The Bearden Temple AME Church in Reynoldstown, an in-town neighborhood in east Atlanta, languished as an underutilized apartment until architects at Kronberg Wall envisioned its stone façade, choir and original stained glass windows as the ideal setting for the firm’s inspirational new offices. Located in a historic neighborhood a short walk from the Atlanta BeltLine east trail and MARTA station, the Kronberg Wall offices include 2,500 sq. ft. of space for the firm upstairs and 2,000 sq. ft. of leasable office space downstairs. Rows of workspaces now line the nave, while the choir is home to the conference area.

“We were first attracted to this church because of its location on the east side of town,” said Kronberg Wall principal Adam Wall. “We strongly believe in urban infill and the continued development of our in-town communities. The character-defining features and the presence and significance of its architecture were immediately apparent to us. Then we learned more about the building’s rich history and knew it fit perfectly with our desire to build community while honoring the past.”

Located in the historic Reynoldstown community at 887 Wylie Street, Bearden Temple AME Church is listed as a contributing structure to the Reynoldstown National Register District because of its early 20th-century architecture as well as its significance for African American denominations in the area. Under the leadership of Reverend J.R. Gardner, the church was constructed in 1922 of granite quarried at Stone Mountain and transported to the site by horse and buggy. In late December 1950, the church was critically damaged by fire, however, under the leadership of Reverend O.F. Maddox, the congregation quickly rebuilt the church in less than six months.

Today, the Bearden Temple AME Church is among the most substantial churches in the district. The gable-front church features twin towers and arched windows across the façade with solid granite walls that are nearly two feet thick. Its 20 custom stained glass windows remain in exceptional condition for all to see.
 
“We found the cornerstone in the mechanical room, and a local blogger was able to provide us with pictures of one of the pastor’s record books with stories about the congregation dating back to 1895,” said Kronberg Wall principal Eric Kronberg. “We discovered that a donkey and a hog, both named Gospel, lived at the church, and we’ve decided that they’ll remain our unofficial office mascots. Our goal is to be good stewards of this historic landmark and continue to maintain a building that portrays such a rich architectural legacy engrained in the Reynoldstown community.”