Kaplan Construction

Architect:

Leslie Saul & Associates

Client:

Congregation Beth Israel

Scope Of Work

For nearly a century, Congregation Beth Israel has been the only Conservative congregation in the Greater Worcester area. Realizing the need to update their aging building with accessibility improvements and to reflect changes in the congregation’s size and style of worship, they engaged Kaplan Construction to carry out a 6,500 SF interior renovation.

The Lillian & Selig Glick Sanctuary, which can seat nearly 500 people, was the focus of the renovation. The sanctuary’s two-tiered bimah was lowered to be closer to eye level and provide accessibility to all congregants. Extensive lighting work and the installation of a partial dropped ceiling highlights the structure and surround the bimah and newly installed ark with natural light. The sanctuary’s fixed pews were removed in favor of flexible seating arrangements for more intimate gatherings. Refreshed woodwork and modular carpet tiles throughout the sanctuary and an updated kitchen serve to deliver a modernized aesthetic to the building, originally built in 1959.

Kaplan provided design/build mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services for the project. Energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems and other infrastructure upgrades streamline maintenance costs and provide a more comfortable environment for the 250-family congregation.