First Church has been a force for good in Berkeley’s Southside since their founding in 1874, advocating for equity, justice, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. When a fire destroyed their 95-year-old Pilgrim Hall in 2016, church leadership turned loss into opportunity. Siegel & Strain was engaged to design a new community hall that would better serve their mission, [AK3.1]complement and connect to the remaining historic church structures while also offering greater lightness and welcome than the original building.

The new two-story Unity Hall houses church administration offices, a commercial kitchen, and program rooms. The new large daylight-filled assembly hall is used for social, educational and celebratory functions and is available for community rental. Though smaller than the previous building, an expansive outdoor terrace with a labyrinth provides spill-out space for large events and a protected contemplative space for everyday use. A well-insulated, high-performing building envelope and efficient all-electric systems keep the operational carbon footprint minimal, reflecting the church’s values. Salvaged wood framing from the original building was reused in visible locations throughout the new structure, tying the community to its storied history.