Husbands-Hankin era Temple Beth Israel (Eugene, Oregon)

temple israel s east 29th avenue building

originally sized 75 families, temple beth israel s portland street building had been renovated , enlarged on years 7,500 square feet (700 m) accommodate 250 families , 150 students. despite these additions , loss of members congregation ahavas torah, synagogue not large enough, particularly during high holidays, when space had rented. in 1997 congregation purchased property of university street christian church $500,000 (today $750,000), , began planning new facility. members considered renovating existing building on property, felt new building better suit requirements, , razed church.

in 2003 congregation got permit begin construction of new facility on now-vacant 1.37-acre (0.55 ha) plot of land @ northwest corner of east 29th avenue , university street. initial capital campaign raised more $1.8 million, paid land, , august 2007 additional $1.7 million had been raised towards anticipated overall project costs of $5 million.

the environmentally sensitive building designed mel solomon , associates of kansas city , local company tbg architects & planners, , built mckenzie commercial construction of eugene. building used energy efficient heating, ventilation , lighting : specific design issues building s energy efficiency included fact largest room in building, sanctuary, least-used, and, in accord jewish tradition, had face east (towards jerusalem).

on june 8, 2008 congregation dedicated new building @ 1175 east 29th avenue. @ approximately 25,000 square feet (2,300 m), facility included sanctuary, commercial kitchen, banquet facilities, , classrooms, , housed synagogue, lane county jewish federation, , local jewish family service. project ended costing $6 million, of $4 million had been raised.

made of concrete, steel, , wood, building achieved leadership in energy , environmental design compliance through integration of stormwater management strategies, high efficiency irrigation, use of recycled and/or recyclable materials, , drought tolerant plantings. recyclable materials used in structure included carpeting , wood beams.