New permits have been filed to expand the Eritrean Community Church at 780 54th Street in North Oakland, Alameda County. The application states that the religious institution aims to replace its current single-story space with a “better, bigger, and modern church.” Local architect Kesete Kifle is responsible for the application and design.
Eritrean Community Church separate perspectives, isometric illustration by Kesete Kifle
Eritrean Community Church front view along 54th Street, elevation illustration by Kesete Kifle
The proposal will replace the existing single-story facility and surface parking with a five-story church spanning 31,760 square feet. The complex will cover around 77% of the small 0.3-acre lot. The first level will be dedicated to the 20-car garage with showers. The large 340-seat prayer hall will be located on the second floor, which is complete with a nave and flanking transepts. A secondary reception hall and community space behind the transept will have a seating capacity for 170 individuals. Behind the domed prayer hall will be three additional floors filled with classrooms for the institution.
Illustrations by Kifle show the complex will adhere to familiar architectural vernacular, with two cross-topped towers flanking a grand entrance, framing the larger central dome. In the case of 780 54th Street, the cross will rise 83 feet above street level. Parking will be accessible from Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
Eritrean Community Church floor plans, illustration by Kesete Kifle
Eritrean Community Church elevation along Martin Luther King Hr. Way, illustration by Kesete Kifle
According to the project application, church prayer will occur on Sunday mornings from 6 AM to 10 AM. Religious studies for youth and possible rehabilitation services for youth will be scheduled weekly from 5 to 6 PM.
The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church is part of a long history of Eastern Christian faith, though the independent Eritrean church is almost as old as the young northeast African country. The church separated from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in 1993, just a few months after the country of Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia.
Eritrean Community Church existing condition, image via Google Street View
The estimated cost and timeline for construction have yet to be established. The project team has yet to reply to a request for comment.
