Temple Israel Expansion and Renovation

Respecting Tradition and Embracing the Future

Temple Israel, the first synagogue established in Minneapolis and one of the ten largest Jewish congregations in the United States, is an urban congregation serving a diverse community in the Twin Cities metro.

This project included a 31,000 SF expansion with a lobby and event space, a courtyard, and re-imagined Early Childhood Center (ECC) and new religious education classrooms for grades 1-12. The 1950’s education building was demolished to make way for a new, intimately-scaled wing that includes new classrooms, “child-centric” gathering spaces, wider corridors and a playground with wood play structures and a raised-bed vegetable garden.

Through a collaborative design process involving Temple staff, leadership, and congregants, the design team respected the past while framing a bright future for the congregation in their vibrant Minneapolis community.

Portfolio
Location

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Building Type

Church/Temple/Synagogue, Daycare, Education/Visitor Center, Lobby/Public Space

Size

31,000 SF

  • 2017 IIDA Northland Chapter FAB Award
  • 2018 AIA MN Honor Award

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