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The Temple Israel Building Restoration

With the acquisition of the synagogue building, The Temple Israel Foundation began what has proved to be a four phase restoration project that will return the structure to use as a museum in addition to its original function as a sacred place.  These phases have coincided with matching grants received from the Colorado State Historical Fund which have accounted for approximately one half of the total cost of the project.  The first phase, accomplished in 1994, was dedicated to researching and assessing the structure with the goal of developing plans for the restoration of the building as it was prior to 1895, but including the necessary modernizations.  During the summer of 2001 the front facade of the building was recreated (see below) and detailed drawings for the rest of the project were completed.

The serious damage that the structure endured during the May 4, 2006, fire proved to be the catalyst for the complete restoration of the building.  The third phase of the project began with the demolition of the interior that summer, continued with the construction of the curator's unit (through the installation of sheet rock) during the fall, and included the State funded structural work and exterior reconstruction (including new roofing and vent, siding, and doors and windows) which commenced in April, 2007, and concluded the following January, 2008.  The fourth and last phase began during October, 2007, and will provide for reconstructing the interior, completing the curator's unit, and creating functional drainage, sidewalks, and parking.  Remaining unfunded at this time are such interior appointments as the bema, the ark, stained glass, office furniture, and display cases.

Beginning in 1994 with the receipt of a matching grant from the Colorado State Historical Fund, the Temple Israel Foundation has pursued the historically authentic restoration of the Temple Israel building.  This first grant funded preliminary drawings and an assessment by Long Hoeft Architects of Georgetown, Colorado.  The resultant drawings are visible below:

	North elevation & Transverse section
	East elevation
	Floor plan

Since receipt of the preliminary drawings and assessment, the Foundation has sought the resources necessary to accomplish the next phase.  In 2000, Long Hoeft Architects were re engaged to supply working plans to restore the front facade of the Temple.

Temple Israel Project facade. Construction drawing

With these plans in hand, the Foundation was awarded a second matching grant from the Colorado State Historical Fund on January 18, 2001.  Significant funding was also contributed by Miriam K. Rothenberg and the May Department Stores.  Work on the restoration of the facade began in May and was completed in October, 2001.  Additionally, Long Hoeft Architects have been commissioned to provide working drawings for the entire project.

Breaking ground, May 18, 2001.

Progress, July 12 and August 9, 2001.

Moving along, August 24 and September 6, 2001.

Closing in, September 6 and 22, 2001.

Finished, September 28, 2001.

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