June 25, 2010
by John Ehrlich
After four years of planning, construction is finally underway at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua. The $12 million expansion project, which will double the size of the synagogue and attached buildings from 18,435 to 36,000 square feet has begun.
Here’s how things will change at the synagogue in the woods this summer:
As June concludes
• The site will be prepared for construction and construction vehicles will arrive.
• Trees and landscaping will be marked, removed or transplanted and a construction fence will be put up around the perimeter of the work site.
• Traffic flow in and out of the Temple will change.
• Temporary walls will be erected at the rear of the Sanctuary/Social Hall to separate the main building from the concrete connecting hallway structure called the “cube,” which currently houses the Temple’s coat room, stairs and bathrooms.
In July and August
• The hill and woods will be excavated.
• The “cube” will be dismantled to make room for the new Great Hall.
• A new water main will be installed underneath the length of the Temple parking lot from Route 117 to Aldridge Road and a storm water management system will be installed underneath the area where a new, additional parking lot will be constructed.
• The patio in front of the synagogue building will be removed and replaced by a new traffic circle.
• A sprinkler system will be added in the existing building; temporary bathrooms and a stairwell will be installed there as well.
New sanctuary road and traffic circle should improve traffic flow in and around Beth El
Next week the ring road around the building will be closed. Incoming vehicles will come into the Temple Beth El driveway and then turn right into the parking lot. Cars will no longer be able to park in the priority parking area reserved for synagogue officers and employees. This will become the entrance and exit route. Over the summer a traffic circle will be built in front of the sanctuary building, which should enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion in the parking lots during times of peak usage.
According to Gennifer Kelly, Executive Director of Beth El, “all appropriate steps to minimize the disruption the project will cause will be taken.” But she asks the community to understand that some inconveniences will be inevitable. “We thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation,” Kelly added.
Architectural goals: Preservation and growth
Louis Kahn’s vision of Temple Beth-El as a synagogue in the woods
Chappaqua, New York 1966-72 Section Charcoal on tracing paper, Louis I. Kahn Collection, University of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission 030.I.A.750.90
The building project aims to restore and preserve Louis Kahn’s award-winning designs for the sanctuary while addressing the current needs of the congregation, which includes a new multiple use Great Hall and an adjacent education building. Alexander Gorlin is the architect of the addition.
Congregation has already raised $10 million of $12 million anticipated cost
As construction gets underway, $10 million in gifts and pledges has already been raised toward the $12 million anticipated project cost. “This is quite an achievement in these economic times that have forced so many organizations to cut expenditures and budgets,” commented Stephen Adler, a Beth El past president and co-chair of the Capital Campaign. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2011.
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