KAM Isaiah Israel Synagogue
Restoration and accessibility upgrades to a historic synagogue.
JLK is working closely with the KAMII congregation to restore their 100-year-old Byzantine-style synagogue by architect Alfred Alschuler. The building was completed in 1924 and is significant for its several Guastavino domes.
The synagogue suffers from deferred maintenance, especially at the roof transitions, masonry walls, and stained glass leaded windows. JLK conducted thorough research, performed technical assessment of the building envelope and historic materials conditions, and studied existing programming and building use. JKL then prepared a Building Preservation Plan and identified significant spaces, features, and materials throughout the building to guide project planning. Coordination with stakeholders also informed planning for future programming and use which allowed JLK to develop a phased implementation plan for a variety of projects including restoration work, accessibility and utilities upgrades, and renovations.
Phase I of the project includes masonry tuckpointing. Phase II includes renovations necessary to upgrade two male/female restrooms and adjacent areas into ADA-compliant restrooms with gender-neutral access while maintaining the character of this historic building. Additional Phase II accessibility upgrades are being made to the Sanctuary, including ramp access, seating layout design, new overall electric service, a new geothermal based HVAC system to serve the Sanctuary Building areas with an energy recovery unit used to provide ventilation, supporting electrical work for modernizing the electrical power and lighting systems throughout the Sanctuary Building, supporting infrastructure for future A/V systems, and supporting plumbing work to accommodate the new mechanical system installation.
To complete interior restoration work JLK collaborated with Daprato Rigali Studios.
KAM Isaiah Israel is a Byzantine-style synagogue in the Hyde Park neighborhood that serves as the house of worship for Chicago’s oldest Jewish congregation. Kehilath Anshe Ma’arav (KAM) was first established in 1847, making it just ten years younger than the City of Chicago itself. In 1971, KAM merged with Temple Isaiah Israel and moved into its Hyde Park synagogue, giving the congregation its present name. The synagogue, designed by Jewish Chicago Architect Alfred Alschuler was completed in 1924. In 1977, KAM Isaiah Israel was designated as a local City of Chicago Landmark.
2023
Preservation Excellence Award for Restoration
Commission on Chicago Landmarks
JLK is working closely with the KAMII congregation to restore their 100-year-old Byzantine-style synagogue by architect Alfred Alschuler. The building was completed in 1924 and is significant for its several Guastavino domes.
The synagogue suffers from deferred maintenance, especially at the roof transitions, masonry walls, and stained glass leaded windows. JLK conducted thorough research, performed technical assessment of the building envelope and historic materials conditions, and studied existing programming and building use. JKL then prepared a Building Preservation Plan and identified significant spaces, features, and materials throughout the building to guide project planning. Coordination with stakeholders also informed planning for future programming and use which allowed JLK to develop a phased implementation plan for a variety of projects including restoration work, accessibility and utilities upgrades, and renovations.
Phase I of the project includes masonry tuckpointing. Phase II includes renovations necessary to upgrade two male/female restrooms and adjacent areas into ADA-compliant restrooms with gender-neutral access while maintaining the character of this historic building. Additional Phase II accessibility upgrades are being made to the Sanctuary, including ramp access, seating layout design, new overall electric service, a new geothermal based HVAC system to serve the Sanctuary Building areas with an energy recovery unit used to provide ventilation, supporting electrical work for modernizing the electrical power and lighting systems throughout the Sanctuary Building, supporting infrastructure for future A/V systems, and supporting plumbing work to accommodate the new mechanical system installation.
To complete interior restoration work JLK collaborated with Daprato Rigali Studios.
KAM Isaiah Israel is a Byzantine-style synagogue in the Hyde Park neighborhood that serves as the house of worship for Chicago’s oldest Jewish congregation. Kehilath Anshe Ma’arav (KAM) was first established in 1847, making it just ten years younger than the City of Chicago itself. In 1971, KAM merged with Temple Isaiah Israel and moved into its Hyde Park synagogue, giving the congregation its present name. The synagogue, designed by Jewish Chicago Architect Alfred Alschuler was completed in 1924. In 1977, KAM Isaiah Israel was designated as a local City of Chicago Landmark.
2023
Preservation Excellence Award for Restoration
Commission on Chicago Landmarks
Sensitive restoration supports long-standing communities as they look toward the future.
