Amidst several churches on Middlefield Road, University A.M.E. Zion Church is the oldest African-American church in the area. Formerly located on Ramona Street, the church moved to the current Middlefield location to provide a more fitting facility for the congregation. The A.M.E. Zion Church's emphasis is on "the salvation of the whole person--mind, body and spirit." Ultimately, it strives to be "The Freedom Church."
The Lucie Stern Community Center is a Spanish Mediterranean-style facility that houses the Palo Alto Recreation Department, two theaters and multiple rooms that can be rented for meetings, weddings, receptions and parties. These rooms include the Stern Ballroom, featuring wood floors, two fireplaces and cathedral ceilings; and the Community Room and Fireside Room, both of which have wall-to-wall carpeting and access to an outdoor patio. Discounted rates are available to residents and nonprofit organizations.