Construction management firm begins work at Worcester synagogue
Kaplan Construction, a WBE general contractor and construction management firm providing comprehensive building programs across Greater Boston, announced today it has begun construction at Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester, Mass. Kaplan Construction will provide construction management and design/build mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services for a 28,000 SF interior renovation to the building, which was originally built in 1959. The work is slated for completion in spring of 2018.
Realizing the need to update the building with accessibility improvements and to reflect changes in the congregation’s size and style of worship, Congregation Beth Israel enlisted Leslie Saul & Associates of Cambridge as both architect and interior designer for the project, which will refresh and modernize the building and make it a more welcoming and comfortable place. Kaplan Construction was engaged to carry out the renovation plan.
“Our sanctuary is the heart of our synagogue. We wanted to revitalize our physical and spiritual space to reflect our identity and ambitions, and selecting Kaplan Construction was a monumental decision in making our vision become reality,” said Deborah Fins, immediate past-president of the congregation and chair of the Renovation Steering Committee at Congregation Beth Israel. “Kaplan Construction was able to address our concerns and thoroughly explain various project delivery methods, patiently helping us strategize on procurement methods and work together to develop a scope that fit our budget. Kaplan has quickly become a trusted partner and resource.”
The Lillian & Selig Glick Sanctuary, which can seat nearly 500 people, is the focus of the renovation. The sanctuary’s two-tiered bimah will be lowered to be closer to eye level and provide accessibility to all congregants. Extensive lighting work and the installation of a partial dropped ceiling will highlight the structure and surround the bimah and newly installed ark with natural light. A rich stain will be applied to the bimah’s wood surround to contrast against the warm primary colors of the stained-glass windows and the new silver light fixtures. The removal of the fixed, forward-facing pews will allow for repositionable chairs to create flexible seating arrangements for more intimate gatherings. An existing movable dividing wall that opens to the adjoining Shapiro Social Hall and expands seating capacity to 1,450 will be restored with opaque glass doors and updated hardware to encourage congregants to access the space. Throughout the sanctuary, refreshed woodwork and modular carpet tiles will serve to deliver a modernized aesthetic.
Energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems and other infrastructure upgrades will streamline maintenance costs and provide a more comfortable environment. In addition, the kitchen will be refreshed with new flooring, appliances, cabinet doors, paint, and finishes. The creation of a ramp from the parking lot to the main entrance will make the space accessible to all.
With over 50 house of worship projects in its portfolio, Kaplan has worked on both new construction and renovation projects for congregations of all sizes and faiths throughout Greater Boston. Kaplan is currently providing construction management services for Congregation Kehillath Israel and Saint Paul’s Church, both in Brookline, and Daughters of Israel Mivkah in Brighton, as well as preconstruction services for the First Congregational Church in Winchester. Leslie Saul & Associates is also part of the design team for Congregation Kehillath Israel.
About Kaplan Construction
Kaplan Construction is a WBE general contractor and construction management company that provides comprehensive building programs including preconstruction planning, construction management, design-build services, and general construction for commercial, healthcare, multi-family, worship, and institutional clients. Serving Greater Boston since 1976, Kaplan is dedicated to building trusted, long-lasting relationships with its staff and clients based on professional teamwork, personal service, and quality craftsmanship. The company’s proactive approach features lean building techniques and integrated project delivery (IPD) that often realize substantial cost savings and earlier completion dates for its clients, while its dedication to safety far surpasses industry standards. Kaplan has earned its reputation for excellent customer service and superb workmanship, and the company’s highly successful projects have garnered a long list of industry awards and repeat clients. For more information, please visit www.kaplanconstructs.com.
