A local organization engaged the architect to examine the feasibility of converting a house in Portland’s Alberta neighborhood back to a synagogue that it once was in the early 1900s.  The group envisioned a flexible, multipurpose space that could serve as both sanctuary and function hall, the addition of a basement for administrative offices, and an accessory dwelling unit on site to offset expenditures.  

 

As the existing structure didn’t have a basement and extensive underpinning would be required to maintain the building while excavation was to take place, the architect proposed repositioning the building to make better use of the site and, in turn, allow for a better ADU at the rear.  Dormers were proposed to allow for better daylighting along with extensive landscaping to make the site more attractive to the rest of the neighborhood.  Additionally, ADA compliance was taken into account and a second means of egress was added.