Brick-By-Brick, We’re Going To Repair The Exterior Of Our Historic House of Worship.

Building’s Background: In 2003, EET moved into our eagerly awaited new home: a converted French Renaissance-style 1883 townhouse, which was designed by Richard Morris Hunt, one of the fathers of American architecture (1827-1895) and the founder of the American Institute of Architects. The restored entrance and library bring out the Beaux-Arts beauty of the original 1883 structure. EET’s Building Committee worked with BKSK Architects to maximize the compact space and include special design details that reflect the intrinsic spirituality of the space. The result has been an award-winning synagogue on many levels.

The Restoration Objective: To repair and resurface the landmark-designated façade, repoint the west side wall and resurface the bottom stoop – for safety, maintenance and appearance purposes.

Why Now? Restoration needs to start this spring and no later, due to the nature of cracks in the building façade (as with any concrete surface), where the longer it is left, the more water will infiltrate and then freeze and thaw and cause larger cracks and more deterioration. Our House Committee and restoration expert advise us that it is best to make this kind of repair in spring/summer when the weather is warm and the materials have a sufficient time to cure properly. Our beautiful building must be repaired before it becomes dangerous to pedestrians, or leads to much more costly repairs.

Project Schedule: (starting in early May)
Three (3) months for the façade
One (1) week for the outside west wall
One (1) week for steps and landing, after the façade work is completed. (all weather permitting)

Project Summary: (execution by landmark restoration specialist)

Phase I. Scaffolding
Install sidewalk bridge-and-pipe scaffolding to safely and effectively perform restoration work.

Phase II. Repointing Brick Joints
Rake out mortar from the brick joints and repoint the brick joints 100% using lime-base mortar matching color with the original mortar as closely as possible.

Phase III. Façade Brownstone and Brick Surface Restoration
Wash façade brownstone and brick surface. Cut deteriorated brownstone from façade down to the solid and sound base (except stoop). Apply slurry coat using lime base cement, then build up scratch coat of lime base cement bringing out designs and details. Repair and resurface as needed, using brownstone-colored cement (matching color with the original stone as closely as possible).

Phase IV. West Wall Repair and Repointing
Clean up vine growth. Rake out mortar and repoint brick as in Phase II.

Phase V. Repair Stoop Down to Office
Cut stone surface from stoop to solid and sound base, repair and resurface as in Phase III.


With the timely completion of this project, EET’s historic exterior will again be safe for years to come.
East End Temple members can enjoy and proudly show our building to family, friends and prospective new members in the wider community.

April 9, 2010

25 Nissan, 5770

 

Dear East End Temple Friends:

 

Our beautiful building’s façade is starting to crumble and is in critical need of repair – so we need your help.

 

When we moved into our architectural gem of a building seven years ago, we were proud that this now 127-year-old, landmark-district brick and brownstone structure was designated as a historically important building, designed by the preeminent architect, Richard Morris Hunt.

 

We set about virtually gutting the interior and rebuilding from top to bottom. We made minimum repairs to the façade, following Landmarks Preservation Commission guidelines, but keeping our budget down then, knowing we’d need further exterior repairs later on.

    

The “later on” has now arrived with a “must do now” tag on it.  The façade is deteriorating and the brickwork needs extensive repointing.  Ensuring safety is an issue, too – our children’s, our own, and that of our community neighbors.  We must get this repair work started in early May during warm weather.  And, we need your help to move forward.

 

While there is an annual building fund charge on your dues and fees bill that helps to cover facility operations and insurance, including ongoing repairs such as fixing ceiling leaks, spot painting, elevator repairs, reinforcing our front steps, and replacing marble blocks on our bimah floor.  This is an extra-ordinary building repair and restoration expense.

 

We need $75,000 to get this work done. Sisterhood kicked off this building restoration campaign with $10,000, followed by two very generous Board members – one pledging $5,000 and the other writing a check for $1,000 (using a tax refund).  Now we need your check.  Anticipating 100% participation from the congregation, we are asking for $250 per household.  We appreciate that some members can give more, which would help make up for those who cannot give $250, but we ask all who can to please give at least $250 – we need to get started and we need to know we can count on you to return our spiritual home to good repair.

 

Please click here to download a pledge form.

 

In appreciation and with gratitude for your continued support,

                                                            

Karen Feuer                   David Adelson

President                       Rabbi