Shul Construction Update

Jacking up the lobby floor to install a steel support beam and steel columns

As spring gives way to summer, I am grateful to Hashem that after nearly two and a half years of pandemic, things are returning to normal. Just before the pandemic began, we realized that the floor supporting the staircase to the second floor was gradually sinking. Probes by our conservator and an engineer revealed that at one point during construction, the original contractor planned to build a staircase on the southern wall to the basement, parallel to the staircase on the northern wall. As construction proceeded, the contractor changed his mind and decided that one staircase was enough. As was common from buildings of that era, the hole where the southern staircase was to go was covered but not adequately reinforced. When this was brought to our attention, we resolved to have this deficiency repaired. The pandemic and the the fact that the engineer was sick delayed progress on this project. The condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida, reminded us of the importance of our project and enabled us to get things moving.

Under the guidance of our project manager, Ed Kamper, and a new engineer (hired after our first engineer passed away), we hired a contracted and began to make progress. First, the floor was lifted several inches.  Then, a diagonal steel beam, pocketed in the masonry at the ends and supposed by steel posts, was installed. Finally the beam, and the exposed area of the basement and the electrical room was covered in sheetrock. There are still a few things to do (fixing up the ladies room and installing missing light fixtures, addressing a leaky skylight and leaky windows, and other small issues), but the project is almost done. 

What will we do next? Good question! Next year will be hundredth anniversary of the construction of our building, and truth be told, there is still lots of work to be done.  Down the road, we hope to restore the walls along with all the decorative painting, upgrade the electrical system and replace (with new tin) our tin ceiling. Fortunately, the pattern of the original tin is still available. 

We have come as far as we have thanks to the help of the many people who have contributed to the shul. May God bless all of our donors and may they continue to support this holy house of God.

Help Secure the Future! Capital Campaign 2018

Help Secure the Future!
Old Broadway Synagogue
Capital Campaign 2018

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In the fall, our conservator, Ed Kamper and structural engineer, Jay Butler, opened the wall under the stairs and the ceiling above the electrical room and discovered that the beams had slipped significantly. This problem is compounded by the fact that the stairs to the second floor begin on this part of the first floor and could be compromised by the damage. Mr. Kamper and Mr. Butler propose to jack up the floor and to fabricate and install a steel beam on posts across ceiling of the basement and the Ladies Room in order to shore up and stabilize the first floor and staircase. Unfortunately, this will necessitate moving the electrical, gas and water service, and accordingly, the cost for the entire project could be as much as $75,000.

We have already begun our efforts to raise funds for this project. We will be applying for two grants from the New York Landmarks Conservancy. If we are fortunate and we are awarded the grants, they will cover about $25,000 of the expenses. In addition, a generous friend of the shul is offering us a challenge grant of $15,000. If we can raise the matching amount of money (or at least get pledges for that amount) by the end of the calendar year, we should have enough to start the project. I know that with your support we can achieve this goal. As such, we will keep the shul safe and functional for many years to come.

Make Your Donation Go Twice as Far!

Thanks to the generosity of the new donor, you have the opportunity to double your donation with a 100% match (up to $15,000) on behalf of the Old Broadway Synagogue.

The PayPal Giving Fund will match 1% extra for all donations through this link and charge us no processing fees for credit card payments.

We also welcome checks! Please make them out to Old Broadway Synagogue and send them to us at Old Broadway Synagogue, 15 Old Broadway, New York, NY 10027.

We have sponsorship opportunities for this and other projects at the shul. Please inquire if interested at OBS15OLD@gmail.com

Thank you for your help!