CASE STUDY | PORTLAND, OREGON
A Place to Gather at Portland Rescue Mission
A purpose-built 400-square-foot patio with a gas fire pit, built-in seating, and integrated steps—creating a welcoming outdoor place for connection and community.
A Patio Built for Connection
- Location: Portland, Oregon
- Project: Paver gathering patio, gas fire pit, built-in seating, and steps
- Project size: Approximately 400 sq. ft.
- Timeline: About 1½ weeks
Project Snapshot
Portland, Oregon
Portland Rescue Mission
Approximately 400 sq. ft.
paver gathering patio
About 1½ weeks
project timeline
Gas fire pit, seat wall & steps
Belgard pavers and wall materials
Get More Information
- (253) 364 6436
- estimates@elispaverpatios.com
The Goal
At Portland Rescue Mission in Portland, Oregon, a new patio gives men on their recovery journey a welcoming place to connect, relax, and enjoy the warmth of a fire.
The property had plenty of yard space but limited comfortable gathering areas with a heat source. Eli’s Paver Patios transformed approximately 400 square feet into an inviting patio with a gas fire pit, built-in seating, and steps connecting it to the existing sidewalk.
Designing Around the Slope
- Used a seat wall to retain the higher grade while adding comfortable built-in seating.
- Built oversized columns to conceal the propane tank while keeping it accessible.
- Added complementary paver steps to connect the patio with the existing sidewalk.
- Designed the patio and grade transitions as one cohesive, easy-to-use gathering space.
Materials Used:
- Pavers: Belgard Dimensions 12 in Cheswick
- Wall material: Belgard Melville Wall in Anthracite
More Warmth, Less Work
Replacing the wood-burning fire pit with a gas fire pit makes the space easier to enjoy. Gas provides convenient warmth without wood smoke or the work of storing firewood, tending logs, and cleaning up ashes.
For a shared gathering space, that convenience means more time enjoying the fire and connecting with others.
Purpose in Every Detail
The seat wall does double duty by supporting the surrounding grade and providing places to sit. The oversized columns keep the propane tank out of sight without sacrificing access, while the new steps bring the patio and existing sidewalk together.
Each feature supports the same goal: a comfortable, practical outdoor space that makes it easier for people to gather.
Typical Project Investment
A comparable project would generally cost $30,000–$40,000, depending on site access and project requirements.
A Space Already Making a Difference
Within just a few weeks of completion, the patio had already seen tremendous use. Built for years of enjoyment, it offers men on their recovery journey a comfortable place to spend time together outdoors.
It’s a project with a purpose: creating room for conversation, community, and connection.
