will create 10 additional housing units, a residential entrance, an elevator, and a stairwell. Located at the rear of the church, the addition is designed to harmonize with the historic neighborhood, complementing the surrounding architectural character and respecting the site’s context. This new structure features a scale, materiality, and aesthetic that seamlessly blend with the area’s historic fabric while providing modern functionality and accessibility.

The Williston Immanuel Church project reflects a commitment to preservation, sustainability, and community-building. By honoring the church’s rich history and transforming the Parish House into much-needed affordable housing, this project serves as a model for integrating historic preservation with contemporary needs, fostering a vibrant future for this cherished neighborhood landmark.

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