Mackenzie House and the adjacent Abbott Hall have served the organization well. However, Mackenzie House dates from 1892 and is in dire need of repair. Abbott Hall – added in 1981 – has space and other limitations that impair delivery of counseling and social services. Only the first floor of each building is handicapped accessible and the food pantry and other social services are in a basement accessible only by stairs.

Most importantly, though, the Board decided to remain true to the agency’s mission of serving the community’s needs—and feel this is best done by devoting the agency’s financial and people resources to services and programs, not to refurbishing its property.

In reaching this decision, the Board reflected heavily on the teachings and legacy of Archbishop William Temple and of our founder, Father Clarence T. Abbott, who always pointed to caring for and serving the poor. This decision puts the agency’s clients first and conserves precious resources that can be used to serve working poor families.

The decision also acknowledges the changing landscape of the community and of William Temple House. Our client base has shifted from the northwest to the east side of the city and relocation allows the agency to be closer to those clients.

To reach as many people in need as possible, the Board also will consider an organizational model that does not rely on one central location for services but instead touches many pockets of need throughout the city.

The Board recognizes how much the agency’s historic headquarters is beloved by long-time supporters and the neighborhood and intends to do all it can to ensure the next owner appreciates and cares for this architectural jewel and historical landmark.

For six years the Board studied the options of repairing and expanding the NW Hoyt Street buildings or selling and relocating the agency. Work began in 2002 when current and past Board members was convened; in 2003 the panel recommended the sale of Mackenzie House and Abbott Hall because the costs of maintaining and improving the property threatened the financial viability and future of William Temple House.

In 2006, the architectural firm of Fletcher Farr Ayotte prepared a Condition Assessment Report recommending considerable work to bring the Mackenzie House up to current life safety standards and to provide seismic reinforcement to the century-old building.

The total cost to rehabilitate Mackenzie House to ensure the safety and accessibility of clients, volunteers and staff, and to remodel Abbott Hall so that it meets the needs of our counseling and social services clients is reaches well into the millions of dollars. The project would require a series of temporary moves and disrupt agency services for four to five years.

The Board is concerned that the energy and time devoted to fund raising and shepherding the project through the approval process and rehabilitation and construction phases would divert the agency’s focus from its mission.

By keeping its focus on its primary mission of service, the Board believes that William Temple House will best honor the legacy of Father Abbott and the men and women who founded the agency.

The Board does not expect agency operations to change in the very near future as there are a number of milestones to reach before the sale of Mackenzie House and Abbott Hall and a move to a new facility.

The Board’s decision does not affect the William Temple House Thrift Store which will continue to operate at 2230 NW Glisan Street.