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Monroe Street Abbey

A Phoenix icon reimagined

Client

City of Phoenix

Location

Phoenix, Arizona

Size

28,145 sf

Expertise

Cultural, Workplace, Resilience, Reinvention

Delivery Method

CMAR

Project Team

Nestled in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the Monroe Street Abbey stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit, embodying the evolution of cultural heritage amidst urban transformation.

Photo by Peter Schwepker / Republic
Carvings
Dr. Theron Chastain, First Baptist pastor, presents a citation to C.J. Smith during a church service in the late 1940s
A combined choir performs during an early 1950s service at First Baptist Church. The choir director is Dr. Wendall Rider, and Dr. Theron Chastain and Dr. George Barton are on the platform

Originally designed by Fitzhugh & Byron and completed in 1929, the Abbey’s architecture, a striking blend of Italian Gothic revival and modern influences, once served as the First Baptist Church. Its soaring tower and gabled roofs adorned with red Spanish tile spoke to Phoenix’s burgeoning identity at the time. Over the years, the Abbey became a landmark, known for its innovative spatial arrangements and ornate façades that echoed its evangelical purpose.

Monroe Street Abbey South and East Facades (Photo T24_8126)
The rehabilitation project retains the historic facades with refurbished doors and windows at occupied spaces
Monroe Street Abbey Courtyard - beforeCourtyard after (Photo T24_8830)
Quick intervention prevented demolition after the building fire 1984. Affordable housing went up next door, further protecting the complex from new development encroachment

The building faced adversity when its congregation relocated in 1968, leaving it abandoned until a devastating fire in 1984 threatened its existence. However, through the concerted efforts of former Phoenix Mayor Terry Goddard and community leader Katherine Patry, supported by Slaysman Engineering, the Abbey was stabilized and preserved, marking the beginning of its transformative journey.

Floor plan, levels one and two
Future build-out

Today, rechristened as the Monroe Street Abbey, the structure has emerged as a beacon of architectural reinvention and community revitalization. Embracing the concept of “armature,” as envisioned by renowned architect Herb Greene, the Abbey stands as a canvas where history meets modern utility. This ethos underscores a collaborative approach, blending historical preservation with contemporary functionality, ensuring its role as a dynamic hub for creativity and community engagement.

Rose Window (Photo T24_8967)
The historic cast stone of the iconic rose window was stabilized
Stabilized historic stucco walls (Photo T24_8741)
The historic stucco walls and Plaster of Paris pilasters were stabilized and the new steel plate supports lighting and acoustics
Monroe Street Abbey refurbished doors and windows (Photo T24_7329)
New lighting highlights the historic cast stone ornament pointed arches, triforium, and recessed rose window above

Led by Jones Studio and landscape architect Chris Winters Associates, the restoration project meticulously preserves the Abbey’s architectural integrity while integrating modern amenities and accessibility features. EverGreene Architectural Arts’ expertise in preservation ensured that every brick and ornamental detail retained its historical significance, maintaining the Abbey’s authentic charm amidst Phoenix’s evolving skyline.

Monroe Street Abbey Courtyard (Photo T24_8494)
The design of the Abbey is rooted in the concept of "armature" and emphasizes the coexistence of historical integrity and modern utility, as noted by American architect Herb Greene in "Buildings to Last - Architecture as an Ongoing Art".

Central to the Abbey’s transformation is Katherine’s Garden, a serene oasis inspired by Sonoran Desert landscapes. This verdant courtyard, once the church’s auditorium, now hosts cultural gatherings under native ash trees and sustainable landscaping nurtured by harvested rainwater. The garden, named in honor of Katherine Patry, serves as a testament to the Abbey’s guardianship and its commitment to environmental stewardship

New elements include balconies on the second and third floors that overlook the courtyard
Monroe Street Abbey New doors and fixed glazing (Photo T24_8336)
The texture of char and material loss of the existing finishes are cleaned and left exposed
Basement speakeasy retains the historic boiler in place. (Photo T24_8884)
The basement speakeasy retains the historic boiler in place
Monroe Street Abbey Ballroom (Photo T24_8916)
Flexible and useful, the Abbey is full of transformable spaces that are designed to accommodate many functions, including restaurants, retail, office, assembly, a variety of performance and audience support spaces, both indoors and out

Innovative additions include versatile event spaces equipped for performances and cultural events, complemented by leasable tenant spaces that foster a vibrant arts community. Balconies overlook the bustling courtyard, while modern amenities like elevators, restrooms, and a catering kitchen ensure seamless functionality for diverse activities and gatherings.

For years after the fire, photographers and film makers saw the romance of the character of the building in the "ruin state"

As the Abbey continues to evolve, it remains a testament to Phoenix’s resilience and cultural heritage, offering a dynamic venue where history merges with contemporary creativity. This urban sanctuary, with its rich history and adaptive reuse, promises to be a cherished destination for generations, celebrating the spirit of community and the enduring legacy of architectural innovation in downtown Phoenix.

The courtyard accommodates events and performance configurations for up to 600 people, with stage opportunities at the north and south or a central "in-the-round" layout

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