KAM Isaiah Israel Synagogue

About this Project

JLK is working closely with the KAM Isaiah Israel congregation to restore their 98-year-old Byzantine styled synagogue by architect Alfred Alschuler. The building was completed in 1924, significant for its several Guastavino domes. Work is being undertaken in stages and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation.

The synagogue is well built but suffers from deferred maintenance, especially at the roof transitions, the masonry walls, and at stained glass leaded windows. Work includes review of research documents and studies already performed, careful assessment of the building envelope and historic materials conditions, programming of existing and future uses with stakeholders, and developing a phased plan with which to move forward. The first phase of work, already underway, includes masonry pointing.

Modern architectural additions extended the facilities in 1948 and 1973. These spaces are not entirely functional, although the design is significant. JLK will assess the best path forward based on the needs of the congregation, balancing the original period of significance with that of the additions, to provide a repaired, rejuvenated facility to support and grow the congregation.